Where it is
Jarabacoa sits at roughly 500 m altitude in the Cordillera Central, in La Vega province. From Santo Domingo you drive north on Autopista Duarte for about 155 km. It is known as the "city of eternal spring" for its cooler climate.
Highlights
Salto de Jimenoa, reached over suspension bridges; Salto de Baiguate, an easy walk through the forest; rafting on the Río Yaque del Norte, the country's longest river; canyoning, horseback riding and coffee farm visits.
Day-trip plan
Leave Santo Domingo at 6:00, visit Jimenoa in the morning, Baiguate or rafting late morning, lunch in the mountains, and drive back in the afternoon. It is a long day of about 12 hours.
When to go
Year-round. December to March is coolest and driest; after heavy rain rivers rise and some activities may pause.
Practical tips
Bring a light jacket, shoes with grip, swimwear and insect repellent. For more time, stay a night — Constanza and Pico Duarte trailheads are further into the mountains. Compare the full day required by each excursion.
