There are lots of routes up - shortest one is from La Cienaga de Manabao - 2 to 3 days, up the road from Jarabacoa, other longer ones start near Constanza and on the northern edge of the cordillera and can be up to 8 days. All very very very nice.
Don't know how Rubio reckons on US$100 per day - the official cost for the compulsory guide is set by the national parks office at DR$500 per day, plus DR$300 for a mule, plus DR$200 for the entrance fee. Tip generously. All the guides are trained and carry official cards issued by the park office - anyone else offering to show a way up is a tiguere. If you speak at least a few words of Spanish I would strongly advise that you don't try and arrange it from Jarabacoa or outside of the village, but go up to La Cienaga or the other start routes, and just ask for an official guide in the park office or in the Colmado. That way the money goes to the guide who needs it, rather than a tiguere in the city. Plus you WILL enjoy it more as they give better service..
