One of the most beautiful short hiking trails -- in good condition -- is about an hour and a half from Santiago. Get to Jarabacoa (south of Santiago), then take the road to Manabao and then to La Cienaga. Straight drive all the way. Leave your car in La Cienaga and the trail is from La Cienaga to Los Tablones. You go from river to river. Is about a one hour hike to and one hour hike back.