Hiking is an activity that is becoming every day more popular in the Dominican Republic, a recent report in Diario Libre points out. The hills, mountains and valleys offer an abundant variety of diverse trails and experiences. Not so many years ago, this was almost unheard of, with the trip to the top of Duarte Mountain the most adventurous hike, and a once in a lifetime trip.
With the Ministry of Environment reporting that their investigations revealed there are no apex predators or venomous snakes to worry about, local and foreign tourists are being offer the opportunity to explore some really remote areas. Of course, this activity is for people eager to see more of the country and are physically fit.
The requisites are fairly simple: good walking boots, a backpack, a little food and water and basic health care products such as sunblock and bug repellant.
Since most hikes are only day hikes where one goes out and comes back, food is not a major issue, and snacks such as “trail mix” are light and efficient. There are abundant ecolodging and accommodations that make these one day hikes possible and attractive to people who want to return to a comfortable bath and bed.
Given the variety of landscapes available in the Dominican Republic, there is no real “season”, and hiking can take place all over the country all around the year.
And there is variety aplenty. Some of the most internationally known are the Enriquillo Lake and Cabritos Island in the Deep South, Duarte Peak (a 3 to 5-day adventure), Green Ebony Reserve near Constanza has many trails, Limon Falls in Samana, and the easygoing Ojos Indigenas in Punta Cana. But likewise, there are dozens of eco trails in the central mountain provinces of Monseñor Nouel, Santiago and La Vega and in the northern province of Puerto Plata, Montecristi and María Trinidad Sánchez.
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Diario Libre
1 November 2022