People have to admit it that this year the weather has been good. The sweltering heat of summer has been delayed. But now with still three weeks away from summer, it is getting as hot as it gets. The entire Dominican Republic is sweltering under a combination of Saharan dust, high humidity and plenty of sunshine.
Here are some tips on where to go to escape the heat, compiled in part from a recent El Dia feature.
Number one is Jarabacoa, a small town located in La Vega province and nestled in the foothills of the Central Mountains. It is often the gateway for trips up to the top of the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte.
Very good places to cool off in Jarabacoa are:
Jimenoa Falls, a must excursion. Located just off the road to Jarabacoa, the falls are easy to locate before reaching the town itself, off to the left with good signage along the way.
If you like golf, the local 9 is located on the way to Jimenoa Falls.
There is also the Baiguate Falls adjacent to the recreational area with picnic tables and firepits.
Of course, the Yaque del Norte River and the Jimenoa River run through the town and there are several swimming spots.
Less known is the gushing spring on the road to Manabao. Located right next to the highway, on a curve, the water falls like a curtain, passes under the roadway and fills a swimming pool that is located in a bar-restaurant. The water is cold.
If you go higher up into the mountains, to the farming town of Constanza, you will be well over 3,000 feet of elevation.
Valle Nuevo National Park where the pyramids are located, at an even higher elevation.
The area also has one of the highest waterfalls in the Caribbean, over 250 feet, known as Aguas Blancas. It is a bit harder to reach, by 4×4 vehicle and a short walk, but it is spectacular.
Outside of La Vega province, another enjoyable place to cool off is San Jose de las Matas (Sajoma), in Santiago Province. About a 40-minute drive from Santiago de los Caballeros, Sajoma offers an interesting variety of places to swim or relax. Number one thing to see is the El Limon Falls (not to be confused with the fall of the same name in Samana). The trek to the falls leads to the tiny community of Armando Bermudez, in the National Park of the same name. the Bao River provides swimming holes at La Ventana and Las Placetas, and there are hot springs at Aguas Calientes.
To enjoy these areas, travelers should prepare with adequate clothing (jackets for lows of 14C in summer), sunscreen, insect repellant, and proper footwear. It is important to respect nature and leave everything better than it was found. There are local guides that can save time and effort, and provide for your safety. Finally, plan carefully. Enjoy!
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El Dia
2 June 2025