Located in the Armando Bermúdez National Park, Duarte Peak is the crown jewel of the Caribbean. The Hispaniola Trail takes visitors through mind-boggling scenery of tropical forests, endemic coniferous pine, montane broadleaf and cloud forests. At 10,125 feet (3,087 meters), Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Caribbean and several routes will lead you to this apex. The shortest and most popular route is that of Jarabacoa- Manabao-La Ciénaga by car. At the Ministry of Environment campsite, the trip is arranged for the following day, with mules hired to carry the supplies or exhausted hikers. From there, it is a two-hour hike to the Los Tablones resting station, with its small crystalline river where you may stock up on water. From there on, only those in good physical shape are advised to continue. This route usually goes through La Laguna on to the height known as “Repentance Hill” and then to Compartición. Travelers have the option of camping at Compartición or continuing on to the brand new parador built near Valle de Lilís, less than an hour’s walk from coveted Duarte Peak. On average the temperatures will range from 54ºF (12ºC) to 70ºF (21ºC), dropping in the high areas to below 32ºF (0ºC) in the early morning hours during any time of the year.
   At the designated resting spots, usually near watering areas, the Ministry of Environment has posted signs to indicate the amount of distance covered and how much is left to go.

Bella Vista, Monseñor Nouel province
Tel: (809) 525-3788 after 2pm
Number of holes: 9 holes, par 3
Course description: Flat, short course, built for the employees of the Falconbridge mining company.

Quintas de Primavera, La Vega province
Tel: (809) 573- 2474, (809) 854-2631
Fax: (809) 573-663
Year opened: 1984
Number of holes: 9
Course description: Built amid pine trees, this course’s setting is a mountain resort.

Santiago de los Caballeros
Tel: (809) 264-0054
Fax: (809) 582-3160
Year opened: 1980
Number of holes: 18 holes, par 70
Course description: Located in a hilly area with lovely panoramic views of Santiago city and the Yaque del Norte River.

   Every Sunday throughout the month of February, the best of the Dominican carnivals take place in the city of La Vega, the provincial capital that lies half an hour from Jarabacoa and Constanza. The Bonao carnival parades, about half an hour south from La Vega, are getting excellent reviews. And Santiago’s carnival is one of the oldest and most traditional in the country.

   Not to be missed is the Sunday Mass with Gregorian Chants in Pinar Quemado.

   Jarabacoa prides itself on offering works of art not to be found anywhere else. Several artists of national acclaim have taken up residence in the mountain town.

   Constanza is one of the country’s primary farming districts and is the site of the flower and delicious strawberries, among other fruits and vegetables, which can be purchased at road stands that also sell arepas and cepa de apio (celery root), a local specialty made into a puree.

   Consider shopping for that Caribbean cool mountain vacation home. Jarabacoa has become a prime destination for retirement living, as you are in the Caribbean, but with the natural air-conditioning turned on at night.

   Most of those who travel to Jarabacoa and Constanza do so for intense days of outdoor activity. By the time the evening rolls around, these people just want to relax. Thus, each town offers a handful of very good restaurants that serve some of the best Dominican food anywhere. One or two beer bars and discotheque stay open until late, mainly catering to crowds of domestic tourists that venture to these mountain areas at peak travel times during the year. The exception to this will be night time events organized during peak domestic travel times, such as during Easter, when two or more outdoor shows will cater to the vacationing crowds.