By Christian Jannasch. This information to mountaineering within the Dominican Republic incorporates affiliate hyperlinks to trusted companions!
Interested by Dominican Republic mountaineering?
Then you definately’re in the suitable place!
The Dominican Republic is known for its all-inclusive resorts and countless seashores, however what many individuals don’t understand is that there are spectacular sights, distinctive issues to see and unbelievable pure treasures you may attain by mountaineering.
Roaring waterfalls, beautiful panoramic viewpoints, and pristine seashores are simply a number of the highlights awaiting you.
To offer you a greater overview of what’s attainable, the next listing consists of the 12 greatest mountaineering trails within the Dominican Republic, together with a number of the most spectacular trails you will discover when visiting the Caribbean.
Desk of Contents
- What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
- A Map Of The Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic Climbing: What To Anticipate
- The Greatest Straightforward Climbing Trails In The Dominican Republic
- The Greatest Hikes In The Dominican Republic With Medium Issue
- The Greatest Tough Hikes In The Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic Climbing Excursions
- Dominican Republic Resorts
- Renting A Automobile In The Dominican Republic
- Dominican Republic Journey Insurance coverage
What Kind Of Hiker Are You? [Free Quiz]
However first, earlier than we dive into our information to mountaineering within the Dominican Republic, I need to share a free character quiz I believe you’ll love.
It’s known as “What sort of hiker are you?” and it’ll enable you to uncover your mountaineering character. Bonus: Your outcomes additionally share path recommendations primarily based in your quiz responses!
Click on right here to take the free quiz!
On that word, let’s dive into get pleasure from one of many greatest hikes on the planet!
A Map Of The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is situated on the island of Hispaniola within the Caribbean. It sits between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and shares a border with Haiti to the west.
Relating to exploring the mountaineering trails of the Dominican Republic, having a map and understanding the place you might be is sensible. This map provides a superb place to begin for getting a lay of the land:
Moreover, you may click on right here for an interactive Dominican Republic map that permits you to plug in your vacation spot and even the paths you’ll be mountaineering.
Furthermore, you should utilize this map to plan an adventurous Dominican Republic street journey and discover quite a few hikes from the under listing!
Dominican Republic Climbing: What To Anticipate
Climbing within the Dominican Republic can’t be in contrast with mountaineering in your house nation, particularly in North America, Europa, or Australia.
Whilst you is likely to be used to marked trails, correct signage, and in-depth mountaineering maps, the Dominican Republic often has none of those. That’s why you will need to both go along with a high-tech GPS or a neighborhood mountaineering information who can take you to all of the locations talked about under. That is true whether or not you’re in a bunch or on a solo Caribbean trip.
The worth of a information varies broadly relying on the realm in addition to the issue and the size of the path, however a superb ballpark determine is a value of both 1000 Dominican pesos per particular person or 2500 Dominican pesos per group for a four-to-six-hour hike.
It’s also essential to all the time head off with loads of water — three liters minimal, because the Caribbean warmth might be brutal — and a few snacks in case you want a fast power increase. Furthermore, you must perceive what to put on when going mountaineering to remain secure and temperate.
When it comes to value, most mountaineering trails within the Dominican Republic are free. This makes it extra financial to discover the nation on foot and exhibits that this space of tourism remains to be not correctly developed and really genuine.
However which locations are you able to attain mountaineering?
Let’s take a look at the perfect mountaineering trails within the Dominican Republic. Under, hikes are grouped by problem stage in an effort to discover the paths greatest suited to you.
The Greatest Straightforward Climbing Trails In The Dominican Republic
1. Punta Cana Seashore Stroll (Punta Cana)
Pristine Area Gorda Seashore. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Highlights: A number of marvelous seashores and ocean views
Size: Adjustable; as much as 12 miles one-way
Elevation profile: Completely flat
Signposting: Not needed
How you can get there: Simply exit your resort within the Bávaro seashore resort space of Punta Cana and stroll in both route of the seashore
Path map: Click on right here for a Punta Cana Seashore Stroll path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
In the event you’re seeking to go mountaineering in Punta Cana, it is a scenic and simple choice that can also be secure for these mountaineering alone.
In actual fact, this path doesn’t contain any journeys into distant areas, and it’s even attainable for guests staying within the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana: a stroll alongside the countless seashores of Punta Cana.
Whereas this will likely not sound like a lot of an journey journey choice at first, this scenic stroll can simply be prolonged to a day hike due to the countless seashores on this space. In actual fact, you may stroll 12 miles alongside the seashore along with your ft by no means leaving the sand!
Relying on what you’re on the lookout for, a seashore hike in Punta Cana might be an thrilling exercise — particularly contemplating the quite a few beautiful views you’ll see throughout at the present time.
Briefly, be certain that so as to add strolling the shoreline to your Punta Cana itinerary!
2. Montaña Redonda (Punta Cana)
Wonderful Montana Redonda. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Highlights: Distinctive photograph alternatives with the swings on the sting
Size: A bit greater than a mile one-way
Elevation profile: A troublesome climb of about 800 ft
Signposting: Not out there, however from the car parking zone you may comply with the one path main up the mountain
How you can get there: The path begins on the car parking zone of Montaña Redonda, which is about 1 hour away from Punta Cana
Path map: Click on right here for a path map for Montaña Redonda
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
Right here is one other nice and simple choice if you wish to discover the outside in Punta Cana.
This Dominican Republic mountaineering path — which is about an hour away from Punta Cana — results in a singular mountain, which provides a spectacular 360-degree panorama of the encircling Cordillera Oriental (a part of the Colombian Andes), the ocean, and luxurious vegetation.
Moreover, Montaña Redonda options large swings and hammocks on the sting of the mountain which permit for distinctive photograph alternatives.
The hike is straightforward to search out and never significantly lengthy — although it’s fairly steep, so put together for a superb sweat.
3. Salto Jimenoa (Jarabacoa)
The waterfall Salto Jimenoa in Jarabacoa. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Highlights: Stunning nature and a waterfall to refresh
Size: Lower than a mile one-way
Elevation profile: About 600 ft every method — first down then again up
Signposting: The car parking zone of Salto Jimenoa might be simply discovered on Google Maps, and the stroll right down to the waterfall is apparent and exhausting to overlook
How you can get there: The path begins on the car parking zone of Salto Jimenoa, about quarter-hour away from Jarabacoa
Path map: Click on right here for a path map for Salto Jimenoa
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
In the event you’re on the lookout for Dominican Republic waterfalls, this hike is for you!
Salto Jimenoa is near Jarabacoa and is likely one of the greatest waterfalls in case you are on the lookout for a reasonable hike within the Dominican Republic with stunning nature and some twists.
The trail follows an easy-to-follow path down right into a canyon the place the Salto Jimenoa Waterfall creates an exquisite pure swimming pool you may dip into.
Nonetheless, it’s endorsed to maintain a little bit of power for the best way again, as going up will probably be rather more exhausting than the best way down. It’s nonetheless an exquisite hike for everybody in reasonable form.
4. Salto El Limon (Samaná)
Hike to stunning Salto El Limon. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: The waterfall is solely stunning and makes for gorgeous images
Size: Between 1 and three miles every method relying on the path you select
Elevation profile: It does have some brief ups and downs, however it isn’t a gentle climb in comparison with different Dominican Republic hikes
Signposting: There’s a map originally of every hike and indicators on the paths, however not all junctions are signposted
How you can get there: There are 5 totally different trailheads alongside the street from El Limón to Santa Barbara de Samaná
Path map: Click on right here for a path map for Salto El Limon
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
Salto Jimenoa is fairly, however Salto El Limón is likely one of the most beautiful Dominican Republic waterfalls you will discover within the nation.
Significantly if you go early and arrive earlier than 9am, you often have your complete waterfall to your self. This implies you may get pleasure from a number of the most spectacular surroundings within the Dominican Republic, particularly as Salto El Limón is extremely picturesque.
The path to Salto El Limón is attention-grabbing and is characterised by every little thing that makes mountaineering within the Dominican Republic distinctive: stunning vegetation, lush mountains, muddy paths, and thrilling river crossings.
There are 5 totally different mountaineering trails to Salto El Limón, starting from 30 to 75 minutes every method.
The Greatest Hikes In The Dominican Republic With Medium Issue
5. La Rejolla (North Coast, Puerto Plata)
La Rejolla II, an exquisite waterfall near Puerto Plata. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: If one waterfall isn’t sufficient, you’ll be joyful to know this hike showcases 4 spectacular Dominican Republic waterfalls
Size: approx. 2 miles one-way
Elevation profile: Hilly with only a few up and downs
Signposting: None
How you can get there: The trailhead is situated in Camú, about 20 minutes away from Puerto Plata
Path map: Click on right here for a path map for La Rejolla
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
As you’re in all probability beginning to see, planning a visit to the Dominican Republic ought to completely embrace visiting a number of waterfalls.
In actual fact, let’s begin this part with one other beautiful waterfall — and even higher, 4 of them!
La Rejolla is a collection of gorgeous waterfalls fed by a turquoise river within the Cordillera Septentrional, a mountain vary operating parallel to the DR’s North Coast. That is near Puerto Plata, which is analogous to Punta Cana when it comes to its deal with all-inclusive resorts.
La Rejolla is one in every of my favourite hikes within the Dominican Republic as a result of it isn’t well-known, isn’t too troublesome, and comes with actually spectacular surroundings.
The 4 waterfalls you encounter on this hike are all linked by one path that constantly follows a river, leading to a very stunning hike.
There are a number of little twists alongside the path — comparable to a six-foot-high wall it’s important to climb. However with indentations and rocks to tug your self up, it’s doable in case you are in common form.
Moreover, the path is typically a bit exhausting to search out so it’s endorsed to go along with a neighborhood information.
Your reward will probably be 4 fully totally different waterfalls, which all include pure swimming swimming pools and loads of photograph alternatives.
6. 7 Seashores Hike (Samaná)
Playa Rincon Seashore on the Samaná peninsula. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: Climbing alongside seven beautiful Caribbean seashores
Size: 4-5 miles one-way; return isn’t needed when you take a ship or a taxi again
Elevation profile: Principally flat with a number of hills
Signposting: None
How you can get there: You’ll be able to hike this path both method, ranging from Las Galeras or Playa Rincón
Path map: Click on right here for a path map for 7 Seashores Hike
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
In the event you choose shoreline over waterfalls, the Samaná Peninsula has you lined with some wonderful seashore hikes.
Considered one of them –- and doubtless essentially the most stunning -– is a hike alongside seven totally different beautiful seashores from Las Galeras to Playa Rincón. Most of those seashores are fully pristine and the vacation spot of the hike, Playa Rincón, is likely one of the most stunning seashores within the Caribbean.
This mountaineering path constantly takes you alongside the ocean — typically immediately on the seashore, typically in a coconut grove behind it, and typically a little bit bit up a hill.
You’ll doubtless have many of the seashores alongside the path fully to your self, too.
On the finish, it’s advisable to chill out at one of many native beachfront shacks on Playa Rincón with a meal of contemporary fish and a chilly drink.
7. Playa Ermitaño (Samaná)
Playa Ermitano Seashore on the Samaná peninsula. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: Having a Robinson Crusoe seashore all for your self
Size: About 1 mile one-way
Elevation profile: A gentle up and down hike
Signposting: None
How you can get there: From El Limón — which is half-hour away from Las Terrenas — head in the direction of Agua Sabroso and from there proceed to Playa Las Canas
Path map: Click on right here for a Playa Ermitaño path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
One other improbable seashore hike within the Dominican Republic is the one to Playa Ermitaño, which can also be situated on the Samaná Peninsula.
Playa Ermitaño is likely one of the most distant seashores on the peninsula, as it is just reachable by a 1.5-hour stroll or by boat.
The seashore is split into two components which are linked by one other 20-minute mountaineering path.
Playa Ermitaño is what comes closest to most individuals’s creativeness of an ideal Robinson Crusoe seashore all to your self — doubtless with none folks in any respect.
The hike to Playa Ermitaño is fairly attention-grabbing because it begins proper at one other two-mile pristine seashore, Playa Las Cañas. From right here, you scramble over cliffs, traverse tropical fruit and vegetable plantations, and climb as much as a stunning viewpoint.
8. Salto de la Jalda (Miches)
Salto de la Jalda, the very best waterfall within the Dominican Republic. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: Seeing the very best waterfall within the Dominican Republic
Size: 5-6 miles one-way
Elevation profile: Principally flat, aside from some brief inclinations on the finish
Signposting: None
How you can get there: The trailhead is situated in Magua, midway between Miches and Sabana de la Mar
Path map: Click on right here for a Salto de la Jalda path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
Salto de la Jalda is likely one of the longest hikes on this listing of the perfect mountaineering trails within the Dominican Republic, however it’s completely value it.
It solely makes it into the “reasonable” part of our Dominican Republic mountaineering information as a result of it’s principally flat, passing tons of cocoa plantations.
That being mentioned, you ought to be ready to stroll rather a lot, as it’s a five-mile stroll one-way in case you are arriving with an SUV. Add one or two miles to that when you’re coming with a daily Sedan automotive because you’ll have to park farther away from the trailhead.
However the reward of this lengthy hike is totally value it, as you’re going to get to see the very best waterfall within the Dominican Republic and doubtless additionally within the Caribbean (the latter stat is usually disputed).
Moreover, you’ll have this gorgeous magnificence all for your self, as on most days lower than a dozen individuals are visiting Salto de la Jalda.
The Greatest Tough Hikes In The Dominican Republic
9. El Mogote (Jarabacoa)
Panoramic view from the Mogote in Jarabacoa. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: A improbable view from the highest
Size: 3 miles every method
Elevation profile: A steep mountain climb with a complete elevation acquire of three,000 ft
Signposting: The trailhead is marked; later there’s a junction the place you must take the left fork
How you can get there: The trailhead is situated only a few kilometers out of Jarabacoa
Path map: Click on right here for an El Mogote path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
El Mogote is a distinguished mountain near Jarabacoa providing spectacular 360-degree views of the Jarabacoa valley and the encircling majestic mountains.
It’s a fast hike that wants a most of half a day, however it is vitally steep and will get a bit technical — particularly when it’s moist and muddy. This Dominican Republic hike isn’t advisable when it’s raining.
Your reward for this steep and sweaty climb is improbable panorama views.
Moreover, the trailhead is well accessible with a motoconcho (a Dominican bike taxi) and even by public transport.
10. Pico Duarte (Cordillera Central)
Hike to the very best peak within the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: Reaching the very best level within the Caribbean
Size: 28 miles return is the shortest strategy to achieve the height
Elevation profile: A protracted and regular climb with greater than 7,500 ft of elevation change every method
Signposting: Occasional maps alongside the best way, however it’s obligatory to go along with a information anyway; click on right here for a enjoyable tour choice
How you can get there: There are 5 totally different entry factors for the Pico Duarte and it is advisable to rent a neighborhood park ranger or ebook a guided tour to do that hike
Path map: Click on right here for a Pico Duarte path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
After getting efficiently tackled El Mogote, you may head to the highest of the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte.
At over 10,000 ft, it’s the highest mountain in your complete Caribbean and permits views of the awe-inspiring Central Mountain Vary.
Climbing Pico Duarte requires a two-to-three day tour with a licensed nationwide park information.
For peace of thoughts, it’s best to ebook an organized tour with one of many specialised mountain tour operators, who offer you all of the gear — together with sleeping bag, mats, meals, and extra.
Word that whereas the hike isn’t very technical, it is vitally lengthy. The shortest strategy is round 14 miles one-way and it’s a very lengthy and regular climb with a complete elevation change of round 6,000 ft.
In the event you choose a extra diversified itinerary, you can even begin at one trailhead and finish at one other, as there’s a whole of 5 other ways to achieve Pico Duarte.
Be ready for some fairly low temperatures although you might be nonetheless within the Caribbean. Particularly in the course of the excessive season from December to March, temperatures can drop to freezing.
11. From Playa Rincón To Playa El Valle (Samaná)
Playa El Valle, a wild seashore in Samaná. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: Exploring nature at its wildest
Size: 9-10 miles one-way; it’s recommendable to take public transport or a taxi for the best way again
Elevation profile: About 1,500 ft of uphill mountaineering
Signposting: None
How you can get there: The path might be completed both method, from Playa Rincón or Playa El Valle
Path map: Click on right here for a Playa Rincón to Playa El Valle path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
Do you keep in mind the 7 Seashores Stroll from Las Galeras to Playa Rincón talked about above? Effectively, there’s a tougher “second stage” beginning at Playa Rincón that takes you to the following seashore, Playa El Valle, which one other one in every of Samanás fantastic seashores.
This path leads you as much as one of many highest factors of the Samaná Peninsula at round 1,200 ft, providing breathtaking views earlier than you descend by banana plantations and wild tropical jungle to the serene seashore of El Valle.
Whereas the outline of this hike doesn’t sound very troublesome, components of the path are sometimes lined in knee-deep mud, which makes it significantly difficult to sort out.
That being mentioned, when you arrive to the attractive El Valle Seashore and luxuriate in a contemporary coconut with an ocean view, you’ll know why you could have completed it.
12. Canon de Arroyo Frio (North Coast, Jamao Al Norte)
Canon de Arroyo Frio near Cabarete.. Picture by Punta Cana Journey Weblog
Spotlight: Exploring a river and greater than 50 pure swimming swimming pools, cascades, and waterfalls
Size: 4-5 miles
Elevation profile: You’re following a river so it’s principally flat and downhill
Signposting: None
How you can get there: The trailhead is situated near Jamao al Norte — about half-hour away from Cabarete — and also you want a guided tour for this hike
Path map: Click on right here for a Canon de Arroyo Frio path map
About This Dominican Republic Climbing Path:
By now you’ve completed a variety of Dominican Republic mountaineering, so why not mix your trekking expertise with some severe water enjoyable whereas difficult your health expertise?
Cañon de Arroyo Frio is a canyon with a transparent and turqouise river within the Cordillera Septentrional Mountain Vary near Cabarete. With a information, you may hike alongside this canyon — more often than not within the water, together with many sections the place it’s important to wade, swim, and leap
Traversing Canon de Arroyo Frio is countless enjoyable as you might be passing greater than 50 pure swimming swimming pools, cascades, and waterfalls.
The best waterfalls are over 20 meters (66 ft) excessive, and the tour consists of elective jumps from 10 meters (33 ft) and better into the water.
Whereas the gap of the canyon isn’t the most important problem, spending a whole day strolling within the river on slippery stones and in contemporary mountain water can actually take a look at your bodily health.
That being mentioned, you gained’t remorse it contemplating the untouched nature you’ll be surrounded by your complete day.
Dominican Republic Climbing Excursions
Desire to discover the native Dominican Republic mountaineering trails with a information? The next native excursions are nice choices:
- Climbing Tabernacle Thundering Waterfall in Dominican Republic (Santo Domingo)
- Nationwide Park of the East Non-public Climbing Tour with Swimming (Santo Domingo)
- Hike and Kayak Tour within the Los Haitises Nationwide Park (Villa Riva)
- The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Non-public Journey (Puerto Plata)
- Climbing and Strolling Tour in Punta Cana (Cap Cana)
Click on right here for a full listing of Dominican Republic excursions.
Dominican Republic Resorts
Click on right here for a full listing of Dominican Republic inns!
Desire self-contained stays?
Click on right here to take a look at distinctive native leases!
You too can use this map to seek for native stays. The above hyperlink and under map are at present set to Punta Cana, however you may simply change the vacation spot to your individual:
Renting A Automobile In The Dominican Republic
Many guests to the Dominican Republic prefer to hire a automotive, because it permits them to discover the nation’s many mountaineering trails and points of interest on their very own time.
Suggestion:Use Uncover Vehicles to rapidly examine your automotive rental choices.
Their comparability software does the homework for you, so there’s no have to have up 10+ tabs attempting to determine which firm is essentially the most inexpensive. Really, it can save you as much as 70% utilizing their software!
Simply word that when you do resolve hire a automotive within the DR you ought to be extraordinarily snug with driving in different international locations and in chaotic conditions, as locals are inclined to make up their very own guidelines of the street.
Click on right here to take the free mountaineering character quiz!
