Explore The Cibao
JARABACOA, a mountain resort peppered with coffee plantations, is popular with wealthy Dominicans for its cooler climate. The pine-dominated mountains – dubbed rather inanely “The Dominican Alps” – immediately surrounding the town hold four large waterfalls, several rugged trails fit for day-hikes, three rivers used for whitewater rafting and the busiest starting-point for treks up Pico Duarte.
The town’s tiny but expanding grid runs right alongside the pretty Río Yaque del Norte and the area surrounding the town has seen a good deal of development in recent years as a number of new residential communities have been created, both for expats and wealthy Dominicans looking for a mountain retreat.
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Salto Jimenoa Uno
Salto Jimenoa Uno
The real attractions of Jarabacoa are the four local waterfalls (saltos), not too far from the centre of town, though enough of a trek that you’ll want either your own transport or a ride on a motoconcho (RD$150 one way). The steepest Jarabacoa waterfall by far is the Higher Salto Jimenoa, or Salto Jimenoa Uno (daily 8am–6pm; RD$100), as it’s often called. This is a tough proposition as it involves a 15min descent down a steep path into a ravine and therefore a longer, tougher climb back out. It’s an impressive sight as the water drops 75m from a hidden lake above and thunders into a huge pool at its base. The spray creates delightful rainbow patterns on the rocky walls and it’s easy to see why this was chosen as a setting for a scene in Jurassic Park. It’s certainly worth the effort of getting here and you’ll probably have the place to yourself. Head out on the Constanza road for 7km until you reach a small pueblo; there’s a large sign on the left indicating the waterfall.
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Jarabacoa outdoor activities
Jarabacoa outdoor activities
Río Yaque del Norte, a beautifully blue, fast-flowing mountain stream that rises up in the very heart of the Cordillera Central mountain range, plays host to a number of different whitewater adventures. The lower sections are used by several rafting operators and offer some exciting drops up to grade IV. The nearby Jimenoa and Yásica rivers offer even more severe challenges, but these are only accessible to experienced kayakers; note that none of the whitewater rafting trips are available to children under 12. Many of Jarabacoa’s rivers and waterfalls can also be enjoyed firsthand by taking a canyoning trip with one of the local tour operators. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll make your way downstream using a combination of swimming, jumping, walking and rappelling. Previous experience isn’t necessary and it’s a breathtaking way to see some unspoiled countryside. Other local outdoor options include hiking, biking and horseriding.
Local tour operators
Iguana Mama
t 571-0908, w www.iguanamama.com. Although based in Cabarete, Iguana Mama offers many excursions in the Cordillera Central, including multi-day mountain-bike odysseys across the range, white water rafting (US$59) and three-day hikes of Pico Duarte (US$520). The best but priciest of all the island’s adventure specialists with impeccable ethics.
Rancho Baiguate
Road to Constanza Km 5 t 574-6890, w www.ranchobaiguate.com. One of the island’s biggest and best-organized tour operators, with most of their clients from the all-inclusives on the north coast. They run a wide range of adventure tours, including whitewater rafting (US$50) – with fifty percent discount for guests – and canyoning (US$50). Other excursions include hiking, mountain biking andhorseriding. Longer trips include a guided three- or four-day hike to Pico Duarte (US$255–325) and a five-day hike, which takes in the peak and Valle del Tétero (US$415).
Rancho Jarabacoa
Road to Sabaneta Km 2 t 222-3202. Less-expensive option than Baiguate forhorseriding in pueblo Sabaneta, 2km north of Jarabacoa.
