Hiking Pico Duarte: Caribbean’s Highest Peak
Here is an adventure that will take you to new heights, literally: Hiking Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Dominican Republic and all the Caribbean islands. Pico Duarte is in the Cordillera Central, a mountain range stretching across the country’s heart and into Haiti. The Cordillera Central is also known as the Dominican Alps because of its cool climate, green valleys, and pine forests.
Pico Duarte stands at 3,098 meters (10,174 feet) above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Hiking to the summit is a challenging but rewarding experience that requires reasonable fitness, endurance, and preparation. Hiring a local guide is best as they carry your equipment and have mules. Local guides also help you obtain a permit from the Jose Armando Bermudez National Park, the location of Pico Duarte.
Several routes lead to Pico Duarte, ranging from 25 to 70 miles long and 3 to 7 or more days of hiking. The most popular and shortest path is La Cienaga, which starts at the park entrance in Manabao, near Jarabacoa. This route takes about three days and two nights and covers about 40 miles round trip. First day, you will hike from La Cienaga to Comparticion, camping at 2,400 meters (8,000 feet). Second day, you will hike from Comparticion to Pico Duarte and back, covering about 12 miles. Third day, you will hike back from Comparticion to La Cienaga.
Along the way, you will enjoy amazing views of tropical pine, mountain broadleaf, and cloud forests. The hike will take you thru Valle del Tetero, a beautiful valley where hikers often stop to make camp and relax. While you camp, you will encounter diverse wildlife like birds, butterflies, lizards, frogs, and insects. You might spot some endemic species, such as the Hispaniolan solenodon or the Hispaniolan hutia.
The highlight of the hike is reaching the summit of Pico Duarte, where you will find a bust of Juan Pablo Duarte, the founding father of the Dominican Republic. The bust’s metal plaque reads with a quote from his famous speech: “Dios Patria y Libertad” (God Country and Freedom). The panoramic view of the island and beyond from the top are amazing. On a clear day, you might even see Haiti or Puerto Rico.
Pico Duarte is an unforgettable adventure that will test your physical and mental limits. It is also a great way to discover a different side of the Dominican Republic beyond its beaches and resorts. If you are up for the challenge, your reward will be a sense of accomplishment and awe.
Next: How to Hike, Camp at Pico Duarte in Dominican Republic – GoTravelHiking
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