Jarabacoa

With its pine-covered mountain terrain and comparatively cool climate, the heart of the vast central mountain range in the Dominican Republic is a far cry from your typical tropical landscape. 

Up here, the only body of water remotely resembling a beach are the three roaring rivers used for white water rafting – a big draw for visitors to the areas, another, the national parks Armando Bermúdez and Carmen Ramírez, best known for harboring Pico Duarte – the highest summit in the Caribbean.

Many who make the more than 10,000-foot trek up the peak use area cabin accommodations as base before and after the climb.  Jarabacoa also features four beautiful waterfalls.  Two of these falls can be easily enjoyed as a half-day outing, the remaining are more suitable for active visitors interested in hiking and rock climbing.

(Photo: Luis Machado)