The leading attractions in the central mountains are three thunderous waterfalls so captivating that one was chosen as a setting for the movie Jurassic Park. Most popular is Lower Salto Jimenoa, where visitors cross a suspended footbridge to reach a swimming hole at the base of the fall. Even more alluring is the somewhat elusive Higher [...]
Our Environment section has enlightening information on Rio del Yaque del Norte 2007 incentives given to communities for protecting the river Yaque del Norte. The Rio del Yaque del Norte a Dominican treasure spans 150-miles and starts at 8,500 feet in the Cordillera Central and rushes through the town of Jarabacoa (“land of the eternal spring” [...]
Pico Duarte, which lies within a 1,500-square-mile protected area, is the highest mountain in the Caribbean with a summit rising to just over 10,000 feet. Five established routes ranging from three - to six-day treks take hikers through pine-covered territory and across crystal-clear rivers, where encounters with endemic birds and other harmless indigenous wildlife make for [...]
The diverse landscapes of the Dominican Republic are even more breathtaking when viewed from above. Four mountain ranges with summits over 8,000 feet and vast scenic valleys in between -- combined with consistent wind patterns -- afford excellent paragliding conditions that can be enjoyed year-round. Several professional outfitters are available for these sky tours, catering to [...]
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 [...]
Aguas Blancas is the mother of all Dominican waterfalls at a towering 492 feet, its majestic waters and surrounding thick pine forest providing an idyllic setting for a private swim. The scenic ride through Constanza valley makes this a perfect day trip. Directions: By organized tour through Mí Cabaña Resort or Rancho Guaraguao.
The Bahía de Samaná is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales in a natural setting. Every winter these mammals make their way down from the North Atlantic Ocean to mate and breed in the waters just off the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula in the Silver Banks Marine Sanctuary. [...]
Within this 465 square mile mangrove swamp are more than 100 species of birds, nearly as many of plants, and at least two endemic mammals. Visitors to the park gain entry via boat tours that glide along a coast of healthy mangroves, past islets, and to curious rock formations hosting hidden limestone caves with millenniums-old indigenous [...]
Of the many waterfalls on the Samaná Peninsula, El Limón is indeed the most spectacular. Rising 900 feet above sea level and cascading 150 feet into a deep pool of blue water, it has the alluring combination of awe inspiring size and stunning natural beauty. Getting to El Limón is something of an adventure, requiring the [...]
The Colonial Zone (or Zona Colonial as it is called in Spanish) is a unique blend of old world tradition, Latin American vitality, and modern sophistication packed into an area of about a dozen blocks encircled by the ruins of the original city walls. Inside, are cobble-covered streets and some 300 stone mansions and churches dating [...]