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Jarabacoa
Waterfalls, rivers and pine-covered mountains in the Dominican Republic’s cool highlands
Waterfalls, rivers and pine-covered mountains in the Dominican Republic’s cool highlands
The most famous of Jarabacoa’s waterfalls, Salto de Jimenoa plunges into a deep pool in a green gorge, reached by a path and bridges from the road. There is a small entrance fee.
Swimming may be restricted when the river is high; follow local advice.
Photo: Jos1950, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Dominican Republic’s longest river rises in the mountains above Jarabacoa and is the place for white-water rafting, with operators running half-day trips through rapids. Calmer stretches have swimming spots and riverside restaurants.
Use an established operator with proper safety equipment.
Photo: Starus, CC BY-SA 3.0
A short trip from town, the Baiguate waterfall is reached by a walk or horse ride along the river. It is an easier, quieter outing than Jimenoa and often combined with it.
Go on horseback with a local guide for a classic Jarabacoa outing.
Photo: Glenn M. Harden, CC BY-SA 3.0
At about 3,100 metres, Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Caribbean. The usual route starts at La Ciénaga, south-west of Jarabacoa, and takes two to three days through pine forest with a guide and mules; nights at the top can be close to freezing.
You must hike with an authorised guide; arrange it through local operators.
Photo: jvg19, CC BY 3.0
The town has a lively central park and market, and the surrounding hills are dotted with coffee farms and flower nurseries. Tandem paragliding flights launch from hills above the valley, and canyoning and zip-lining are also offered.
Book paragliding early in the day, when winds are calmest.
Photo: Bill, CC BY-SA 2.0
Jarabacoa’s cooler climate grows strawberries, and you will find them in juices, desserts and roadside stalls. Typical Dominican dishes such as la bandera (rice, beans and meat), sancocho (a hearty stew) and mangú (mashed plantain) are widely served.
Riverside restaurants specialise in grilled meats; the town centre has simple comedores and pizzerias.
Jarabacoa is about 30 minutes from the main highway at La Vega. From Santo Domingo it is around 2.5 hours by car, and from Santiago, which has the nearest international airport, about an hour. Buses run from Santo Domingo and from La Vega.
Locally, motoconchos (motorbike taxis) and taxis serve the town and waterfalls; a car or tour is useful for reaching farms and trailheads.
The Dominican Republic uses the peso (DOP). Jarabacoa is cheaper than the beach resorts.
Waterfall entry fees are small.
Lodges in the hills often include breakfast.
Pico Duarte treks need guides and mules, booked ahead.
Two days covers the waterfalls and the river.
Visit Salto de Jimenoa in the morning, then ride on horseback to Salto de Baiguate. Evening in the town centre.
Wear shoes with grip for the wet paths.
Raft the Yaque del Norte in the morning, then try tandem paragliding or visit a coffee farm.
Bring a change of clothes for after rafting.
Bring a light jacket; nights are cool, especially in winter.
Rivers rise fast after rain; avoid swimming in strong currents.
Treks require an authorised guide; plan at least two days.
June to November can bring heavy rain and storms.
Quick answers for planning time in Jarabacoa.
About 2.5 hours by car or bus.
Waterfalls, white-water rafting on the Yaque del Norte, paragliding, cool mountain weather and treks up Pico Duarte.
Yes. Most treks start at La Ciénaga near Jarabacoa and take two to three days with an authorised guide.
Days are warm and nights cool, around 20 to 24°C on average, cooler than the coast.
December to April is driest; rafting is possible most of the year depending on water levels.
Planning a wider trip? Our Dominican Republic travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.