Lambed by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south, crossed lengthwise and breadthwise by rivers and lakes, covered by forests and a central mountain system, the Dominican Republic boasts a very rich biodiversity thanks to the tropical climate that favors outdoor activities all year round.
From north to south, you can find different natural landscapes and many activities to discover. Here are some selected destinations for the most curious and adventurous travelers.
Loma Ortega is the ultimate destination for all hiking lovers. It is located a few kilometers from the city of La Vega and offers great natural attractions such as the Cibao Valley, a gorge immersed among the mountain ranges of the Central and Northern Cordillera. In the last 20 years, a reforestation plan has been implemented, with about 500,000 trees and over 35 native species. The purpose of this action is to rehabilitate the area by restoring it to its original state and allow visitors to immerse themselves in greenery and enjoy moments of relaxation breathing fresh mountain air. Loma Ortega includes a property of over 4.5 million square meters reclaimed for 95% and could become a replicable management model, thus allowing the expansion of green areas and enhancing the natural tourist attraction of the Dominican Republic.
Staying within the province of La Vega, we can reach Jarabacoa, a cheerful mountain town, famous for its strawberry crops, its always mild climate, and the presence of beautiful flowers that earned it the nickname of the “city of eternal spring.” Here you will find rivers and waterfalls such as those of the Jimenoa and Baiguate. the Ebano Verde Natural Reserve, formed by a forest where biodiversity reigns supreme, and the Jimenoa Waterfall, an enchanting waterfall of crystal-clear water, located inside a protected area, a perfect oasis both for those who want to relax among the green hills enjoying a pleasant breeze and for extreme sports lovers like canyoning, river rafting, and paragliding.
In the heart of the Cibao Valley and at the foot of the Loma Quita Natural Reserve, one of the most important in the country, there is a model of sustainable development: Rancho Don Lulù, located inside a remote village north of San Francisco de Macoris. The Rancho is an ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature. The design and construction of the ranch were carried out by the Amarante family, and the name of the complex comes from the nickname of the family head, who was Don Lulù, one of the project’s pioneers. Besides creating a source of income and new jobs, the establishment of this complex allowed the conservation and enhancement of the reserve where it is located. Visitors can thus enjoy the beauty of the landscape and savor the various typical Dominican dishes offered by the ranch.
The Dominican Republic also manages to surprise botanical tourism enthusiasts. The Natural Reserve in the province of Salcedo rises between the provinces of Espaillat and Hermanas Mirabal. Here, the Salcedoa Mirabaliarum grows in all its splendour, a rare plant typical of this area that grows between 500 and 800 meters above sea level and reaches up to 6 meters in height. To reach the natural reserve, you have to undertake a moderately difficult four-kilometer trek on foot, through the mountains, immersed in the landscapes of the rainforest. In the distance, you can also enjoy the view of the National Park of the Choco region. Before becoming a protected area, the reserve land was used for taro cultivation and cattle grazing and today ensures the conservation of unique and spectacular natural environments.
Jarabacoa is one of the residents’ favorite destinations and the first choice for travelers seeking a relaxing experience. It is also the perfect starting point for various hikes and activities in the central highlands. To stay in this corner of paradise, you can book a room at the Hotel Boutique Carmen, located inside the Jarabacoa Country Club. The accommodations are comfortable and equipped with modern TVs, air conditioning, telephone, and Wi-Fi connection. Common areas also include a billiard and ping pong room, a swimming pool, and a tennis court, and soon whirlpools and saunas will be available to make the environment even more comfortable and customer-friendly. To contact Hotel Boutique Carmen: Email: info@hotelcarmen.do
Finally, moving to the southeast part of the Dominican Republic, in Higüey, in the province of La Altagracia, we find Yucayeke Macao, an indigenous museum that offers an interesting program including cultural, historical, gastronomic, and entertainment activities. The Yucayeke eco-tourism center, owned by Gamalier Pichardo Frias and Rigoberto Pimentel, besides promoting indigenous culture, offers visitors the opportunity to taste traditional Dominican cuisine and experience a bath in the crystal-clear waters of the region’s underground caves. The property also includes 346 thousand banana trees and 72 thousand pineapple plantations, as well as many other crops that have increased the demand for regional agricultural products.
