Ébano Verde

Ébano Verde covers about twenty-three square kilometres of the central cordillera between eight hundred and fifteen hundred metres, and it was set up in 1989 by a private foundation specifically to protect Magnolia pallescens, the green ebony, a tree found only on Hispaniola and reduced to a handful of stands. The reserve turned out to hold far more: over six hundred plant species, around a quarter of them endemic, plus most of the island's endemic birds. The Baño de Nubes trail, the cloud bath, climbs about six kilometres through the forest to a ridge, and a shorter interpretive loop suits a casual visit. The foundation runs a small research station and simple cabins.

What you actually see

• The green ebony - the endangered magnolia the reserve exists for.
• The Baño de Nubes trail - six kilometres up through cloud forest.
• Endemic plants - over six hundred species, many found only here.
• The research station - the foundation's base, with simple cabins.

When to go

November to April is drier. Mornings are clearer before cloud fills the ridges. Birding is best at dawn. The reserve keeps set hours and the longer trail requires signing in and, at times, a guide.

Honest expectations

It is small and the interest is botanical rather than scenic; visitors hoping for waterfalls or views may be underwhelmed. The main trail is steep and muddy. Facilities are limited to the station. Access from the Jarabacoa road is on a rough track.

Nearby

Jarabacoa is 40 minutes; Constanza is on the other side of the range.