Jarabacoa and Pico Duarte

In the heart of the island rise the pine-clad highlands of the Cordillera Central, a cool, green, refreshing contrast to the tropical coast, centred on the mountain town of Jarabacoa. This is the Dominican Republic's adventure capital, a land of pine forests, rushing rivers and waterfalls like the Salto de Jimenoa, where visitors come for white-water rafting, canyoning, hiking and horse riding. It is also the base for the multi-day trek to the summit of Pico Duarte, at 3,098 metres the highest mountain in the entire Caribbean.

What you actually see

• Pico Duarte - the multi-day trek to the Caribbean's highest peak.
• The waterfalls - the Salto de Jimenoa and Salto Baiguate.
• White-water rafting - the rapids of the Yaque del Norte river.
• The pine forests - the cool mountain scenery and trails.

When to go

November to April, the drier season, for the best trekking, rafting and weather, though the highlands are pleasantly cool year-round; the Pico Duarte trek is a demanding two-to-three-day expedition best done with a guide in the dry months. Nights in the mountains can be genuinely cold.

Honest expectations

This is an active, outdoorsy region rather than a beach or resort destination, so it appeals to adventurers and nature lovers; the Pico Duarte climb is a serious, tough multi-day trek requiring fitness, guides and preparation. Facilities are simpler than on the coast. For rafting, waterfalls, cool pine-scented air and the Caribbean's highest summit, though, it is a wonderful and surprising side of the country.

Nearby

The town of Constanza and the Ebano Verde reserve are within reach.