Loma Quita Espuela

Loma Quita Espuela protects one of the wettest patches of forest in the country on the Cordillera Septentrional above San Francisco de Macorís, and the reserve sits in the middle of the cocoa-growing region, so the approach runs through shaded plantations before the forest closes in. Trails climb to the summit at around nine hundred metres and to a waterfall. The name refers to riding country rough enough to pull the spurs off a rider.

What you actually see

• The humid forest - one of the wettest surviving woodlands in the country.
• The cocoa plantations - the shaded crop the approach road runs through.
• The summit trail - the climb to around nine hundred metres.
• The waterfall - the fall reached on the other main route from the centre.

When to go

November to April is drier and the trails are safer. Rain is frequent at any season in this reserve. Mornings are best for birds.

Honest expectations

Trails are muddy and steep in almost all conditions. Guides are required and must be arranged at the centre. Rain here is heavier than in most of the country.

Nearby

San Francisco de Macorís is below, and Saltos de Jima are southwest.