While Cabarete, Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic) is known as a kitesurfing and beach destination, there are several truly incredible hikes within driving distance that are A MUST before you leave our slice of paradise.
Best way to see the parks:
With tour operators like Iguana Mama offering guided hikes ranging from 3 hours to 3 days (with 2 nights of camping included), it’s easy to find a hike and expert guide that will meet the needs of solo, family and group travelers.
Pricing:
3-hour hikes start at $35 USD/adult: $28 USD/12yrs-17yrs: $18 USD/child under 12 (must be accompanied by an adult)
1-day hikes normally run around $70 USD/person
3 day/2-night hikes are around $450 USD/person + tax
Before setting out on a hike there are a few essentials you should never leave home without:
- Hiking Boots
- Hat or visor
- Backpack
- Sunscreen (even with the lush forests of Dominican Republic, this is essential. Trust us!)
- Sunglasses
- Camera or smartphone (just don’t expect cell service once you enter the forest)
- Bathing suit
- Insect repellent
What to leave at home:
- Jewlery
- Money
- Laptops/PCs
- Nice clothes
Most tour operators will include the following in their pricing. Depending on the length of your hike, some services may not be available. Always call or email the operator before leaving your home country to ensure you aren’t over or under packing:
- Expert tour guides
- Park permits (you’ll need this when staying overnight)
- Entry Fees to the parks (this is needed for short hikes and overnight camping)
- Snacks, refreshments, meals and purified drinking water
- Tent and sleeping bags (feel free to bring your own, but make sure to tell your guide)
- Mule support (this may seem funny until you aren’t looking to carry your partners backpack come day 3… then Mr. mule will be your best friend)
- Cable car tickets
- Transportation from and to Embocca Cabarete
Here are a few of our favorite hikes:
El Choco National Park – 3-hour hike
Difficulty level: All levels
Why we love this hike:
- Dominican Republic’s newest national park
- 77 sq kms of jungle, lagoons, forest and natural caves for swimming
- Open backcountry for exploration
Mount Isabel de Torres – Approx. 8-hour hike (lunch included)
Difficulty level: Intermediate/advance hikers
Why we love this hike:
- The hike starts at sea level and ends at 823 m
- Breathtaking views of Puerto Plata Bay
- The highest manicured gardens in the Caribbean
- Cable car descent from the top of Mount Isabel
Pico Duarte (3 days/2 nights) – 4.5 hour drive from Cabarete
Difficulty level: Athletic beginners, intermediate and advanced hikers
Why we love this hike:
- Pico Duarte is the highest mountain in the Caribbean (3,087 m)
- Hiking to the summit of Pico Duarte for sunrise
- The ascent to La Cienaga de Manabao
- Mule support (just in case you need a little help)
There are loads of hikes you can take without a guide. When you go for a hike on your own or with a group of friends, we highly suggest checking the weather forecast before departing Embocca. Additionally, having someone in your group that speaks Spanish is a major advantage – Dominican Republic is an international travel destination with many visitors coming from other Spanish speaking countries. A 2-way satellite communicator is extremely important if you’re hiking on your own. Most importantly, always make sure to bring more purified water than you think you’ll need – Once you enter the forest there will be no access to clean water. Lastly, don’t forget to ask our chef the night before your hike to pack snacks and sandwiches to keep you fueled and energized.
