Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Climbing Pico Duarte
Pico Duarte (3087m) was first climbed in 1944, as part of a celebration commemorating
the 100th anniversary of Dominican independence. During the late 1980s, the government
began cutting trails in the parks and erecting cabins, hoping to increase tourism to the
country by increasing the accessibility of its peaks. These days, about 3000 people a year
ascend Pico Duarte.
For all the effort involved, odds are you might not even be able to appreciate the views
because the peak is so often shrouded in mist and fog. Up to around 2000m, you travel
through rainforest, passing foliage thick with ferns and some good bird life. You quickly
pass above this limit, however, and spend most of the trip amdist burnt-out
pino caribeño
- a monoculture plantation that looks suspiciously like Monterey pine (the stuff loggers
like because of its spindly, knot-free branches). Numerous forest fires have left the land-
scape barren, and the only animals you're likely to see are marauding bands of cawing
crows and possibly a wild boar or two. Although amid the bleakness you may see the oc-
casional colorful epiphyte.
There are
ranger stations
(park admission RD$200; 8am-5pm)
near the start of the major
trails into the parks. As a safety precaution, everyone entering the park, even for a short
hike, must be accompanied by a guide.
Tours & Guides
The easiest way to the summit is to take an organized tour. Prices vary widely and depend
on how many people are going and for how long. Expect to pay roughly US$100 to
US$200 per person per day. Best to book as far in advance as possible.
»
Rancho Baiguate
( 809-574-6890;
www.ranchobaiguate.com
; Carretera a Constanza) is the best over-
all choice for non-Spanish speakers, as it is based in Jarabacoa, and also offers a detour through Valle del
Tétero. It's three days/two nights 'Pico Express' trip is around US$380 per person.
»
Iguana Mama (
Click here
) in Cabarete is good if you want transportation to and from the north coast.
Only four officially listed dates a year but likely can arrange customized group trips.
»
Camping Tours (
Click here
) in Santiago is the cheapest, as it caters primarily to Dominicans, but the
guides speak only Spanish. This is your only option if you want to walk Mata Grande to Pico Duarte and
exit at La Ciénega.
