Pico Duarte
Pico Duarte
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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RamblingRon69
Hereford, UK83 contributions
Jan 2020
I arrived at the trailhead with the intention of climbing to the summit but a lot of arrangements had to be made first. I teamed up with a German guy who spoke English and we booked a guide and his donkey! It was a two-day trek and we reached the summit at 0600hrs because that was the best time to witness the glorious sunrise. Sadly, the clag was down and we couldn't see a bloody thing. On the way down, I suffered an accident when part of the track gave way and I fell about six feet, landing on my side and back and as I found out much later, I'd broken three ribs. I couldn't walk so they got me back to base on the donkey and I swear that I remember every step that the bloody animal took. A painful experience but one that I wouldn't have changed for the world!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pablo Lora
3 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
Guys, this is the highest mountain in the Caribbean which is not an easy task. But the reward is great and you have a nice feeling after such a nice adventure. We did this with Guias de Alturas. A solid mountain guiding company based in DR. They were extremely responsible and provide every single detail and info about it.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TMR1004
Valley Forge, PA392 contributions
Nov 2013 • Solo
Climbing Pico Duarte has the potential to be an epic experience and one you will remember all of your life. It is an extremely challenging trail, with incredible views and potentially ever-changing weather. Since many people have already written reviews on the wonders of the trip I thought I would just provide you with some information I think might be helpful.
1. Choose the trip length that is right for you. Most people hike Pico Duarte in either two or three days. Choosing the right amount of time for you can make all the difference. If you choose two days then you will hike to La Comparticion on the first day. Camp there. Then summit and return to La Cienega the second day. The first day you will hike 12 miles and climb 5900 vt ft. The second day you will hike 17 miles and climb 3900ft (2000+ to the summit and 1500+ up and down on the return trip. If you choose the 3 day option you will hike the same amount on the first day. The second day will only be 5 miles and 2000+ vt ft. and the final day will be 12 miles and 1500 + vt. ft.
2. Choose whether to use an outfitter like Rancho Baiguate, Iguana Mama etc. or plan everything on your own. The advantages of planning everything on your own is that you can handpick your guide, customize your itinerary and save money. The advantages of an outfitter (I used Rancho Baiguate on my first trip and was extremely pleased) is that they will do almost everything for you. You won't have to hire guides, get mules, buy or prepare food, travel with your camping gear etc. I believe that an outfitter is the way to go for most people. If you wish to hire a guide privately you can arrange to do so through the park office in La Cienega. Speak to Herman.
3. The campsite at La Comparticion has a large group cabin that sleeps 25+ (on the floor). There is also ample flat ground if you bring a tent. There is potable water, outhouses and a small creek nearby if you wish to wash off the trail dust. There is a covered area to build a nice sized fire for your group and a covered cooking area. Two suggestions. Bring warm clothes, it gets cold at night. And if you are thinking of sleeping in the cabin and snoring bothers you bring some small ear plugs.
4. Pico Duarte has mountain weather, ie, variable, unpredictable, and can change fast. Be prepared for heat, sun, cold, wind, and rain. You'll probably get some of each on your trip. I recommend packing sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap with brim, and a good rain coat. At night it gets cold. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, hat, and extra batteries for your flashlight.
5. Approximate climbing times for reasonably fit climbers
Trailhead to La Comparticion 6-9 hrs
La Comparticion to Summit 1 3/4 - 2 1/2 hrs
Summit to La Comparticion 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 hrs
La Comparticion to La Cienega 5-8 hrs
6. If you think the hiking may be too difficult for you don't worry. The first time I did the hike I went with a group of 22 Canadian high school students and their 6 chaperones. All but 8 rode the mules at some point and they all still had a wonderful time.
7. Good. Now your done all the preparation. Enjoy. This is a unique and magical experience!
1. Choose the trip length that is right for you. Most people hike Pico Duarte in either two or three days. Choosing the right amount of time for you can make all the difference. If you choose two days then you will hike to La Comparticion on the first day. Camp there. Then summit and return to La Cienega the second day. The first day you will hike 12 miles and climb 5900 vt ft. The second day you will hike 17 miles and climb 3900ft (2000+ to the summit and 1500+ up and down on the return trip. If you choose the 3 day option you will hike the same amount on the first day. The second day will only be 5 miles and 2000+ vt ft. and the final day will be 12 miles and 1500 + vt. ft.
2. Choose whether to use an outfitter like Rancho Baiguate, Iguana Mama etc. or plan everything on your own. The advantages of planning everything on your own is that you can handpick your guide, customize your itinerary and save money. The advantages of an outfitter (I used Rancho Baiguate on my first trip and was extremely pleased) is that they will do almost everything for you. You won't have to hire guides, get mules, buy or prepare food, travel with your camping gear etc. I believe that an outfitter is the way to go for most people. If you wish to hire a guide privately you can arrange to do so through the park office in La Cienega. Speak to Herman.
3. The campsite at La Comparticion has a large group cabin that sleeps 25+ (on the floor). There is also ample flat ground if you bring a tent. There is potable water, outhouses and a small creek nearby if you wish to wash off the trail dust. There is a covered area to build a nice sized fire for your group and a covered cooking area. Two suggestions. Bring warm clothes, it gets cold at night. And if you are thinking of sleeping in the cabin and snoring bothers you bring some small ear plugs.
4. Pico Duarte has mountain weather, ie, variable, unpredictable, and can change fast. Be prepared for heat, sun, cold, wind, and rain. You'll probably get some of each on your trip. I recommend packing sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap with brim, and a good rain coat. At night it gets cold. Bring a warm jacket, gloves, hat, and extra batteries for your flashlight.
5. Approximate climbing times for reasonably fit climbers
Trailhead to La Comparticion 6-9 hrs
La Comparticion to Summit 1 3/4 - 2 1/2 hrs
Summit to La Comparticion 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 hrs
La Comparticion to La Cienega 5-8 hrs
6. If you think the hiking may be too difficult for you don't worry. The first time I did the hike I went with a group of 22 Canadian high school students and their 6 chaperones. All but 8 rode the mules at some point and they all still had a wonderful time.
7. Good. Now your done all the preparation. Enjoy. This is a unique and magical experience!
Written December 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Araian85
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic94 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
To climb el Pico Duarte, go to el Pico Duarte, every Dominican should climb the Pico at least once… since childhood I have been hearing about said mountain over and over with more emphasis towards January… Well I finally conquered the dammed place, and I know finally what lies in store, what I’m not so sure is IF I would recommend that journey to a third. I PERSONALLY enjoyed it, BUT for many people in my group it was HELL.
I’m going to start with the preparations. Because make no mistake, if you are not ready for this DON’T DO IT! I’m not overreacting here is the plain truth. First the physical conditions: No out of shape person should do this, why? Because it can be hard for them… IF you think you’re fit enough you are going to have to exercise a lot more O_o yes, sorry but climbing stairs (of 30+ floor buildings) every other day and walking hills two-three months in advance is the difference from arriving in the afternoon or arriving at night at “Comparticion” (last camp) and believe me, you’ll WANT to get there before the light is out. Also getting used to climbing stairs, hills and uneven ground is going to help your knees and ankles to get use to abuse because they’ll be abused… especially if it’s raining because of the mud (calf deep mud :S). Second the food, the least trouble it takes to cook it the better. Or if you have an arrangement with the locals for them to cook you you’ll be fine. The weather: It can rain, fast! So carry all your belongings in waterproof bags and carry a poncho yourself.
We started at 7:00am from the town “La Ciénega” the whole group walks together until half an hour later when people start to disperse. The fit ones race ahead while the rest of us… take a longer time admiring the nature :P Once you pass “La Laguna” (a point in the trail) the view of the surrounding mountains becomes breathtaking. There aren’t many animals on sight because of all the human trafficking; however, you can still see birds here and there perched on the highest trees.
At some points the trail is a narrow path in-between two elevations so it gets difficult to walk; even more so if the mules are right behind you. NOTE: It is usually explained at the beginning of the trail that you have to yield the pass to the mules since they just tend to –go forward- and push everything in front of them out of the way, including humans. It´s advisable to always let the mules pass, even if it means you have to step in between trees or bushes. Also, NEVER stand beside a precipice edge, because they can and most certainly push you into it.
After you pass “El Cruce” comes the infamous “Loma del Arrepentimiento” or Hill of Regrets, were it is said that most people question their decision to ever embark on such a journey. Basically is a little steeper with rocks covering the whole track, so it´s a good idea to have a good pair of boots to walk this part.
However, at this point you start to see clouds at eye height, and pretty soon you are covered in fog. But make no mistake… the heat is overwhelming! The temperature won´t start dropping until 6pm so there’s plenty of heat yet.
By now you are on one of the highest points, which gives you a view of the rest of the smaller hills. Looking at this view it actually makes you feel as if you have accomplished a lot already… (hang in there, not yet!)
Then you arrive at “Aguitas Frias” if you are out of water reload now! There aren’t any more water sources until you reach camp. This water source is a small hole in the ground where it is said the Yuna River is born from… I was a little apprehensive to drink water from it but the thirst and the exertion got the best of me, Oh well! I’m still alive.
From them on I walked a little more than an hour to reach Comparticion. After 6pm it got cold fast. So I set up my tent as soon as I got there, went to take a bath (on the frikin coldest waters I ever step on), changed into winter gear and got ready to spend the night. The night sky was... aweinspiring, breathtaking... I had never seen sooo many stars before! :D However the cold didn't allowed me to stay outside much, the temperature dropped below cero that night… to -1c I heard someone say.
The next morning we had breakfast early and then we set to cover the remaining trail to the peak. This part was by far the most demanding one for me, whether it was because of the exertion of the previous day or because I never ever got to see where the trail was going most of the time. But eventually I made it! I reached the peak, climb alongside Duarte’s bust, made my victory calls (since is the only area with cellphone signal), took my pictures and headed back to camp… Uff!
The next day we headed back to “La Cienega” It was a lot more easier to go down the same way, (the gravity helps I guess :P)
Overall I enjoyed very much this adventure and would probably repeat it next year. Only that next time I would take more food and a much smaller bag to carry while in the trail.
Feel free to email me should you need additional information. Good Luck!
I’m going to start with the preparations. Because make no mistake, if you are not ready for this DON’T DO IT! I’m not overreacting here is the plain truth. First the physical conditions: No out of shape person should do this, why? Because it can be hard for them… IF you think you’re fit enough you are going to have to exercise a lot more O_o yes, sorry but climbing stairs (of 30+ floor buildings) every other day and walking hills two-three months in advance is the difference from arriving in the afternoon or arriving at night at “Comparticion” (last camp) and believe me, you’ll WANT to get there before the light is out. Also getting used to climbing stairs, hills and uneven ground is going to help your knees and ankles to get use to abuse because they’ll be abused… especially if it’s raining because of the mud (calf deep mud :S). Second the food, the least trouble it takes to cook it the better. Or if you have an arrangement with the locals for them to cook you you’ll be fine. The weather: It can rain, fast! So carry all your belongings in waterproof bags and carry a poncho yourself.
We started at 7:00am from the town “La Ciénega” the whole group walks together until half an hour later when people start to disperse. The fit ones race ahead while the rest of us… take a longer time admiring the nature :P Once you pass “La Laguna” (a point in the trail) the view of the surrounding mountains becomes breathtaking. There aren’t many animals on sight because of all the human trafficking; however, you can still see birds here and there perched on the highest trees.
At some points the trail is a narrow path in-between two elevations so it gets difficult to walk; even more so if the mules are right behind you. NOTE: It is usually explained at the beginning of the trail that you have to yield the pass to the mules since they just tend to –go forward- and push everything in front of them out of the way, including humans. It´s advisable to always let the mules pass, even if it means you have to step in between trees or bushes. Also, NEVER stand beside a precipice edge, because they can and most certainly push you into it.
After you pass “El Cruce” comes the infamous “Loma del Arrepentimiento” or Hill of Regrets, were it is said that most people question their decision to ever embark on such a journey. Basically is a little steeper with rocks covering the whole track, so it´s a good idea to have a good pair of boots to walk this part.
However, at this point you start to see clouds at eye height, and pretty soon you are covered in fog. But make no mistake… the heat is overwhelming! The temperature won´t start dropping until 6pm so there’s plenty of heat yet.
By now you are on one of the highest points, which gives you a view of the rest of the smaller hills. Looking at this view it actually makes you feel as if you have accomplished a lot already… (hang in there, not yet!)
Then you arrive at “Aguitas Frias” if you are out of water reload now! There aren’t any more water sources until you reach camp. This water source is a small hole in the ground where it is said the Yuna River is born from… I was a little apprehensive to drink water from it but the thirst and the exertion got the best of me, Oh well! I’m still alive.
From them on I walked a little more than an hour to reach Comparticion. After 6pm it got cold fast. So I set up my tent as soon as I got there, went to take a bath (on the frikin coldest waters I ever step on), changed into winter gear and got ready to spend the night. The night sky was... aweinspiring, breathtaking... I had never seen sooo many stars before! :D However the cold didn't allowed me to stay outside much, the temperature dropped below cero that night… to -1c I heard someone say.
The next morning we had breakfast early and then we set to cover the remaining trail to the peak. This part was by far the most demanding one for me, whether it was because of the exertion of the previous day or because I never ever got to see where the trail was going most of the time. But eventually I made it! I reached the peak, climb alongside Duarte’s bust, made my victory calls (since is the only area with cellphone signal), took my pictures and headed back to camp… Uff!
The next day we headed back to “La Cienega” It was a lot more easier to go down the same way, (the gravity helps I guess :P)
Overall I enjoyed very much this adventure and would probably repeat it next year. Only that next time I would take more food and a much smaller bag to carry while in the trail.
Feel free to email me should you need additional information. Good Luck!
Written March 1, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
colombiche
new york8 contributions
At Dawn on Pico Duarte
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
H.D. Thoreau
At 3,087 meters, Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Antillean region of island nations. Dominicans would proudly point to that fact, which they learn early in their school years, while tourists learn it in their promotion packets. Dominicans climb Pico Duarte mostly during the months of January and February. The rest of the year, it is foreigners who predominate. The trek requires to cover a distance of 46.2 kilometers, four kilometers longer than a marathon. A more important difference, however, is that the distance to Pico Duarte can be done in stages and over several days. The traveler advances over winding and steep hills. The terrain alternates between stony and rocky, with some short stretches of muddy, reddish clay. The breathtaking views one is exposed to change as the traveler moves from sea level to ever higher ground. Tones of green and blue frame the ascending and descending movements of the visitors. The only blemishes on this paradisiacal landscape are the black spots that remind us of the thousands of trees burnt in a fire during the dry season of 2004.
Why did I go to Pico Duarte, not once but twice in a two-week period? Some reasons are clear to me, like my penchant for strenuous exercise; others I may not be aware of. Walden, for one, is never out of reach. And though I open it only from time to time, I still feel its continuing inspiration with the same force it hit me the first time I read it, twenty-five years ago. Also, I had wanted to walk this year El Camino de Santiago, in Spain, by my fiftieth birthday; but circumstances changed and I postponed it, perhaps until 2011. Instead, I found myself this summer with a great opportunity to do Pico Duarte. Why, I had time and a Dominican friend, Candido, willing to share the experience with me. Obviously, going to Pico Duarte just after coming out from a retreat at Manresa Altagracia, in Santo Domingo, must have seemed to me a logical follow-up. I burned with the desire to continue the spiritual experiences lived at Manresa.
Candido and I traveled to the Armando Bermudez National Park, where Pico Duarte is located, on his bike. Public transportation is available, but infrequent. People get to the park either on private vehicles or charted buses. Our departure point was El Abanico, where the road to Constanza stems from Autopista Duarte. We covered the 76 km distance to the park in two hours and ten minutes. Once the city of La Vega is past (after 20kms of flat road), the rest of the trip takes place on hilly terrain. Though paved and in good condition, the road is narrow, making it for a very slow ride when fast and light vehicles are lined up behind heavy and slow ones. The next big town after La Vega is Jarabacoa. From Jarabacoa and the entrance to the park, there is a distance of 38 kms. The last village before reaching La Ciénaga is called Manabao.
No One is allowed into the park without a guide. There are stories about people who got lost and even died when this requirement was not in place. Today visitors may choose from among 80 men who perform this function. During most of the year business is slow, so finding a guide is not a problem. If some of them are not hanging around the entrance, the park ranger or the owner of the store at the corner before the park entrance will send someone to fetch a guide for you. Guides are responsible for a series of tasks, including the safety of the visitors, protection of their personal property, and food preparation. Depending on the number and needs of the visitors, they may rent one or more mules; some mules carry provisions and bags, others carry visitors who prefer to ride rather than walk, or who can alternate walking with mounting. Victuals can be purchased at any of the colmados near the park entrance.
On average, visitors take between three and four days to complete the whole trip to Pico Duarte and back. It is recommended that people start before noon on day one, walk five kilometers up to the first resting station (Los Tablones), and sleep there until the next day. Departing early from Los Tablones will help ensure that visitors reach the second station (Compartición), located 13 kms away, before nightfall. Compartición consists of two sleeping cabins, one large and other small, with capacity to hold approximately 100 people. The facilities include showers, bathrooms, kitchen and a space to light a fire at night. This communal fire is a convener for social interaction that hardly anyone misses. The fundamental reason, naturally, is that in the evening temperatures drop noticeably, requiring that visitors wear a jacket or at least a sweater. Our second trip made even more evident the need and benefits of having a fire to sit by. We had started our walk under a clear and blue sky. Nothing indicated that the weather would be changing that day. However, when we were about five kilometers from reaching Compartición, the clouds began to gather fast, thunder broke the comforting silence, and a storm unleashed its shower of hale on us. The trail became a raging river against which we walked; the water almost reached our knees. Our fingers and toes were getting numb at the same time that we were getting soaked. The fear of lightning hitting us was heightened by how close we felt it and the awareness of being surrounded by a pine forest. In this situation the challenges were multiple. No other option existed but to continue towards Compartición. The other great challenge, besides the physical one, was confronting my fears. I had not only to acknowledge them, but also that I could do nothing about the condition I found myself in. Accepting this reality released me. “God,” I said, “I cannot do anything to change the weather and the high probability of being struck by lightning. Then, I accept whatever the outcome is for me at this moment.” The peace I experienced after this acceptance was a new feeling to me. I felt fear no longer. I was able to focus on doing the only thing that was possible, sensible, and in my power: to walk forward. Reaching my destination tired, cold and with minor bruises only, was nothing compared with the wondrous spiritual growth I felt I had gone through.
The first time I climbed Pico Duarte I missed the sunrise by half an hour. Therefore, the second time I was determined not to miss it again. I had calculated that walking at a fast pace, it would be necessary to break camp at 4:30 AM by the latest. It takes me about two hours to cover the last five kilometers to the final destination. We left the camp at ten to five, which already worried me about getting there on time. Moreover, unlike the first time, there was now no full moon to illuminate the path. On the contrary, this was a dark hour to walk on such a steep, rocky and narrow trail. Early on I hit my knee against a rock so badly that I thought it was going to slow me. I paid no attention to it until later when I was able to see the damage; that is once I had reached my goal and decided to sit and contemplate my bleeding knee.
I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.
H.D. Thoreau
At 3,087 meters, Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Antillean region of island nations. Dominicans would proudly point to that fact, which they learn early in their school years, while tourists learn it in their promotion packets. Dominicans climb Pico Duarte mostly during the months of January and February. The rest of the year, it is foreigners who predominate. The trek requires to cover a distance of 46.2 kilometers, four kilometers longer than a marathon. A more important difference, however, is that the distance to Pico Duarte can be done in stages and over several days. The traveler advances over winding and steep hills. The terrain alternates between stony and rocky, with some short stretches of muddy, reddish clay. The breathtaking views one is exposed to change as the traveler moves from sea level to ever higher ground. Tones of green and blue frame the ascending and descending movements of the visitors. The only blemishes on this paradisiacal landscape are the black spots that remind us of the thousands of trees burnt in a fire during the dry season of 2004.
Why did I go to Pico Duarte, not once but twice in a two-week period? Some reasons are clear to me, like my penchant for strenuous exercise; others I may not be aware of. Walden, for one, is never out of reach. And though I open it only from time to time, I still feel its continuing inspiration with the same force it hit me the first time I read it, twenty-five years ago. Also, I had wanted to walk this year El Camino de Santiago, in Spain, by my fiftieth birthday; but circumstances changed and I postponed it, perhaps until 2011. Instead, I found myself this summer with a great opportunity to do Pico Duarte. Why, I had time and a Dominican friend, Candido, willing to share the experience with me. Obviously, going to Pico Duarte just after coming out from a retreat at Manresa Altagracia, in Santo Domingo, must have seemed to me a logical follow-up. I burned with the desire to continue the spiritual experiences lived at Manresa.
Candido and I traveled to the Armando Bermudez National Park, where Pico Duarte is located, on his bike. Public transportation is available, but infrequent. People get to the park either on private vehicles or charted buses. Our departure point was El Abanico, where the road to Constanza stems from Autopista Duarte. We covered the 76 km distance to the park in two hours and ten minutes. Once the city of La Vega is past (after 20kms of flat road), the rest of the trip takes place on hilly terrain. Though paved and in good condition, the road is narrow, making it for a very slow ride when fast and light vehicles are lined up behind heavy and slow ones. The next big town after La Vega is Jarabacoa. From Jarabacoa and the entrance to the park, there is a distance of 38 kms. The last village before reaching La Ciénaga is called Manabao.
No One is allowed into the park without a guide. There are stories about people who got lost and even died when this requirement was not in place. Today visitors may choose from among 80 men who perform this function. During most of the year business is slow, so finding a guide is not a problem. If some of them are not hanging around the entrance, the park ranger or the owner of the store at the corner before the park entrance will send someone to fetch a guide for you. Guides are responsible for a series of tasks, including the safety of the visitors, protection of their personal property, and food preparation. Depending on the number and needs of the visitors, they may rent one or more mules; some mules carry provisions and bags, others carry visitors who prefer to ride rather than walk, or who can alternate walking with mounting. Victuals can be purchased at any of the colmados near the park entrance.
On average, visitors take between three and four days to complete the whole trip to Pico Duarte and back. It is recommended that people start before noon on day one, walk five kilometers up to the first resting station (Los Tablones), and sleep there until the next day. Departing early from Los Tablones will help ensure that visitors reach the second station (Compartición), located 13 kms away, before nightfall. Compartición consists of two sleeping cabins, one large and other small, with capacity to hold approximately 100 people. The facilities include showers, bathrooms, kitchen and a space to light a fire at night. This communal fire is a convener for social interaction that hardly anyone misses. The fundamental reason, naturally, is that in the evening temperatures drop noticeably, requiring that visitors wear a jacket or at least a sweater. Our second trip made even more evident the need and benefits of having a fire to sit by. We had started our walk under a clear and blue sky. Nothing indicated that the weather would be changing that day. However, when we were about five kilometers from reaching Compartición, the clouds began to gather fast, thunder broke the comforting silence, and a storm unleashed its shower of hale on us. The trail became a raging river against which we walked; the water almost reached our knees. Our fingers and toes were getting numb at the same time that we were getting soaked. The fear of lightning hitting us was heightened by how close we felt it and the awareness of being surrounded by a pine forest. In this situation the challenges were multiple. No other option existed but to continue towards Compartición. The other great challenge, besides the physical one, was confronting my fears. I had not only to acknowledge them, but also that I could do nothing about the condition I found myself in. Accepting this reality released me. “God,” I said, “I cannot do anything to change the weather and the high probability of being struck by lightning. Then, I accept whatever the outcome is for me at this moment.” The peace I experienced after this acceptance was a new feeling to me. I felt fear no longer. I was able to focus on doing the only thing that was possible, sensible, and in my power: to walk forward. Reaching my destination tired, cold and with minor bruises only, was nothing compared with the wondrous spiritual growth I felt I had gone through.
The first time I climbed Pico Duarte I missed the sunrise by half an hour. Therefore, the second time I was determined not to miss it again. I had calculated that walking at a fast pace, it would be necessary to break camp at 4:30 AM by the latest. It takes me about two hours to cover the last five kilometers to the final destination. We left the camp at ten to five, which already worried me about getting there on time. Moreover, unlike the first time, there was now no full moon to illuminate the path. On the contrary, this was a dark hour to walk on such a steep, rocky and narrow trail. Early on I hit my knee against a rock so badly that I thought it was going to slow me. I paid no attention to it until later when I was able to see the damage; that is once I had reached my goal and decided to sit and contemplate my bleeding knee.
Written September 30, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSTrip_77
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina1,215 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
This hike is no joke. But, the views from the summit are absolutely worth the pain. Pico Duarte, at 10,164 feet is the highest point in the Caribbean. When I first heard that it was the highest point in the Caribbean I sort of pictures something, well, smaller. But, 10,000 feet is 10,000 feet and this climb is a serious one. I’ve done other non-technical climbs to include Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Still, I think I underestimated Pico Duarte. We used the trail head located in the town of La Ciénega, near Jarabacoa. We had to pay the 100 peso admission fee for the national park. I seriously recommend arranging for burro assistance before arriving in case there are a lot of groups. If you don’t, you’ll still probably be OK. There are a few water spots along the climb, two really, so you really are on your own with regard to food and water. However, there is a decently maintained trail that runs the 14.5 miles to the summit. The total elevation gain is about 6,500 feet but you have to do quite a bit of it multiple times making the hike pretty tiring and pretty aggressive with regard to the grade of the trail.
So, at the trail head there are bathrooms – but no toilet paper. There is also nothing really for sale other than entry. However, just outside the park, there a bunch of colmados (mini-marts) with food and water for sale. Our experience was a bit different as it was raining pretty hard for our entire drive from Santo Domingo to the trail head – and it never stopped. So, the trail was incredibly muddy. There were places where our legs sunk up to the knee in much. I personally almost lost my hiking shoe a few times due to the suction of the mud!! The lesson to be learned from all of this is that you really need to be prepared for real mountain weather. This is not the Dominican Republic that you see in travel brochures of Punta Cana. We were well-prepared with wet-weather gear and some colder weather gear (though not more than fleeces and some long underwear for under our outer gear) and we were chilled to the bone toward the end of day one.
There are a number of options available for the climb. We didn’t have a lot of time so we were up and down in two days. Most normal people do a minimum of three days. Others do five. For our hike, we started from the trail head at about 9am and hiked to the summit base camp which is 3.10 miles from the summit on day one. We spent the night at the base camp. We then woke up at 4:30am and summited for sunrise. (It’s a 1.5-2.0 hour hike to the top from the base camp.) We spent some amazing time on the summit and then, when we were bitterly cold, returned to the base camp to have a more substantial meal before our descent. The summit is wind-swept and has a small bust of Duarte and a little white cross as well as a proud Dominican flag whipping in the wind. The hike was well worth the soaring views of mountains that seem far too vast to be on a Caribbean island. You can see all the way to Haiti from that point which was well above the cloud line.
The overnight was not pleasant. There is a large common lodge with no real amenities other than fireplaces, walls and a roof (and windows). It was pretty full the night we stayed. It wouldn’t have been bad but for a small group of obnoxious people who happened to be there at the same time. They were speaking very loudly and laughing while we were all trying to get some sleep at about 8:30pm or so. We asked them (in Spanish) to kindly try to keep it down. They scoffed at us. The sweet revenge came at 4:15am when we got up to pack up our stuff. But, that was the group that we ran across. It’s the luck of the draw. There are no quality bathrooms or port-a-potties up at that level. There are some outhouses with floors that look like they are going to collapse into the “honey pit” at any moment. Most people just relieve themselves in the woods (yes both sexes and both “kinds.”) It’s really not too bad because the volume of people doesn’t overwhelm the place. There is a small spring with a pipe sticking out of a rock. We were able to replenish our water there. We were told that we didn’t need chlorine tablets for the water but used them anyway. Many people don’t use tabs and were fine. People who didn’t want to sleep in the common lodge set up tents in the vicinity though the area has a huge amount of mule and donkey poop all over the place to be careful!!
There is no cell reception for Claro on the mountain so plan ahead to let people know where you are. Ensure that you pack appropriately and make careful use of the donkeys and mules to haul things like sleeping bags, tents, etc. if you want them and you will at least want a sleeping bag since it gets down into the 30s on the mountain. You can light fires in specific places but be careful as you’ll quickly note all of the wildfire damage.
Bring: wet weather gear, cold weather gear for the summit, sturdy boots/hiking shoes, sunscreen and hats, sun glasses, flashlight (preferably a head-lamp for the summit climb which starts in the pitch dark), water, high calorie food bars, camera and a really good attitude!!
So, at the trail head there are bathrooms – but no toilet paper. There is also nothing really for sale other than entry. However, just outside the park, there a bunch of colmados (mini-marts) with food and water for sale. Our experience was a bit different as it was raining pretty hard for our entire drive from Santo Domingo to the trail head – and it never stopped. So, the trail was incredibly muddy. There were places where our legs sunk up to the knee in much. I personally almost lost my hiking shoe a few times due to the suction of the mud!! The lesson to be learned from all of this is that you really need to be prepared for real mountain weather. This is not the Dominican Republic that you see in travel brochures of Punta Cana. We were well-prepared with wet-weather gear and some colder weather gear (though not more than fleeces and some long underwear for under our outer gear) and we were chilled to the bone toward the end of day one.
There are a number of options available for the climb. We didn’t have a lot of time so we were up and down in two days. Most normal people do a minimum of three days. Others do five. For our hike, we started from the trail head at about 9am and hiked to the summit base camp which is 3.10 miles from the summit on day one. We spent the night at the base camp. We then woke up at 4:30am and summited for sunrise. (It’s a 1.5-2.0 hour hike to the top from the base camp.) We spent some amazing time on the summit and then, when we were bitterly cold, returned to the base camp to have a more substantial meal before our descent. The summit is wind-swept and has a small bust of Duarte and a little white cross as well as a proud Dominican flag whipping in the wind. The hike was well worth the soaring views of mountains that seem far too vast to be on a Caribbean island. You can see all the way to Haiti from that point which was well above the cloud line.
The overnight was not pleasant. There is a large common lodge with no real amenities other than fireplaces, walls and a roof (and windows). It was pretty full the night we stayed. It wouldn’t have been bad but for a small group of obnoxious people who happened to be there at the same time. They were speaking very loudly and laughing while we were all trying to get some sleep at about 8:30pm or so. We asked them (in Spanish) to kindly try to keep it down. They scoffed at us. The sweet revenge came at 4:15am when we got up to pack up our stuff. But, that was the group that we ran across. It’s the luck of the draw. There are no quality bathrooms or port-a-potties up at that level. There are some outhouses with floors that look like they are going to collapse into the “honey pit” at any moment. Most people just relieve themselves in the woods (yes both sexes and both “kinds.”) It’s really not too bad because the volume of people doesn’t overwhelm the place. There is a small spring with a pipe sticking out of a rock. We were able to replenish our water there. We were told that we didn’t need chlorine tablets for the water but used them anyway. Many people don’t use tabs and were fine. People who didn’t want to sleep in the common lodge set up tents in the vicinity though the area has a huge amount of mule and donkey poop all over the place to be careful!!
There is no cell reception for Claro on the mountain so plan ahead to let people know where you are. Ensure that you pack appropriately and make careful use of the donkeys and mules to haul things like sleeping bags, tents, etc. if you want them and you will at least want a sleeping bag since it gets down into the 30s on the mountain. You can light fires in specific places but be careful as you’ll quickly note all of the wildfire damage.
Bring: wet weather gear, cold weather gear for the summit, sturdy boots/hiking shoes, sunscreen and hats, sun glasses, flashlight (preferably a head-lamp for the summit climb which starts in the pitch dark), water, high calorie food bars, camera and a really good attitude!!
Written February 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JVTorres
Austin, TX238 contributions
Dec 2012 • Couples
It's hard, I'm not going to lie... But it's totally worth it!
My mom lives in the Dominican Republic so she contacted a couple of guides to help us coordinate hour trek to Pico Duarte. You can't hike it without a guide (they won't let you). We had 2 guides and two mules. He recommended 2 mules in case one of us couldn't make it we had a mule to take us there. We didn't need it, our goal was to complete the hike w/o help. We wanted to do this in 2 days since we didn't have that many days to spend with the family and really wanted to accomplish this trip, but ended up doing it in 3 days.
How can you arrange your trip: You can call a company that is going to charge you big bucks to do the trip and they will include all food, etc.. Super nice! Or if you have a car and don't mind doing a little bit more work, you can contact the guides and do all the food arrangements your self, that's what we did. This means that you need to pack food for you and your guides(any type of food, it doesn't have to be dry food, they will carry it). Food and backpacks were carried by the mule, which it was nice and I would definitely recommend it. Some hills are steep and we were just carrying a camelback water backpack and was exhausting. So the extra mule for the packs was great.
Day one: We got to La Cienaga around 730am and left around 8am. Started our hike and it was very nice. Lots of muddy trails that when it's raining I heard the mud can go up to your knees, so I wouldn't recommend it if it's raining. Luckily for us it just sprinkled a little when we were hiking up and the mud was not an issue. Once we started hiking after 2 hours I was already tired, some hills are steep and if you are not used to it will be hard. I would advice you to hike some hills before you go to train your body. La Laguna is the midpoint of the hike up before you get to La Comparticion. In the map it shows that after Aguita Fria, the rest is downhill. Don't be too excited about this, most of it is downhill but not all. I took us apx. 9 hours to get to La Comparticion. We left around 8am and got there around 5pm. We took our time and lots of pictures in the way. You can do it faster but we wanted to enjoy the views. We were super tired once we got there. Our cook was waiting for us with hot cocoa and warm food. That night we decided that we wanted to rest in the morning and do this trek in 3 days instead of 2. I regret this, since I wanted to see the sunset from Pico Duarte. We could've done it in 2 days but that means that we had to wake up at 3am to get ready. We didn't want to do that...
That night got really cold. Just be prepared, we took our northface goose down jackets that we usually take to ski, good socks, fleece sweaters, underarmour thermals, etc. Be prepared for cold, but just at night and very early in the morning, after that it gets better. We left in shorts and shirts, but carried our rain jackets with us in our trek.
La Comparticion: Very well maintained wood cabins, there is one for guest to sleep in with 2 fireplaces at both sides of the cabin, one for the food (this is where the guides sleep in), and one for gathering and campfire. We took our tent and placed it inside the cabin because I read that there were rats, I didn't see any, but it was nice to have a little bit more privacy inside the tent. We didn't take our mattress but I would advice you to take one since the floor was super hard, our sleeping bag was not sufficient. Honestly, sleeping was the worst part of this trip for me, it would've been better with a small pillow and a thin mattress. Think about this before you go, anyways the mules will carry everything....
Day two: We woke up around 8 and left about 9am. The hike was going up all the time but since we have had rest/sleep it didn't feel bad. It was cold at the beginning of the hike but after a while we started taking layers out. If you have the energy try to do the hike super early so you can see the sunrise at the top. I regret that we decided not to. The views for the top are amazing... There is not much on the top just a Juan Pablo Duarte Statue on top of some rocks but the view is worth it. We came back down and were at the campsite at around 1pm. Not much to do this day after the summit hike. This is another reason why I should've done the early hike instead...
Day three: Got up very early, ate breakfast, packed and left around 6am. We enjoyed the views in the return much more, I guess because we knew that we were going to have a great night sleep tonight at home... We made it to the bottom around 1245pm, got some Presidente Beer to celebrate and ate lunch with our guides.
This is one of those trips that you want to say: "I did it..." I would recommend it, just work out some hills or stairs before you go because is not easy, and take lots of snacks for the hike up and down. It's worth it, don't stay in the resort, go explore a little bit....
My mom lives in the Dominican Republic so she contacted a couple of guides to help us coordinate hour trek to Pico Duarte. You can't hike it without a guide (they won't let you). We had 2 guides and two mules. He recommended 2 mules in case one of us couldn't make it we had a mule to take us there. We didn't need it, our goal was to complete the hike w/o help. We wanted to do this in 2 days since we didn't have that many days to spend with the family and really wanted to accomplish this trip, but ended up doing it in 3 days.
How can you arrange your trip: You can call a company that is going to charge you big bucks to do the trip and they will include all food, etc.. Super nice! Or if you have a car and don't mind doing a little bit more work, you can contact the guides and do all the food arrangements your self, that's what we did. This means that you need to pack food for you and your guides(any type of food, it doesn't have to be dry food, they will carry it). Food and backpacks were carried by the mule, which it was nice and I would definitely recommend it. Some hills are steep and we were just carrying a camelback water backpack and was exhausting. So the extra mule for the packs was great.
Day one: We got to La Cienaga around 730am and left around 8am. Started our hike and it was very nice. Lots of muddy trails that when it's raining I heard the mud can go up to your knees, so I wouldn't recommend it if it's raining. Luckily for us it just sprinkled a little when we were hiking up and the mud was not an issue. Once we started hiking after 2 hours I was already tired, some hills are steep and if you are not used to it will be hard. I would advice you to hike some hills before you go to train your body. La Laguna is the midpoint of the hike up before you get to La Comparticion. In the map it shows that after Aguita Fria, the rest is downhill. Don't be too excited about this, most of it is downhill but not all. I took us apx. 9 hours to get to La Comparticion. We left around 8am and got there around 5pm. We took our time and lots of pictures in the way. You can do it faster but we wanted to enjoy the views. We were super tired once we got there. Our cook was waiting for us with hot cocoa and warm food. That night we decided that we wanted to rest in the morning and do this trek in 3 days instead of 2. I regret this, since I wanted to see the sunset from Pico Duarte. We could've done it in 2 days but that means that we had to wake up at 3am to get ready. We didn't want to do that...
That night got really cold. Just be prepared, we took our northface goose down jackets that we usually take to ski, good socks, fleece sweaters, underarmour thermals, etc. Be prepared for cold, but just at night and very early in the morning, after that it gets better. We left in shorts and shirts, but carried our rain jackets with us in our trek.
La Comparticion: Very well maintained wood cabins, there is one for guest to sleep in with 2 fireplaces at both sides of the cabin, one for the food (this is where the guides sleep in), and one for gathering and campfire. We took our tent and placed it inside the cabin because I read that there were rats, I didn't see any, but it was nice to have a little bit more privacy inside the tent. We didn't take our mattress but I would advice you to take one since the floor was super hard, our sleeping bag was not sufficient. Honestly, sleeping was the worst part of this trip for me, it would've been better with a small pillow and a thin mattress. Think about this before you go, anyways the mules will carry everything....
Day two: We woke up around 8 and left about 9am. The hike was going up all the time but since we have had rest/sleep it didn't feel bad. It was cold at the beginning of the hike but after a while we started taking layers out. If you have the energy try to do the hike super early so you can see the sunrise at the top. I regret that we decided not to. The views for the top are amazing... There is not much on the top just a Juan Pablo Duarte Statue on top of some rocks but the view is worth it. We came back down and were at the campsite at around 1pm. Not much to do this day after the summit hike. This is another reason why I should've done the early hike instead...
Day three: Got up very early, ate breakfast, packed and left around 6am. We enjoyed the views in the return much more, I guess because we knew that we were going to have a great night sleep tonight at home... We made it to the bottom around 1245pm, got some Presidente Beer to celebrate and ate lunch with our guides.
This is one of those trips that you want to say: "I did it..." I would recommend it, just work out some hills or stairs before you go because is not easy, and take lots of snacks for the hike up and down. It's worth it, don't stay in the resort, go explore a little bit....
Written January 21, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kreuff
Copenhagen23 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
Make no mistake, the Pico Duarte Express two-day climb of Pico Duarte offered by Rancho Baiguate is exactly what it says -- Express!
Departure from the Rancho is at 0630, such that the climb/hike starts at around 0830 from Ciénaga. While the first four kilometers are an easy walk, the next eight km will see you gain about 1400 meters of altitude....unless you are in very, very good shape, you may consider ridning one of the mules for the steepest parts, the Express package includes a mule for every participant for a reason! Even with a bit of riding along the way, it is unlikely you will be at the Comparticion camp site before around five or six in the afternoon, just in time to feel the temperature plummet while the guides cook you a hot dinner :)
After spending the night in a sleeping bag on a thin matress (both are part of the package, but bring some warm clothes, the night at 2400 m is COLD), you will begin the final ascent at 0500-ish the next morning, to catch the sunrise from the peak. This part of the hike is also a very steep one, and you may consider the mules again, if you want to make it all the way down to Ciénaga before nightfall...but anyway, the view from the top is fantastic, and will convince you that it is entirely worth every sore muscle and the indignity of riding a mule rather that walking:)
The return trip first to Comparticion and breakfast and then the remaining 17 km down to Ciénaga is a long one, and again the mules may come in handy for those who tire of walking down steep trails, cut into the mountain side by mules and water and littered with loose stones and rocks.
All in All, this is a very nice hike, but it is a bit of a tough one for two days only...and it really is Express, meaning that there is not much time for admiring the scenery, and also that the mules may be needed for riding, like it or not, unless you are fast with a lot of stamina! However, the mules make this hike accessible also for people with a normal level of fitness.
Departure from the Rancho is at 0630, such that the climb/hike starts at around 0830 from Ciénaga. While the first four kilometers are an easy walk, the next eight km will see you gain about 1400 meters of altitude....unless you are in very, very good shape, you may consider ridning one of the mules for the steepest parts, the Express package includes a mule for every participant for a reason! Even with a bit of riding along the way, it is unlikely you will be at the Comparticion camp site before around five or six in the afternoon, just in time to feel the temperature plummet while the guides cook you a hot dinner :)
After spending the night in a sleeping bag on a thin matress (both are part of the package, but bring some warm clothes, the night at 2400 m is COLD), you will begin the final ascent at 0500-ish the next morning, to catch the sunrise from the peak. This part of the hike is also a very steep one, and you may consider the mules again, if you want to make it all the way down to Ciénaga before nightfall...but anyway, the view from the top is fantastic, and will convince you that it is entirely worth every sore muscle and the indignity of riding a mule rather that walking:)
The return trip first to Comparticion and breakfast and then the remaining 17 km down to Ciénaga is a long one, and again the mules may come in handy for those who tire of walking down steep trails, cut into the mountain side by mules and water and littered with loose stones and rocks.
All in All, this is a very nice hike, but it is a bit of a tough one for two days only...and it really is Express, meaning that there is not much time for admiring the scenery, and also that the mules may be needed for riding, like it or not, unless you are fast with a lot of stamina! However, the mules make this hike accessible also for people with a normal level of fitness.
Written August 19, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LP148
Miami, FL113 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
I am in good shape and 44 years old. Do NOT take this mountain lightly. It is a 26km hike and they do not count the turns in that calculation. It is likely 30-35km. It is much longer and harder than you would expect from a 10,000ft peak.
The beginning may fool you as it is an easy slight up hill walk with beautiful nature scenes and a river. After the first 4km it is all business. There is a section they call “Repentimiento.” I called it HELL ON EARTH. It is a very steep grade loaded with rocks of all sizes that goes on for 2-3 hours. Turn after turn after turn after turn, it feels like it will never end. Every peak is met with a higher peak and another, followed by more and more and more. Just remember, it does eventually end.
It is extremely important that you hire a professional guide. We used Rancho Baiguate (Buy-Gua-Tey) in Jarabacoa (Ha-Ra-Ba-Coa). We purchased the Relax package which is not relaxing, but it is not rushed. It allowed us time to prepare, complete the hike, return, shower and relax and eat afterwards. They provided a professional guide, all of the food and drinks, snacks, mules to carry everything but us, and a cook for the entire trip.
You still need to bring along extra snacks. I suggest you bring a LOT. I also suggest you bring professional grade Salt-Pills. You can find them on Amazon (see photo) or in a local camping supply store. It will help fight against muscle fatigue and cramping. We brought a large container of powdered Gatorade. It allowed us to change the water provided into Gatorade, which helps with electrolytes.
Last note, it gets cold at 8000-10000 feet. No matter what time of year you summit, bring proper clothing and camping gear for freezing to near freezing temperatures. It is the Caribbean. However, every 1000 feet you climb the temp drops about 4 degrees F, or 2 degrees C. That means it will be cold at night no matter where you sleep.
Get your mind right before the first step and congrats when you take that awesome picture at the top!!!
The beginning may fool you as it is an easy slight up hill walk with beautiful nature scenes and a river. After the first 4km it is all business. There is a section they call “Repentimiento.” I called it HELL ON EARTH. It is a very steep grade loaded with rocks of all sizes that goes on for 2-3 hours. Turn after turn after turn after turn, it feels like it will never end. Every peak is met with a higher peak and another, followed by more and more and more. Just remember, it does eventually end.
It is extremely important that you hire a professional guide. We used Rancho Baiguate (Buy-Gua-Tey) in Jarabacoa (Ha-Ra-Ba-Coa). We purchased the Relax package which is not relaxing, but it is not rushed. It allowed us time to prepare, complete the hike, return, shower and relax and eat afterwards. They provided a professional guide, all of the food and drinks, snacks, mules to carry everything but us, and a cook for the entire trip.
You still need to bring along extra snacks. I suggest you bring a LOT. I also suggest you bring professional grade Salt-Pills. You can find them on Amazon (see photo) or in a local camping supply store. It will help fight against muscle fatigue and cramping. We brought a large container of powdered Gatorade. It allowed us to change the water provided into Gatorade, which helps with electrolytes.
Last note, it gets cold at 8000-10000 feet. No matter what time of year you summit, bring proper clothing and camping gear for freezing to near freezing temperatures. It is the Caribbean. However, every 1000 feet you climb the temp drops about 4 degrees F, or 2 degrees C. That means it will be cold at night no matter where you sleep.
Get your mind right before the first step and congrats when you take that awesome picture at the top!!!
Written June 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Princesa5
London, United Kingdom17 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Why would anyone like to hike for 3 days (we did the relax tour), sleep on a wooden floor, shower with ice cold mountain water and reach physical limits?! I initially did it because I wanted to see if I could manage to hike for various days in a row and to test my limits.
Start was from Rancho Baiguate at 6.30am with a breakfast and fear as a constant companion since the night before. Our guide, a 24 year old with baseball cap told us he was the most experienced guy at Rancho which sounded somehow odd in the moment, later during our trip we had to admit that we trapped into the common mistake of age discrimination and we changed to total trust rather soon. He started carrying tones of food to the vehicle which brought us in 1hr drive to the starting point. A rough ride during the countryside later, we arrived and saw for our entire group of 2 people (myself included) 6 mules and 2 further guides. They were the chef and the muli owner and quite frankly, we got spoilt with attention to details from our 3 angels Melvin, Manolo and Framie. Fell in love with all 3 of them during the trip, I mean how many times in your life do 3 guys cook for you, clean everything, are with certain distance behind you to catch you when you fall, make your bed or make fire at night when you are cold... heaven literally!
So basically all we had to do was WALK! 8 hours first day which is the hardest, fire and rum after dinner to warm up, sleep next to chimney on floor and getting up around 7am for day 2. Around 4/5 hours next day to climb the Pico and with beautiful sunshine you really get a deserved view over the entire mountains. During this hike the best part though are the emotions passing through like the wind through the Dominican flag up on the top. First there is fear and excitement, then you believe it is all easy, later you start realising it will be hard and doubts pass by, "what if" starts to pop up. Next stage was anger towards everyone, the friend who walks faster than you, the guides who ride a muli comfortably while you are close to complete exhaustion and fear to faint any moment, anger against yourself for not training more beforehand, anger at your job which does not allow more time for hikes, anger towards the plants that they are just there doing nothing and you have to go through this. After that stage acceptance appeared out of nowhere and you realise it is best to use your energy to finish the hike somehow and to just keep walking instead of rage. Funny enough it works. Once that happens and the sign post of Aguita fria 2650m, highest point of the first day is reached, everything else is a piece of cake.
Hardest part of the trip was to realise it will end though. To say goodbye to the experience, the people you met alongside, the ridiculously amazing stars, the peace and quiet sometimes broken by Manolo shouting "Corazon corazon" in the middle of the night to give some extra food to his favourite mule, Melvin showing us part of his life through his entire phone content, Framie who enjoys saying nothing but rolling stones down the hill, the simple life without problems. The life we wish to have sometimes. Up there in the mountains one may find much more than just an adventure. Be prepared for your personal emotional roller-coaster, the Pico Duarte.
Start was from Rancho Baiguate at 6.30am with a breakfast and fear as a constant companion since the night before. Our guide, a 24 year old with baseball cap told us he was the most experienced guy at Rancho which sounded somehow odd in the moment, later during our trip we had to admit that we trapped into the common mistake of age discrimination and we changed to total trust rather soon. He started carrying tones of food to the vehicle which brought us in 1hr drive to the starting point. A rough ride during the countryside later, we arrived and saw for our entire group of 2 people (myself included) 6 mules and 2 further guides. They were the chef and the muli owner and quite frankly, we got spoilt with attention to details from our 3 angels Melvin, Manolo and Framie. Fell in love with all 3 of them during the trip, I mean how many times in your life do 3 guys cook for you, clean everything, are with certain distance behind you to catch you when you fall, make your bed or make fire at night when you are cold... heaven literally!
So basically all we had to do was WALK! 8 hours first day which is the hardest, fire and rum after dinner to warm up, sleep next to chimney on floor and getting up around 7am for day 2. Around 4/5 hours next day to climb the Pico and with beautiful sunshine you really get a deserved view over the entire mountains. During this hike the best part though are the emotions passing through like the wind through the Dominican flag up on the top. First there is fear and excitement, then you believe it is all easy, later you start realising it will be hard and doubts pass by, "what if" starts to pop up. Next stage was anger towards everyone, the friend who walks faster than you, the guides who ride a muli comfortably while you are close to complete exhaustion and fear to faint any moment, anger against yourself for not training more beforehand, anger at your job which does not allow more time for hikes, anger towards the plants that they are just there doing nothing and you have to go through this. After that stage acceptance appeared out of nowhere and you realise it is best to use your energy to finish the hike somehow and to just keep walking instead of rage. Funny enough it works. Once that happens and the sign post of Aguita fria 2650m, highest point of the first day is reached, everything else is a piece of cake.
Hardest part of the trip was to realise it will end though. To say goodbye to the experience, the people you met alongside, the ridiculously amazing stars, the peace and quiet sometimes broken by Manolo shouting "Corazon corazon" in the middle of the night to give some extra food to his favourite mule, Melvin showing us part of his life through his entire phone content, Framie who enjoys saying nothing but rolling stones down the hill, the simple life without problems. The life we wish to have sometimes. Up there in the mountains one may find much more than just an adventure. Be prepared for your personal emotional roller-coaster, the Pico Duarte.
Written December 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Alex, Having recently climbed Pico Duarte i cannot believe this picture is actually Pico Duarte. Are you able to confirm anything about this picture?
Written December 29, 2020
My friend and I want to hike Pico Duarte starting 22Feb 2019. Would anyone know if it's possible to show up the day of to La Cienega (the park office i presume that is) and hire a guide to trek up and down in 2 days? If so, how would we go about this? Show up to the park first thing in the morning and tell the Ranger what we are trying to do or...?
If we could, we would hike it solo without a guide but according to my research, it is mandated by the government that we have a guide at least. We would be flying into the Santiago airport and then find transportation to Manaboa 21Feb 2019. I appreciate any insight in advance.
Cheers!
Johnny
Written February 20, 2019
My friend and I were unfortunately not able to make our flights to the DR. We were plagued with a brutal snow storm the night before. Our hiking plans will have to wait for another opportunity.
I did receive some great information though from a mate, who saw one of my other posts. i will copy and paste it for others to read.
"If you have not made your trip yet, I'd say that you have a chance to hire a guide on the morning of the trek. Most of those guys live in the villages nearby. If that's the case, something to keep in mind is that you need to buy and pack your food supplies ahead of time (I relied on my guide for that). I'd also say that you take a bit more food than you need for yourself, just to share with your guide. The guides will appreciate that! "
I hope this helps everybody out there!
Written March 5, 2019
romdelorbe
Union City, New Jersey
Are there different levels depending on the hiker's experience?
Written July 29, 2018
Hi there,
I don't believe there are levels on the trail that I took. From what I saw on the trail, the only way to moderate your hike/trip is to ride the mule. This is what families and groups of folks did when someone felt that a particular section was too hard.
Hope that helps.
Written August 9, 2018
Buenos días , quisiera subir corriendo en un día , con quien puedo contactar ? La semana próxima estaré unos 10 días , saludos
Written April 28, 2018
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre témoignage. Est-ce que vous êtes passé par une agence pour le trek ?
Je souhaiterais organiser mon excursion pour le Pico Duarte moi-même, et je cherche par quel moyen faire le trajet de Jarabacoa à La Ciénaga pour le départ ?
J'ai lu quelque part qu'il y avait des "Publicos" qui effectuaient le trajet mais de manière assez aléatoire "si vous avez un peu de chance". Est-ce que vous en savez plus ? Ou alors ou est-ce que je pourrais me renseigner ?
Concernant les hébergements, il est indiqué qu'il est possible de louer une chambre chez l'habitant à La Ciénaga, mais sans précision me permettant de m'assurer de la disponibilité et du prix.
Encore une fois, si vous avez plus d'info à ce sujet, je suis preneuse.
Merci d'avance,
EloFgr
Written February 12, 2018
Bonjour,
Merci pour votre témoignage. Est-ce que vous êtes passé par une agence pour le trek ?
Je souhaiterais organiser mon excursion pour le Pico Duarte moi-même, et je cherche par quel moyen faire le trajet de Jarabacoa à La Ciénaga pour le départ ?
J'ai lu quelque part qu'il y avait des "Publicos" qui effectuaient le trajet mais de manière assez aléatoire "si vous avez un peu de chance". Est-ce que vous en savez plus ? Ou alors ou est-ce que je pourrais me renseigner ?
Concernant les hébergements, il est indiqué qu'il est possible de louer une chambre chez l'habitant à La Ciénaga, mais sans précision me permettant de m'assurer de la disponibilité et du prix.
Encore une fois, si vous avez plus d'info à ce sujet, je suis preneuse.
Merci d'avance,
EloFgr
Written February 12, 2018
Hola, EloFgr
Yo fui por medio a una agencia de excursiones, creo es la mejor opción. Hay una muy buena de nombre Guias de Alturas.
Si se puede rentar habitaciones en La Ciénaga, pero definitivamente debe contactar el Hotel para confirmar la disponibilidad.
Que tenga un excelente viaje!.
Written March 3, 2018
Hola, donde contrataste el viaje, en la entrada del parque o anteriormente?, gracias
Written December 10, 2017
Hello, The posted site (which is clearly a company's web site), lists the 3 days for 460 Euros. Is this accurate? This sounds very expensive. We are not staying in 5 start hotels on the mountains. It is just a tent or cottage. Why is it so expensive? And I don't have 3 days. Can I do it in 2 days?
Written October 23, 2017
$300 is what I paid for a trip, solo, with a guide. It would be cheaper with a group, but I did not have company at the time nor was I lucky to join an existing group.
Written August 9, 2018
Can a ten year old do this hike?
Written May 26, 2017
It is possible if your kid is physically strong.
Written August 9, 2018
What are your thoughts on taking two 14 year olds on this adventure ?
Written May 24, 2017
That would depend on their level of experience in hiking and their level of fitness. This is not for beginners. Taking them all the way to the top and back down is difficult unless they are extremely head strong and in top physical condition.
A warning to parents who want to bring kids along. Adults have died climbing this mountain. Do not take it lightly!
Written June 9, 2018
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