Jarabacoa is a mountain town in the Dominican Republic, located in the Central Mountain Range. Some highlights of the area include:
• Pico Duarte – At over 10,000 feet, it is the highest peak in the Caribbean. Experienced hikers can trek to the summit through rainforest trails.
• Jarabacoa Waterfalls – There are several scenic waterfalls nearby, including Salto Jimenoa Uno and Salto Baiguate. You can hike to the falls or go waterfall rappelling.
• Rancho Baiguate – This mountain lodge offers horseback riding tours to scenic spots in the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s a great way to take in the stunning mountain vistas.
• Rivers – The Yaque del Norte and Yuna rivers flow down from the mountains through Jarabacoa. You can go river rafting or kayaking down the rivers amid the mountain rainforest scenery.
• Bird Watching – The mountain region around Jarabacoa attracts many species of tropical birds. It’s a popular spot for bird watching, especially the mountain pine savannas.
• Adventure parks – There are multiple adventure parks in the area with mountain biking trails, rope bridges, and zip lines amid the forest. So it’s a great spot for outdoor and adrenaline activities.
• Jarabacoa was founded in 1506 as a Spanish colonial town. It was a stopover on the route between Santo Domingo and the inland gold mines.
• In the 1600s, Jarabacoa became an important cattle ranching area, supplying meat and hides to other parts of the island. This contributed to growth of the town.
• In the mid-1900s, Rafael Trujillo (the Dominican dictator at the time) developed country homes and ranchos in Jarabacoa as a mountain retreat, which further increased the town’s profile as a vacation destination.
• Today, Jarabacoa is a popular mountain getaway attracting Dominicans and tourists alike seeking the cooler climate and opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation amid the scenic mountain landscapes. However, it has still retained a tranquil, small-town feel.
• The local Taino Indian, Spanish, and African influences are reflected in the culture, music, art, and cuisine of Jarabacoa. It provides a glimpse into the heritage of the Dominican mountains and how early settlers lived.
Here are some recommended restaurants in Jarabacoa:
• Rancho Baiguate Restaurant – This mountain lodge restaurant offers traditional Dominican cuisine and mountain views. They are known for their grilled meats and seafood.
• Mombacho Restaurant – They offer local specialties like mote de guaro (a stew), platano maduro (fried sweet plantains), and fresh river shrimp and fish. They have scenic mountain vistas from their open-air dining area.
• La Cascada Restaurant – This restaurant is located right next to Jimenoa Waterfall. They offer regional cuisine and fresh trout from the river, which you can enjoy with the sounds of the waterfall in the background.
• El Magnifico Restaurant – They offer a wide range of Dominican and international dishes, including pasta, pizza, grilled meats and river shrimp. The atmospheric wooden lodge has mountain views.
• Jarabacoa Pizza – If you want something more casual, stop by for wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and fresh fruit juices. They have a nice open-air terrace.