Jarabacoa is recognized as the birthplace of the country's ecotourism industry. Situated in the mountains of the Central Cordillera, Jarabacoa is a great place for long horseback rides through beautiful pine trees. Although it can drop to 45 F (7 C) in winter, Jarabacoa nearly always has a pleasant temperature from 60 to 75 degrees F (16-22 C). Locals call this steady climate the "city of eternal spring," which is perfect for growing strawberries and flowers.

 

However, there is much more than just relaxing to be done in Jarabacoa. With three rivers flowing nearby, Baiguate, Jimenoa and the Yaque del Norte, there is plenty of adventure to be found. These are particularly popular because of their level-two rapids. Here, you can float down in tubes, white water raft, or even rappel down vertically. www.ranchobaiguate.com.

 

If you prefer to stay dry, people also love to go mountain biking here. In fact, tourists are able to bike down the same path that was used for the 2003 Pan American games that crossed through Jarabacoa.

 

Jarabacoa is the main gateway to the mountains of the Central Cordillera: Pico Duarte, La Pelona and La Rusilla. They are so tall, that they are known as the Dominican Alps. The fastest route brings you two miles above sea level by arriving at Pico Duarte and going through Manabao.

 

The road to Manabao passes by the Jarabacoa River Club, a center that is equipped with giant pools, sports fields and restaurants serving Creole cuisine.

 

On Sundays in Jarabacoa it is tradition to attend the 9:00 a.m. Mass at the Cistercian Monastery of Santa María de Evangelio, which is located on the highway to Manabao.

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