Pico Duarte Hiking Experience
Hike to top of the tallest mountain in all of the Caribbean islands, a height of 3,098 meters! Also known as Sierra Pelona, because it has two peaks similar in height: Pico Duarte to the east and Pico Pelona to the west (only two meters lower). Pico Duarte is located in the central portion of the mountain range known as the Cordillera Central, in José Armando Bermúdez and José María Del Carmen National Parks. We will spend 3 days on the trail, with ascents and descents to reach both peaks, for a total of 46 kilometers. The hike is not technically difficult but it requires excellent fitness and endurance. Join this adventure to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in nature. You will experience the cool pine forest and ferns, incredible scenery and views, epic sunrises and sunsets, and birds and other wildlife along the way. "More than a hike, it's an experience of a lifetime!"
Hike to top of the tallest mountain in all of the Caribbean islands, a height of 3,098 meters! Also known as Sierra Pelona, because it has two peaks similar in height: Pico Duarte to the east and Pico Pelona to the west (only two meters lower). Pico Duarte is located in the central portion of the mountain range known as the Cordillera Central, in José Armando Bermúdez and José María Del Carmen National Parks. We will spend 3 days on the trail, with ascents and descents to reach both peaks, for a total of 46 kilometers. The hike is not technically difficult but it requires excellent fitness and endurance. Join this adventure to disconnect and truly immerse yourself in nature. You will experience the cool pine forest and ferns, incredible scenery and views, epic sunrises and sunsets, and birds and other wildlife along the way. "More than a hike, it's an experience of a lifetime!"
Dates: July 23rd-25th
Dates: July 23rd-25th
Maximum Group size: 50 people
Maximum Group size: 50 people
Cost: $290 USD
Cost: $290 USD
Location: Pico Duarte
Location: Pico Duarte
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Images from Pico Duarte
Images from Pico Duarte
Thanks OVA Trails for all the beautiful pictures on this page.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1
3:50 a.m. Departure to Ciénaga de Manabao
3:50 a.m. Departure to Ciénaga de Manabao
7:00 a.m. Welcome and intro. to Park conservation
7:00 a.m. Welcome and intro. to Park conservation
8:00 a.m. 18km Hiking starts, with several stops:
8:00 a.m. 18km Hiking starts, with several stops:
Los Tablones
La cotorra
La laguna
Aguita fría
Spend the night at Compartición
Spend the night at Compartición
Day 2
Day 2
7:30 a.m. Wake up and have breakfast
7:30 a.m. Wake up and have breakfast
8:30 a.m. Hike to Pico Duarte Starts, with stop Lilis Valley
8:30 a.m. Hike to Pico Duarte Starts, with stop Lilis Valley
11:00 a.m. Arrival to Pico Duarte
11:00 a.m. Arrival to Pico Duarte
1:00 p.m. Back to Compartición for Lunch
1:00 p.m. Back to Compartición for Lunch
Rest
Rest
Day 3
Day 3
7:00 a.m. Wake up and have breakfast
7:00 a.m. Wake up and have breakfast
2:00 p.m. Arrival to La Ciénaga and have lunch
2:00 p.m. Arrival to La Ciénaga and have lunch
4:00 p.m. Departure to Santo Domingo.
4:00 p.m. Departure to Santo Domingo.
What to bring:
What to bring:
1.Sleeping bag (For Temp. from 0°C to 10°C) and Cover for the sleeping bag
1.Sleeping bag (For Temp. from 0°C to 10°C) and Cover for the sleeping bag
2. Flashlight
2. Flashlight
3. Warm jacket
3. Warm jacket
4. Large water bottles (CamelBack or Water Backpack)
4. Large water bottles (CamelBack or Water Backpack)
5. High energy snacks for the hike (granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit and nuts, etc.)
5. High energy snacks for the hike (granola bars, protein bars, dried fruit and nuts, etc.)
6. Good hiking boots with ankle support - make sure they are broken in, not new (hiking poles optional)
6. Good hiking boots with ankle support - make sure they are broken in, not new (hiking poles optional)
7. Clothes for 3 days (3 clothes for walking, warm pajamas, long sleeve for the night, 2 clothes for resting)
7. Clothes for 3 days (3 clothes for walking, warm pajamas, long sleeve for the night, 2 clothes for resting)
8. Cap/hat
8. Cap/hat
9. Gloves (only if your hand gets very cold)
9. Gloves (only if your hand gets very cold)
10. Rain Coat (black 55 gallon plastic bag works too)
10. Rain Coat (black 55 gallon plastic bag works too)
11. Cup, plate, bowl, fork and spoon (NOT DISPOSABLE)
11. Cup, plate, bowl, fork and spoon (NOT DISPOSABLE)
12. Lip balm
12. Lip balm
13. Personal hygiene utensils (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, brush)
13. Personal hygiene utensils (soap, deodorant, toothpaste, brush)
14. Swimsuit, towel, crocs or flip flops.
14. Swimsuit, towel, crocs or flip flops.
15. Bag (not suitcase)
15. Bag (not suitcase)
16. All clothing must go in bags inside the bag mentioned above (mandatory, in case it rains)
16. All clothing must go in bags inside the bag mentioned above (mandatory, in case it rains)
17. Insect repellent (we recommend non-toxic like Picaridin or Eucalyptus Spray)
17. Insect repellent (we recommend non-toxic like Picaridin or Eucalyptus Spray)
18. Whistle (mandatory)
18. Whistle (mandatory)
19. Snacks
19. Snacks
20. Medicines that you are used to taking
20. Medicines that you are used to taking
Safety Consideration:
Safety Consideration:
Slips, trips and falls, insect bites, dehydration. Wear proper clothing, including footwear with ankle support and good traction, stay hydrated. You must have hiking experience. The first day is challenging due to the elevation gain. On day 1 we start at an elevation of 800 meters and we will finish at 2,500 meters.
Slips, trips and falls, insect bites, dehydration. Wear proper clothing, including footwear with ankle support and good traction, stay hydrated. You must have hiking experience. The first day is challenging due to the elevation gain. On day 1 we start at an elevation of 800 meters and we will finish at 2,500 meters.
Included:
Park entrance fee
Travel insurance
Meals
Mountain guides
Luggage mules
Emergency mules, in case of fatigue, they can be used for riding.
Camping equipment (tents)
Ovatrails T-shirt
Staff
Medical kit
Advice and accompaniment