Jarabacoa sets itself apart from the coastal towns of Dominican Republic with its adventure and agricultural tourism. This lively town is located around the mountainous terrain of Cordillera Central. Enjoy cooler mountain temperatures while you experience the city culture or try rafting down the region’s spring-sourced rivers.
Jarabacoa has come a long way from its military past as an outpost during the Haitian invasion of the 1800s. Today, the city’s population of fewer than 100,000 is made up of local farmers and well-off Dominicans who come here for holidays. Discover landmarks in town such as the Sistine Monastery. Explore Jarabacoa Mountain Village and see fields of flowers and strawberries.
Much of the town’s adventure tourism is centralized around three nearby rivers: the Baiguate, Jimenoa and Yaque del Norte. Experience the thrill of rafting down level-two rapids or find a calmer pool to take a dip. Get a souvenir photo of the Jimenoa waterfall or challenge yourself with an abseiling trip down the adjacent cliff face.
Those wanting drier excitement can try biking down forested paths surrounding the city. For views of the mountains without the heart rate increase, go horseback riding through the area’s pine forests.
Play a round of golf at the Jarabacoa Golf Course or drive to the Jarabacoa River Club. Buy a day pass to use the club’s pool and sporting facilities. Try Creole cuisine at the club’s restaurants.
Visitors in February will be lucky enough to experience one of the country’s biggest Carnivals. Join locals in celebrating La Vega Carnival in the streets, when parades of groups in elaborate devil costumes stream through the city.
Jarabacoa is located in the La Vega province of central Dominican Republic. Though the city is easily managed on foot, get farther afield by flagging down a motoconcho (local taxi).
