Among pines and mountains rise two of the most complete municipalities of the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. The first known as the City of Eternal Spring, Jarabacoaand the second at 1,250 meters above sea level, “the Switzerland of the Caribbean”, Constance.
Both destinations have various options for adventure, culture and good gastronomy, a combination that is irresistible to Dominicans and foreigners who are inclined to enjoy nature and its wonders.
The two municipalities, belonging to the province of La Vega, offer tourists various experiences that will allow them to get to know the best of both cities. Today I share with you, from the hand of Godominicanrepublic.com, several activities and places that you must experience and visit on your next tour of these paradises.
What to do in Jarabacoa?
Visit the Monte Alto Coffee factory
If you are one of the coffee lovers, this is an experience for you. Produced by a local family that has been in the coffee business since 1940, Café Monte Alto is one of Jarabacoa’s most original and prized products, grown in the high mountains of the Cibao Valley. The Café Monte Alto factory, located a few minutes from downtown Jarabacoa, offers a complete tour of its facilities and organic coffee production. Discover its process from bean to cup, ending the trip with multiple tastings of freshly brewed coffee at the on-site coffee shop.
A dip in Boca de los Ríos
Just two minutes after the entrance to the Armando Bermúdez National Park, in the picturesque mountain town of Manabao, you will find the swimming hole, Boca de los Ríos. Stop at this river park for a dip in the cool, calm waters of the Yaque del Norte River. You will find several benches and picnic tables. Bring your own food and drinks for a nice day outdoors.
Climb El Mogote
Reaching the top of El Mogote, the closest peak to Jarabacoa, is a physically challenging yet immersive experience. The three-hour climb will take you to its peak, located at 1,163 meters high, you will walk through thick pine forests and vegetation, as well as steep slopes of rocky land until you reach the top. You’ll encounter coffee trees and berry bushes before finally reaching the last stretch and reaching the caretaker’s hut at the top. You will walk up the steps of the observation tower and forget your aches and pains: a panoramic view of the green valleys and mountains that surround Jarabacoa awaits you, and all the way to Constanza. You can camp here overnight and watch the sunrise.
A swim at the Confluence
Head to this waterfront park, located just ten minutes from downtown Jarabacoa, where two of the area’s rivers, the Jimenoa and the Yaque del Norte, come together and create small pools among the rocks. Spa-like bubble areas allow groups of friends or family to relax in a circle. Bring your picnic and cooler to enjoy on the spacious lawns, or grab a bite to eat at the on-site snack bar. You can also rent horses, ideal for family rides through this spacious green area.
Nothing in the curtain
Located right on the main mountain road on the way to Manabao and just 15 minutes outside of Jarabacoa, La Cortina is a swimming hole with freshwater waterfalls and pool, a fun place for the whole family. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see a natural waterfall falling from the hills to the left of the road, just like a curtain, hence the name, while the pool and restaurant are just across the road. This swimming hole is a great place to have lunch and relax in the afternoon.
If you like, you can buy a package of sports tours such as rafting, canyoning, paragliding, trekking, horseback riding and waterfall tours.
Constance
After having enjoyed Jarabacoa, it is time to continue to the next destination, Constanza.
White Water Falls
The Aguas Blancas waterfall is one of the tallest in the Caribbean, dropping some 83 meters into a large cold jade-colored pool embraced by terrain covered in tall pines and green ebony trees. The approximately 10-kilometre drive to the waterfall is a fun and adventurous climb, ATV required, through Constanza’s deep forests and shack-filled mountain villages, past fields of sweet corn, potatoes and carrots.
Pedestrian bridges and a wooden platform allow you to observe it from up close, and you can descend further to lower pools. This area is also ideal for bird watching and mountain hiking. Temperatures are low in this area, particularly in the mornings when they drop below zero and from November to March you must be careful when entering the cold water due to the risk of hypothermia.
the creek
After a short walk from the entrance to the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve, you will find the emerald waters of El Arroyazo, surrounded by a thick forest and rocks. This pristine bathing spot is a local favorite on the weekends, when families come to cool off in the cool waters of the Camú River. Take into account the temperature of the water before jumping!
New Valley
This cold and mountainous, remote and lush landscape cannot be seen anywhere else in the country, with endless opportunities to get closer to nature: hikes, horseback rides or bike rides around the Creole pines and near the peaks covered in fog. In the middle of this landscape is an eco-lodge, the only one located within the limits of the Valle Nuevo National Park.
Ariyama Strawberries
This greenhouse strawberry planting project was born in 2015 in the town of Constanza, La Vega, Dominican Republic. His main focus was the production of this product for local sale.
At the end of 2020 they began to receive visits from friends and acquaintances, who were curious to know how this fruit was produced. Here the experience of STRAWBERRIES ARIYAMA or EL RANCHITO DE LAS FRESAS is born. It costs RD$500 for adults and RD$300 for children.
Eat and take your photo in La Esquina
La Esquina Gastrobar is one of the most iconic places in Constanza. It is located near the Las Mercedes church and offers its visitors a wide gastronomic variety and a selection of craft beers.
By: Sergio Cid Solano
