I spent all my childhood in the Dominican Republic, yet I can't say I was consciously much of a nature person then, I was much more of a hot house flower in the middle of city dwelling. My family, on the other hand, are country people, and they have 1001 stories to tell you if left to their own devices.

After graduating from college, I started hiking and seeking the balance and peace nature so generously and freely offers. At first, I was apprehensive, and then I was hooked. And so, even though I picked up hiking in the Bear Mountains of New York, it was always on my mind and only natural, to hike the mountains of the Dominican Republic.

El Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the Caribbean. It is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range, located in the Jose Armando Bermudez National Park, and stands at an elevation of 3,087 meters (10,128 feet) above sea level. I've wanted to summit this peak for so long, but somehow I kept pushing it off. I grew up listening to my mom's stories of having trekked El Pico Duarte for days—oh the ordeal, the beauty. I kept telling myself "next time", or "now" is just not the right time. But when exactly is it? Without much of a thought, impulsiveness took over, and I decided to just book it and go.

Let me also say that trekking El Pico Duarte is a seasonal thing due to weather and other logistics. And so there’s a limited window of opportunity for when one can trek it. I had just arrived from my most recent trip at the time, and in my heightened state, checked when it was possible to go next with an adventure group I had been eyeing and just booked it.

The hike to the summit can be challenging and is best attempted by experienced hikers or with the help of a guide. It is physically demanding and the constant change in terrain and altitude add to the challenge. I wish I could say I was in optimal peak condition to do this, but the truth is I was just marginally there [shoutout to my Salsa instructor and his brutally demanding lessons, you have kept me in shape]. Although you can pay a porter a bit extra to ride a mule for about 75% of the trek and only hike the last leg of the journey, I adamantly refuse this option because WHAT'S THE POINT - yes, I’m judging-. If you’re even considering this option, let me ask you: what’s the fun in that? In all fairness, I did encounter a few older people who opted to do this and up to the last leg in hopes they would be able to submit, and I did find that particular scenario commendable and cute.

There are different trek options to El Pico Duarte, some longer and more challenging than others. I did not know that before starting this adventure, and in hindsight, I’m glad I didn’t because I might’ve chosen wrong otherwise, ha! I ended up doing La Cienaga Route, which I understand to be the shortest and most direct one. The most demanding day will be the first day trekking (second after arrival), which allows for the second day to be incredibly enjoyable and beautiful. The last day is the roughest on your body because it will be mostly downhill, which is all fun and games until you realize your knees and ankles are taking a beating.

Tips

Stay hydrated -water and electrolytes are your best friends-
Enjoy the views-there’s plenty of those along the way
Stay positive and don’t lose your sense of humor-this is a mental game more than anything else
Take your time- start as early as possible if you are a slower hiker, but don’t feel the need to rush it as you might burn out if you’re not ready
Did I mention to stay HYDRATED - also lather up on SPF, I got severely sunburnt -_-

Valle de Lilis

Valley in between the Pico Duarte and La Pelona peaks - beautiful slightly alien like topography

There’s ZERO connectivity for most of the 3 days trekking, and I loved this. As a digital slave and addict, I embrace those moments when I’m forced to completely disconnect.

4 DAYS DISCONNECTED

3 DAYS TREKKING

Day 1: Most tiring 😩

Day 2: Most beautiful 😍

Day 3: Roughest 🥾

I'm so glad I took the plunge. I witnessed so much natural beauty, and was, as I've been so many times before, in awe of it all, humbled by it all, and most of all, inspired by it all. Nature has a way to humble you, and soften you. It never ceases to amaze me, catch me off guard, and make me fall in love with it every single time.

Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY YES! Without a doubt, but I would choose to do it myself with a hired porter or a small group of friends as opposed to hiring an adventure company as I did this time. The trail is very well-marked and pretty straightforward. I would also choose to go on a lower-season day. My trip was at the tail end of the season and on a long weekend. There were a lot more people than I expected to encounter.

3,101m [10,174 ft] Above Sea Level

~33 Miles

19°01’23”N 70°59’53”W

Pico Duarte: above Caribbean clouds