A land for adventure seekers

A new breed of tourist is emerging around the world--tourists who want more from a vacation than merely sitting on a beach watching the waves roll in. These tourists are seeking adventures, they want to learn a new sport, they want to discover the natural beauty of the lands they visit--and the Dominican Republic is ripe for these visitors.

With tall, green Dominican Alps, rushing crystal clear mountain rivers, towering canyons and waterfalls, and an incredible variety of terrain and wildlife, the Dominican Republic is an adventurer's dream. This country offers more than any other Caribbean destination in the types of Ecosports that can be practiced here.

Ecosport is defined as a fun, athletic way of enjoying nature while preserving the ecosystems, protecting all aspects of the natural environment, and at the same time not damaging or changing the local community's lifestyle in any way.

The following is a list of those sports geared for individuals of all abilities and levels that are practiced in the Dominican Republic. Note that some, however, are solely for the strong, the brave and the daring.

Trekking. A nature walk to exercise and relax at the same time. Includes some mild hiking, but nothing strenuous. The best places for trekking are in Jarabacoa, the Valley of Constanza, and the Valle Nuevo. No special equipment needed - just good walking shoes, a map, and a compass.

Hiking. Climbing mountains by walking up them. This differs from trekking as hiking requires more stamina and athletic ability. In this country, hiking is very popular with all groups. Many Dominicans make an annual pilgrimage to the top of Pico Duarte, which is one of the favorite hikes in the country. Riding a mule all the way to the top, however, is not hiking. Real hiking requires physical stamina and a strong mental will to accomplish your goal. Easier climbs may be found at Pico Yaque or at El Mogote in Puerto Plata (Mt. Isabel de Torres), or the southwestern area of the island in Sierra de Bahoruco. The amount and type of equipment needed depends on how long and where you will be hiking. But good hiking shoes are always a necessity as well as a canteen of fresh water for each person. Sunblock and a light waterproof are optional, but good ideas.

Rafting. A team sport using a rubber raft and paddles, where the occupants wear helmets, wet suits, water shoes, and life jackets. The team must work together to paddle the raft down the river. It is necessary for them to be positioned in the raft in a way that will efficiently utilize each individual's strength. The team must know when to paddle ahead and astern in order to keep the raft away from rocks, or to travel through narrow gorges, or under waterfalls. The leader, which should be an experienced tour guide, will give instructions about the synchronization of the paddling. The best places for rafting are on the Rio Yaque del Norte in Jarabacoa. Participants should at least be moderately athletic, and able to remain calm in difficult situations.

Tubing. Somewhat similar to rafting because it takes you down river. Tubing, however, is an individual ecosport performed with an oversized rubber tube and no paddle. Usually, there is only one person per tube. The best times are during the rainy season when the rivers are in spate. The best places are on the Rio Jamao al Norte, the Rio Yaque del Norte (at anytime of the year), or on the Rio Isabela in Santo Domingo. The recommended clothing for both top and bottom is made of lycra, because it dries quickly and it protects the skin from the sun. Water shoes and sunblock are also necessary. An important tip to keep in mind if you are thrown out of your tube is to hold on tight to anything you can because the river will move you so quickly you can easily be injured. To retrieve your tube, climb out of the river, walk along the bank and wait until you can extract it from an eddy.

Cascading. An ecosport that requires you to climb to the top of a waterfall, and then rapell down the middle of the cascade tied to a rope until reaching the bottom and jumping into the water. On short waterfalls, one can jump straight through the falling water into the pool below without being attached to a rope. The equipment needed is a harness, wet suit, helmet, gloves, water shoes, and life jacket. The best places for cascading are El Salto de Jimenoa, Cascada del Limón, Cascada Ojo de Agua, and El Salto de Baiguate.

Canyoning. Similar to cascading, the difference is that you make your way up the walls of a river gorge with a harness and ropes, or by plain climbing, and when high enough jump into the river below. You then swim to another part of the wall and do it over again. The whole thing is a combination of swimming, climbing, cascading and walking through the river canyons as you make your way downstream. Use the same equipment as for cascading, but carry as little rope as possible. You will want to be lighter because of the swimming involved. The best places for canyoning are La Damajagua in Imbert (expert level), and the Jarabacoa area. You need a strong upper body, and to be in good physical condition.

Paragliding. Harnessed to a glider, you take off from high ridges or mountain tops and use the wind to soar like a bird. Paragliding can be done anywhere with the right conditions such as a moderate wind, and a flat area for landings.

Mountain Biking. A combination of hiking and cycling on off-road trails on a mountain bike. Mountain bikers jump holes, rocks, tree roots, and become one with their bike, using it as an extension of their bodies. Lycra clothing is highly recommended because it is light and dries quickly. The best footwear for mountain biking are light sneakers that have strong soles otherwise the soles of your feet will hurt within an hour. Mountain bikers consider the best trails to have a diversity of terrain including single tracks where only one person can pass at a time. Single tracks are usually the footpaths made by farmers walking back and forth to a village. Mountain biking can be done wherever there are single-tracks, rivers to cross, and steep hills. There are many mountain biking trails around the D.R. The favorite are around Mt. Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata, anywhere in Jarabacoa, and in San Jose de las Matas.

Camping. The Dominican Republic is a camper's paradise. Ideal camping sites exist all over the country in its many National Parks and Reserves. Many camp on Pico Duarte and at Los Haitises National Park, but there are excellent campsites in all of the parks. Some of the most popular are the Valle Nuevo and Valle del Tetero because they have perfect conditions with crystal clear river water, open fields, beautiful scenery and, best of all, no mosquitoes, as the prevailing temperature is fairly cold. Both sites are at an altitude of 2600 meters. The necessary permits to camp in the parks can be obtained from the offices at the park entrances.

Several companies in the Dominican Republic offer ecosport packages. For example, those interested in these adventure activities may contact us.