Trek in Cordillera Central

I would like to to a trek (2 or 3 days)in the Cordillera Central in late october, but friends (who are not living there) tell me it's really too rainy in this season and that it woulb be better to go straight to Samana Peninsula...
Then... what will I do?
Any more precise advice?

TALK TO RICHARD AT IGUANA MAMAS IN CABARETE. HE IS KNOWLEDGABLE, WHEN IT COMES TO TRECKING AND CROSS COUNTRY CYCLING. HE COULD GIVE YOU GOOD INFO. WWW.IGUANAMAMA.COM
GOOD LUCK

Or go to the south cordillera (Baharona) or southern central cordillera (San Juan de la Maguana)! It will be rather dry there!

Henry

I climbed Pico Duarte during the height of the rainy season, because that was the only opportunity I had to go (and it was something I just had to do!) It really depends on your comfort and experience level with hiking. The hike is tough, I won't lie to you. If you are inexperienced with hiking big mountains, you can easily hire a guide and mules to haul your stuff, if that's your thing. They say January is the best time, weather-wise, but then you'll find hundreds of other people up there too(yuck).

When we got to the second basecamp, where we camped at ~8,000ft, it was hailing(big ice balls) with thunder and lightning. I thought it was incredible, seeing the mountain light up and the winds rage, but I have been told that I am a little crazy. The storms (yes, that is plural) were brief, however, and in the clear evenings you will think somebody upped the wattage on the stars, they are so bright!

All I can say, from my limited experience there, is that if you are prepared for the weather, you will have a great time. In my opinion, Jarabacoa and the surrounding mountain regions are tops.

buena suerte!

You be sure and plan. Making sure that the area officials know what you are doing and where you will be going. It is not considered "normal" to wander around the mountains.

I can appreciate what you want to do, but would prefer that youdo it with some Dominican guides and friends..

HB

I have seen maps of a number of hiking trails that lead up to Pico Duarte. The most used trail is coming out of near Jarabacoa. You can also come in through Constanza and from the South at a few points. The National Park Service sells permits and has good information. Guides are easy to hire and if you speak Spanish, great sources of information being they are born and raised in the area.