Pico Duarte - level of difficulty; weather in May

ylam25 · #1 04-06-2008, 03:48 PM

Hi,
My boyfriend and I plan on hiking Pico Duarte in May.

1. Many websites I've visited describe the trek as "difficult", or for experts. Could someone please explain what this means for a city girl that's not so hardy?

2. Will weather in May pose any potential problems here, or across the country?

Any other comments or tips for DR are most welcome!
Many thanks,
Y.

drloca · #2 04-06-2008, 04:11 PM

Well it will certainly be getting up there temperature-wise so I guess you guys would want to try and make an early start.

I have only ascended in a vehicle so cant comment on the "diffulty" perspective.

Good luck.

Theforceinme · #3 05-18-2008, 12:31 AM

When are you going!? I would love to join you!!

Umm as far as the difficulty, there are many routes available, so it varies... but I know some city girls/boys who made it up and down with no major trouble.

bigbird · #4 05-18-2008, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ylam25

.....1. Many websites I've visited describe the trek as "difficult", or for experts.......

I might be a little late with the info but did you read this article?

Dominican Republic Pico Duarte Climb Hike

bigbird · #5 05-18-2008, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drloca

.........I have only ascended in a vehicle so cant comment on the "diffulty" perspective.......

Is this a public road and is a 4x4 vehicle needed?

Dolores · #6 05-18-2008, 05:41 AM

There is no access to vechicles. Only mules can make it up. If you can go up 6 flights of stairs non-stop, you can probably do the Pico Duarte ascent half way. You will need a mule for the other half up, and probably you will want to ride the mule on the way down. Bring proven hiking shoes. This is serious hiking. Best to go with an operation that regularly makes the hike. Such as Rancho Baiguate. It is worth it.

Rocky · #7 05-18-2008, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drloca

Well it will certainly be getting up there temperature-wise so I guess you guys would want to try and make an early start.

I have only ascended in a vehicle so cant comment on the "difficulty" perspective.

Good luck.

A helicopter?
Or maybe you're talking about some other place.
I'd love to go up there, but until they allow me to drive up, it ain't gonna happen.
Hiking up a mountain for 1 day plus is no longer my idea of fun.

drloca · #8 05-18-2008, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky

A helicopter?
Or maybe you're talking about some other place.
I'd love to go up there, but until they allow me to drive up, it ain't gonna happen.
Hiking up a mountain for 1 day plus is no longer my idea of fun.

It was an excursion back in 2001...not in my private vehicle.

Rocky · #9 05-18-2008, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drloca

It was an excursion back in 2001...not in my private vehicle.

I thought it was strictly forbidden, but if you have a connection, please let me know.
I'd love to do it the lazy way, as that's the only way that I'll ever get to see it.

drloca · #10 05-18-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocky

I thought it was strictly forbidden, but if you have a connection, please let me know.
I'd love to do it the lazy way, as that's the only way that I'll ever get to see it.

I know the company was Coco tours ...??Outback Safari from JD or something.

I just sipped my first java of the day...is my mind that screwy??