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GUNUNG · Dominican Republic

Pico Duarte

Source
Pico Duarte

Photo: source

Information

Elevation
3.101 m
Country
Dominican Republic (DO)
Location / Range
Cordillera Central, Armando Bermúdez National Park, Dominican Republic
Mountain type
Mountain (non-volcanic, granite massif)
Volcanic?
No (non-volcanic)
Coordinates
19.0331, -71.0053
Difficulty
Moderate (a long multi-day trek; non-technical)
Best Season
November–April (dry season; more stable weather, the trail is not muddy)
Permits & Rules
An entry permit and guide registration are mandatory at the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente post in La Ciénaga or Mata Grande
Hazards
Temperatures can drop below 0 °C, frost at the summit, sudden rain in the wet season (May–October), muddy trails

Description

Pico Duarte (3,101 m) is the highest peak in the entire Caribbean and Antilles island chain — a coveted target for island-scale Seven Summits enthusiasts. Located in Armando Bermúdez National Park at the borders of La Vega, San Juan, and Azua provinces in the Dominican Republic, the mountain is named in honour of Juan Pablo Duarte, a founding father of the nation. Its summit is marked by a bronze bust of Duarte and a Dominican flag. The first recorded ascent was made on 16 January 1944 by a Dominican government expedition commemorating the centenary of independence. Three main routes reach the top: La Ciénaga (~23 km one-way, the most popular, from Jarabacoa), Mata Grande (from the north, more remote), and Las Lagunas/El Rubio (from the south). All routes require several days; mules are available to carry gear on the La Ciénaga trail. Ecosystems shift from subtropical forest through montane pine forest to high-altitude páramo near the summit.

Routes

La Ciénaga (Rute Utama — Dari Jarabacoa)

Sedang
46.00 km +1900 m 3 hari (2 hari naik, 1 hari turun)

The main and most popular route, starting from La Ciénaga village near Jarabacoa, La Vega Province. Approximately 23 km one-way through Armando Bermúdez National Park's montane pine forest, alpine grassland (páramo), and natural springs. Day 1: La Ciénaga to La Compartición (~2,200 m, 5–6 hrs); Day 2: summit push to 3,101 m and return to shelter; Day 3: exit to trailhead. Pack mules are available for hire to carry heavy loads. Rest shelters are provided along the route.

Mata Grande (Rute Utara — Lebih Terpencil)

Sedang–Berat
60.00 km 3–4 hari

The northern alternative route, starting from Mata Grande, Santiago Province. Longer than the La Ciénaga approach and passes through more remote pine forest with far fewer hikers. Requires one additional night compared to the main route. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking solitude and the distinct scenery of the northern Cordillera Central slopes.

Climbing Experiences

Pico Duarte (3,101 m), the highest peak in the Dominican Republic & the Caribbean — a strenuous ~3-day trek through the pine forests of Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez National Parks. Hikers highlight the distance, cold nights, and forest beauty.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.

  1. 1 Wikipedia Pico Duarte en.wikipedia.org · EN
  2. 2 Wikidata Pico Duarte (Q783742) wikidata.org · EN
  3. 3 Blog An ascent of Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Dominican Republic markhorrell.com · EN