Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine October 2016 | Page 194
DOMINICAN an attractive destination for traveller
JARABACOA is set against a breathtaking mountain backdrop in the Cordillera Central range. The area is home to picturesque waterfalls, including Salto de Jimenoa and Salto Baiguate( often explored on horseback). Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean at 3,087 meters is accessible from Jarabacoa through two-to four-day trips where travelers can take in astounding panoramas from the top. For less rigorous exploration, a nearby garden hosts Dominican Republic’ s first butterfly exhibit. The region is home to lodges and accommodations that offer a unique taste of rural life in Jarabacoa. Visitors can connect with the local culture by staying in rustic cabins and enjoying meals made with local organic produce.
THE SAMANÁ PENINSULA in the northeast is best known for lush jungle and world-class whale watching. Between January and March, tourists head to Samaná en masse to witness thousands of humpback whales in the Samaná Bay. The region is also dedicated to ensuring all area hotels are environmentally conscious. Guests can stay at everything from high-end luxury resorts to small tree house villages depending on their travel style, with most accommodations steps from the beach and activities including snorkeling, horseback riding and hiking. At Samaná’ s Los Haitises National Park, visitors can explore the mangroves by kayak and tour the park’ s caves to see immaculately preserved pictographs from the Taíno Indians. A horseback ride to the Salto El Limón waterfall is another can’ t-miss natural attraction in Samaná, offering a rewarding dip in a calm pool beneath the falls.
PUERTO PLATA most well-known for its surfing and active travel activities, also offers visitors soft adventure options. Puerto Plata is known for its Cabarete Caves- a system of caves where travelers can swim and explore- as well as its series of waterfalls, the Saltos de Damajagua along with Ciguapa Falls. Visitors can also visit a local chocolate hacienda to witness cacao processing in action, from planting to the final product. Chocolate facials and mud baths are available for travelers looking to add on a spa-like experience.
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An attractive destination for travellers aiming to reconnect with nature