The last time I was in Jarabacoa was in my late teens. Many of the memories I had made had started to fade, and when we booked the most recent trip, I honestly didn’t know what to expect. As we started the drive from Santo Domingo, I was eager and excited to be back and show Thomas the region of the Dominican Republic that I believed to be most special.
A mere two-hour drive from Santo Domingo, our route led us inland, with panoramic views that give you a glimpse of farming communities, the flourishing landscape of agriculture, and roadside vendors peddling the seasonal abundance of the land.
As we approached our destination, my mom began highlighting spots where she spent time with her family—pointing out the roads she would stroll, the stores she frequented, and the land she cherished. The buzzing town of Jarabacoa sits on a valley - where you’ll find most restaurants, supermarkets, and shops. After driving around for a bit and making a few turns, we found the road that leads to the mountain town of El Faro. Our roots run deep in this area, spanning generations. The once steep road, navigable only by horse in my childhood, now accommodates our car (though it becomes a muddy challenge during the rainy season). After just a few minutes, you’ll know you’ve arrived because the sky will open up. El Faro is surrounded by vast farmland and views that will make you go, “Wow.” We spend the day visiting family members, foraging fruit and veggies, eating farm-to-table food, and breathing the fresh mountain air. It was the most perfect day.
Certain trips are meant to immerse you in nostalgia, and this was undoubtedly one of those. It serves as a reminder that, on occasion, what truly makes a trip special is the bond you share with both the land and its people.
Below is a guide that includes:
Places to stay.
Restaurants we enjoyed.
The list of activities including the coffee farm tour we loved.
Options for day trips and more!
Stay
I couldn't recommend Jarabacoa enough when exploring the Caribbean countryside, but this region isn't the place for fancy 5-star hotels. The hotel options aren't that good, but don't worry—it's got some beautiful home rentals to make up for it. We stayed with family, but I found some excellent Airbnb spots worth checking out.
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