Manabao

One of two gateway villages to Pico Duarte, Manabao–approximately 27 kilometers (17 miles) south of Jarabacoa–offers breathtaking views. Its roads, set against distant peaks, wind along vegetable fields, pine forests, and grazing cattle, and at times run along the Río Yaque del Norte river on the other. Stop roadside and hike down to the riverbanks for a swim in fresh water, surrounded in nature and far from the madding crowd.