Some people visit the Dominican Republic for the beach, some for the blue waters of the Caribbean ocean, some for the food, and some for the local culture. Of course, some visit to conquer the highest peak in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte. Standing at over 3000 meters, Pico Duarte should be on your list if you’re a serious mountaineer into some serious vacationing. If that’s what you’re into, you can use La Vista as your base for your next big climbing conquest.

While it’s not the hardest mountain to scale in the world, Pico Duarte should not be underestimated. The average person spends two days hiking to the top and you should make sure you’re in good enough physical shape for such exertion. If you’ve never climbed a mountain before, you probably don’t want to start here. Maybe a nice hill first, eh?

To get ready for Pico Duarte, be sure you know the season and yourself. The Dominican Republic might be a tropical destination, but the interior can be very rainy and the temperature can drop below freezing in winter. Pack and dress appropriately! Above all, make sure you are carrying waterproof gear and coverings. They don’t call it a “rainforest” for nothing.