Would you like to fly like a bird and enjoy spectacular views of the mountains and valley of Jarabacoa? If the answer is yes, then paragliding in Jarabacoa is the perfect activity for you.
Paragliding is an aerial sport that consists of taking off from a slope with a light and flexible wing that adapts to the wind and allows you to glide through the sky. It is a unique experience that will make you feel the freedom and adrenaline of flying.
Where to paraglide in Jarabacoa?
Jarabacoa is one of the best places to practice paragliding in the Dominican Republic, since it has ideal climatic and geographical conditions for this sport.
Its beautiful mountains offer a great variety of takeoffs with different orientations and heights, allowing you to fly all year round.
In addition, its green and lush landscape is a spectacle to behold from the air.
There are several schools and companies that offer paragliding flights in Jarabacoa, both for beginners and advanced pilots. One of them is Hawk Paragliding School, which has more than 10 years of experience and has certified and professional pilots.
Another option is Eco Parapente RD, which in addition to paragliding flights offers other ecotourism activities such as rafting, canyoning, hiking, horseback riding and excursions to waterfalls.
What is a paragliding flight like?
A paragliding flight can last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the wind conditions and the pilot’s expertise. The pilot is in charge of controlling the glider and directing the flight, while the passenger just has to enjoy the scenery and the sensation of flying.
The passenger is seated in a comfortable and secure harness, which is connected to the pilot by straps.
The pilot also wears a helmet, an emergency parachute and a GoPro camera to document the experience.
The paragliding flight is done in tandem mode, that is, with two people: the pilot and the passenger. The take-off is made from a slope with sufficient inclination and favorable wind, where the pilot extends the glider and inflates it with the air.
The passenger has to run a few meters next to the pilot until the glider lifts them off the ground and they start flying. The landing is made in a wide and clear place, where the pilot reduces speed and altitude until he touches the ground gently.
What is needed to paraglide?
To paraglide you don’t need any previous experience or any special physical requirement, just the desire to live a different and fun adventure. However, you must take into account some recommendations to enjoy the flight to the fullest:
- Book the flight in advance with the chosen school or company, since demand is usually high and spaces are limited.
- Arrive on time and follow the pilot’s instructions at all times.
- Wear comfortable and warm clothes, since it is colder in the air than on the ground.
- Wear closed shoes with good grip to facilitate take-off and landing.
- Wear sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun and wind.
- Do not eat or drink too much before the flight to avoid dizziness or nausea.
- Do not carry loose or valuable objects, such as jewelry, watches or cell phones, as they may fall or get lost during the flight.
Why paragliding in Jarabacoa?
Paragliding in Jarabacoa is a unique opportunity to get to know this beautiful region from a different and exciting perspective.
Activities in Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa is an ideal destination for nature and adventure lovers, as it offers many options to enjoy its privileged environment. In addition to paragliding, there are other activities you can do in Jarabacoa to complete your visit. Here are some of them:
Rafting on the Yaque del Norte River.
The Yaque del Norte River is the longest river in the Dominican Republic and one of the best for rafting, a sport that consists of descending the water currents in an inflatable raft. Rafting is a fun and exciting activity that allows you to feel the force of the water and admire the landscape from another perspective. In addition, it is an activity suitable for all levels, since there are different sections with different degrees of difficulty.
To go rafting in Jarabacoa you can hire the services of one of the specialized companies that operate in the area, such as Rancho Baiguate or Rancho Jarabacoa.
These companies provide you with all the necessary equipment (raft, paddles, helmet, life jacket) and accompany you with experienced guides who explain the safety rules and navigation techniques. The tour usually lasts about two and a half hours and is done in groups of six to eight people per raft.
Canyoning in the Jimenoa Falls
Canyoning is another activity you can do in Jarabacoa if you like challenges and strong emotions. Canyoning consists of descending a canyon or ravine using different techniques such as walking, jumping, swimming, rappelling or sliding down natural slides. It is a way to explore inaccessible places and enjoy the beauty and freshness of the water.
One of the most popular places for canyoning in Jarabacoa is Salto de Jimenoa, an impressive 40-meter waterfall located in the Armando Bermudez National Park.
To get to the waterfall you have to walk along a path surrounded by vegetation and cross several suspension bridges over the Jimenoa River. Once there, you can rappel down the rocky wall until you reach the bottom of the waterfall, where a natural pool is formed. The rappel is done with the proper equipment (harness, rope, carabiner) and with the supervision of a professional guide.
Hiking to Pico Duarte
Pico Duarte is the highest point in the Dominican Republic and the entire Caribbean, with an altitude of 3,087 meters above sea level. It is one of the most emblematic attractions of the country and a challenge for hiking or mountain trekking lovers. Hiking Pico Duarte is a unique experience that requires good physical and mental preparation, as well as adequate equipment and an official permit.
Hiking to Pico Duarte can be done from different starting points, but the most common is from La Ciénaga, a small town near Jarabacoa. From there you can hire the services of a local guide and rent mules to carry your luggage. The journey usually takes between three and five days, depending on the pace and the stops you make. The trail crosses cloud forests, rivers, valleys and meadows, where you can appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna of the José del Carmen Ramírez National Park.
Hiking to Pico Duarte is an unforgettable adventure that allows you to experience the wildest and most authentic nature of the Dominican Republic, as well as enjoy breathtaking views from the summit.
Other activities in Jarabacoa
In addition to these activities, there are other options to enjoy Jarabacoa and its surroundings. For example:
- Visiting other waterfalls such as Salto Baiguate or Salto Jimenoa Dos.
- Horseback riding through the nature trails.
Source: Noticia.do
