Armando Bermúdez National Park (Pico Duarte)

Popularly known as the Pico Duarte, this National Park is probably the most popular. The peak is in the Dominican "Alps" and at 3,175 meters is the highest mountain in the Caribbean. The climb is strenuous, but the view on the way, and the exhilaration of making it to the top of the Caribbean, keep the climbers coming back year after year. Along the path, see many of species of orchids or one of the native birds that inhabit the area, such as the Hispaniola parrot or the Palm Chat, the Dominican national bird. Note the temperatures drop below zero and adequate camping gear is required. Guides and mules can be hired. The round journey can be made in four to six days, depending on the route. Most trips are made in the first two months of the year.

The Armando Bermudez National Park (or commonly known as "Pico Duarte") is 306 square miles and is probably the most popular. The park is part of the northern Cordillera Centraland and it shares the highest peaks in the Antilles: Pico Duarte, 10,700 feet (3,175mt), with the José del Carmen RamÃ*rez National Park. The average annual temperature ranges from 54 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In December and January temperature can drop to minus 0º C, early in the morning. At sunrise in winter, a thin layer of frost covers the ground strewn with grass stalks.

The flora here is mainly comprised of local pine trees. Among the principal birds are the Hispaniolan parrots, endemic to Hispaniola, woodpeckers, the "cigua palmera" (the national bird), the Hispaniolan trogon, and "guaraguaos" (a kestrel).
Mammals include wild pigs, solenodontes, and mice. In the lower part of the park we find savannah snakes.

Twelve of the country's most important rivers flow through Armando Bermudez and José del Carmen RamÃ*rez National Parks.

Pico Duarte
If you enjoy hiking, then you should consider climbing up Pico Duarte. Guides and mules can be hired at the village of La Ciénaga, just outside the park's entrance. It is recommended that you go with a guide even though the track is fairly well marked. Hikers usually hire a guide and a mule or two to carry their packs. Although many have done it in less time, the walk to the top of the mountain and back usually takes three days from La Ciénega.

Arrangements can be made at:

Iguana Mama Adventure Tours
Tel: 571-0908, or 800-849-4720
iguanamama@codetel.net.do
http://www.iguana-mama.com
or
Rancho Baiguate
Tel.: 696-0318 OR 563-8005
rancho.baiguate@codetel.net.do