Best hikes on the North Coast
| Trail | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabrera hill loop | 2-4 hrs | Moderate | Ocean views, coffee farms, forest |
| Cascada de Cabrera trail | 1-1.5 hrs | Easy | Small waterfall with swimming pool |
| Playa Grande cliff walk | 1 hr | Easy | Dramatic coastal cliffs and views |
| Loma Isabel de Torres | 3 hrs | Moderate | Mountain summit above Puerto Plata |
| Rio Partido valley | 2-3 hrs | Moderate | River pools, jungle, bird watching |
Cabrera hill trails
The hills behind Cabrera rise to about 400 meters and are covered in tropical forest interspersed with coffee and cacao farms. Trails wind through the landscape with views of the Caribbean coast below. Best with a local guide who can navigate the paths and introduce you to farmers along the way.
Coastal cliff walk
Follow the cliffs above Playa Grande for a stunning hour-long walk with views over the beach and the Atlantic. The path is informal but easy to follow. Best in the late afternoon when the light hits the cliffs.
Waterfall hikes
Several small waterfalls near Cabrera are reachable by short hikes through the forest. Cascada de Cabrera is the easiest (20 minutes from the road) with a refreshing pool at the base. For more challenging waterfall hikes, head to the Cordillera Septentrional mountains.
Book a guided hike
Nature tours with experienced local guides include transport and lunch.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The North Coast has coastal cliff walks near Playa Grande, hill trails above Cabrera with ocean views, waterfall hikes, and trails through tropical forest. The terrain is hilly and varied, offering more interesting hiking than the flat east coast.
For well-marked trails and coastal walks, a guide is optional. For waterfall hikes and trails through the hills behind Cabrera, a local guide is strongly recommended as trails can be unclear and some cross private farmland.
Bring water (at least 1.5 liters), sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sturdy shoes or hiking sandals, and a swimsuit if the trail ends at a waterfall or cenote. Start early to avoid the midday heat.
