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Situated along the Río Yaque del Norte, Jarabacoa is a pleasant town of 40,000 that’s well equipped to host adventure travelers.
Like most Dominican villages, Jarabacoa is easy to navigate. The main road entering town is Avenida Independencia. (It’s one-way until you enter the town, and then becomes a two-way street.) The centers of activity in Jarabacoa are the main crossroads and around the parque central, where you will find restaurants, entertainment (there’s a popular pool hall) and a bank with a 24-hour ATM. On the busy corner to your right as you’re leaving town to the south is a convenience store where you can get good coffee, pastries, and fresh fruit, along with the local (Spanish-language) newspapers. The Shell gas station opposite the convenience store marks the start of the bumpy road to Constanza and the route to many of the area attractions and accommodations outside of town.
THE PARQUE CENTRAL Every Dominican city or town has a parque central (“central park”), which marks the center of town and the heart of activity. It’s a promenade of sorts – usually a green space that’s typically in front of the town church or cathedral. Sunday afternoon is a popular day for sitting and hanging out in the parque central. Several towns in the DR are known more for their central parks than perhaps any other feature. Some of the more famous parks in the country are in San José de Ocoa, which many compare to an enchanted forest; Las Matas de la Farfán, a lush stretch of greenery with a Victorian gazebo; Constanza, whose pine-encircled park has a gorgeous mountain backdrop; and San Juan de la Maguana, known for its large shaded promenade directly in front of a pretty church. |
- IN THIS CHAPTER:
- Places to Stay
- Places to Eat
- Nightlife & Entertainment
