Our adventure begins in Los Haitises National Park, a true jewel of Dominican nature. Located on the northeast coast of the island, this unique ecosystem is famous for its picturesque limestone rock formations, vast mangrove forests and mysterious caves with petroglyphs left by indigenous people. The hiking trail in Los Haitises is not just a hike, it's a journey through time and space. As you walk through the dense forests, you can observe the abundance of flora and fauna, including the numerous species of birds that have made the park their home. According to tourist reviews, 'the view of thousands of islands and bird paradises is breathtaking. Remember that it's best to visit the park with a local guide, who will not only ensure your safety, but also share fascinating information about the ecosystem and history of the region.

The next point on our trek is Valle Nuevo National Park, located in the heart of the Cordillera Central. This is a place where the cool mountain climate creates ideal conditions for hiking. Valle Nuevo, known as the 'Mother of Waters' due to its numerous river springs, offers trails of varying difficulty, so there is something for everyone. Hike through picturesque valleys and pine forests to view endemic plant and animal species. We especially recommend the route leading to the 'Pyramids' - rock formations offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. One tourist wrote: "Great place to get in touch with nature, no complaints, only the climb is a bit complicated and takes a long time, but for the cold, clean air and landscape it's worth every minute to get there.

Comparing the two parks, it's worth noting that Los Haitises offers a more tropical experience, with opportunities to explore caves and observe marine life, while Valle Nuevo impresses with its mountainous landscapes and cooler climate. Los Haitises is more accessible and offers more sightseeing options, including boat tours, while Valle Nuevo requires better physical preparation due to its higher elevation and more challenging trails. Both parks have their own unique charm and are an excellent choice for nature lovers, offering an unforgettable experience and a chance to commune with the unspoiled nature of the Dominican Republic.

Continuing our tour of the Dominican Republic's most beautiful trails, we can't leave out Jose del Carmen Ramirez National Park. Located in the western part of the Cordillera Central, this vast protected area offers some of the most challenging yet rewarding trekking routes in the country. The park is famous for its lush vegetation and impressive geological formations. As one visitor noted: 'The experience in this park is phenomenal, the pictures seem to be taken from dreams, the Rio Blanco canyon in the park is quite a spectacle'. Particularly recommended is the route leading to the Palominos Dam, which requires a lot of effort, but rewards you with incredible views. This is the perfect place for those looking for a real challenge and who want to immerse themselves in the world of mountain hiking.

In contrast, Aniana Vargas National Park offers slightly gentler but equally fascinating trails. Located near the Hatillo Dam, this park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, and hides fascinating caves, known locally as 'Huacaras'. As one reviewer points out: "This national park and its nature are another respite, it should be noted that to the east it is located at the Hatillo Cotuí dam. The trails in Aniana Vargas are more accessible to families with children and people of average physical condition, while offering equally beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Another spot on our list is the Monumento Natural Pico Diego de Ocampo. This place offers unforgettable views and is an ideal destination for a day trip. As one tourist notes: 'What a great little hike today on our free day in the Dominican Republic. The country has so many beautiful trails and landscapes that you need to get out of the city and explore the wildlife.' The trail to the summit is relatively short but steep, making it a great choice for those looking for an intense but not too long workout.

We also can't miss Salto de La Jalda, considered the highest waterfall in the Caribbean. The route to the waterfall leads through a lush tropical forest and requires crossing several rivers. As one visitor describes: 'After an 8-kilometer walk through humid forest, cacao plantations and rivers, we arrive at this magnificent place. The effort to get there is lavishly rewarded with the sight of a 120-meter waterfall cascading down into a crystal clear lagoon.

When comparing these trails, it's worth noting that each offers a unique experience. Park Jose del Carmen Ramirez and Pico Diego de Ocampo are ideal for mountain hikers and those looking for a challenge, while Aniana Vargas and Salto de La Jalda offer more varied trails, also suitable for less experienced hikers. All of these places have one thing in common - the incredible beauty of Dominican nature and the opportunity to commune with the wild, unspoiled corners of the island.

To conclude our journey through the Dominican Republic's most beautiful trails, we can't leave out one of the most unique places on the island - the Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos). This place, although it doesn't offer long trekking routes, is a fascinating example of a geological wonder of nature and is an excellent choice for a shorter but extremely intense adventure. The park, located in the heart of Santo Domingo, conceals a system of underground caves and crystal clear lakes. As one visitor describes: 'An amazing and charming place in the center of the city. Underground lakes among lush vegetation. It's steamy during the day. Undisputed tourist attraction not to be missed'. The tour route is not long, but requires descending steep rocky stairs, which adds an element of adventure to the trip. A special attraction is the opportunity to cross one of the lakes in a small raft, a unique experience for the whole family.

To summarize our trek through seven of the Dominican Republic's most interesting trails, it's worth noting the variety of experiences on offer. From the wild beauty of Los Haitises, to the mountainous landscapes of Valle Nuevo and Jose del Carmen Ramirez, to the fascinating geological formations of the Three Eyes, each of these places offers a unique perspective on Dominican nature.

Comparing all the trails described, we can see that they vary greatly in terms of difficulty, accessibility and landscape type:

1. difficulty: the most difficult trails can be found in Jose del Carmen Ramirez and Valle Nuevo parks, where the high elevations and variable terrain require good physical fitness. Three Eyes National Park, on the other hand, offers a short but intense trail that is accessible to most hikers.

2 Accessibility: Los Haitises and Three Eyes are the most accessible, located close to the main tourist destinations. Salto de La Jalda and Pico Diego de Ocampo require more planning and often the assistance of a local guide.

3. landscape: Each park offers something different, from the tropical forests of Los Haitises to the mountain peaks of Valle Nuevo to the underground lakes of Three Eyes.

4. tour time: itineraries range from short, 2-3 hour tours (Three Eyes) to full-day or even multi-day excursions (Jose del Carmen Ramirez, Valle Nuevo).

5 Attractions: Los Haitises offers the opportunity to see petroglyphs and boat trips, Valle Nuevo impresses with its mountain views, Salto de La Jalda impresses with its waterfall, and Three Eyes fascinates with its underground lakes.

When choosing a trail, consider your own physical abilities, available time and scenic preferences. Regardless of your choice, each of these routes offers an unforgettable experience and allows you to discover the true wild side of the Dominican Republic, far from the crowded beaches and tourist resorts. However, remember to always respect nature, follow the rules of the national parks and, if possible, use the services of local guides, who will not only ensure our safety, but also share fascinating stories about the history and culture of these unique places.