10 Jan 2023
We may be crazy, and the local guide definitely told our driver (Marco) that we were for doing this with our 10 month old and 2 year old in the carriers on our backs, but it was the most amazing thing we’ve ever done.
Marco (excellent English, safe driver, all around good guy) drove us from Punta Cana to the Miches countryside. Upon arrival, he helped translate for us (because we did not speak a bit of Spanish and the local guide did not speak a bit of English). He packed us snacks and waters in a backpack and made sure we were good to go.
We are a wonderful, home cooked breakfast and took off with our kids on our backs. The guides (2) took horses and carried our backpacks for us. One of them was just 14 years old, but had amazing control of his horse and confidently assisted us across the river (multiple times) and up and down more challenging parts of the trail (I slipped on my butt in the grassy part a few times, ha!).
It was rainy the week before, so the trail was more challenging than usual. Note the mud on our feet and legs in the attached photo. But we took it slow and our guides helped us navigate, despite the language barrier. It is incredible how much you can communicate with body language.
What should have probably been about 5 hours round trip (with significant time spent at the waterfall having a dip) took us nearly 7 hours due to the wet and muddy trail. But it honestly made it even more of an adventure.
It was the most beautiful, remote, yet accessible place my husband and I have ever been, and we’ve hiked in places like Sri Lanka and Alaska.
The local flavor was also just amazing. The whole family and community in the countryside was beautiful and friendly. The kids played with our kids and wanted to help so much.
An unforgettable day!