Rancho Baiguate (Carretera Constanza Km 5, tel. 809/574-6890, www.ranchobaiguate.com.do, US$70–100 d) is an adventure ranch and hotel rolled into one. It is still a good place to bring kids. The ranch is five kilometers east of Jarabacoa and removed from the noise of the town. This is not “roughing it” at camp, but it is not a luxury dude ranch either. Nature lovers will be comfortable here. The rooms vary in style from standard to luxury (ranch-style). The rooms are spacious and clean.

The mood is rustic with vaulted ceilings (complete with a quiet ceiling fan!), a porch with chairs, and private, clean hot-water bathrooms. There is no air-conditioning (you won’t need it); windows have screens but the mosquitoes are relentless in the country when dusk sets in, so bring some sort of bug repellent. There’s no TV or phone in the room.

At night the silence is wonderful, but when the electricity goes out, it is very dark. If you don’t find candles in your room, ask for them at the front desk. The ranch is next to a river and has a restaurant, pool, sporting courts, and tons of adventure sport opportunities. The staff is very friendly and speak English well. This is the best place to stay in Jarabacoa if you plan on doing lots of adventure excursions. Many groups and independent travelers come to the ranch in the day to take part in their sporting menu.

Hotel Gran Jimenoa (Av. La Confluenza, tel. 809/574-6304, superior room US$57–US$75 d) is a phenomenal option. Located along the banks of the Río Jimenoa, this hotel offers very clean, spacious, and comfortable rooms private baths and private balconies. Besides a large pool and a Jacuzzi on-site there is a separate open-air, thatch-roofed party hut overlooking the river where they hold events such as karaoke and dances. The restaurant overlooks the river as well and serves very good food. If there was such an award, they would win the Moon Dominican Republic’s “Best Night’s Sleep Award.” A combination of the comfort of the beds and the roaring surf of the river and you will be sawing logs in no time. Hands down, the best hotel in town.