The José del Carmen Ramírez National Park was established in 1956 together with the Armando Bermúdez National Park, in an effort to avoid the reckless deforestation that was occurring in neighboring Haiti. As a result the Cordillera Central, which is largely included in the parks, retains all of its forests and attracts countless hikers from all over the world, who come to enjoy the fresh air and the spectacular scenery. The Corillera Central boasts some of the Caribbean's highest peaks.

Twelve of the country's major rivers flow from the Cordillera Central, one of which is the Río Yaque del Norte, the only whitewater river in the Dominican Republic. Operators just outside the park rent tools and equipment to get you going. They also provide all sorts of gear for rappelling, canyoning and hiking.

Bring warm clothes if you want to visit the region, as it can get cold in the hills, especially in December and January, when temperatures often drop to -5°C (25°F).

Accommodation is available in the form of camp sites.