The mules live on the mountain and in surrounding towns such as La Cienaga, where I started the hike. They are used for the hiking trips to Pico Duarte to transport food, hiking gear, equipment and tired hikers who need assistance.
The mules drink up to 15 gallons of water per day. We stopped at every river crossing during the hike so that the mules could stay hydrated. For food, they eat grass, hay and a lot of oats to maintain energy. You can often find them grazing on the pastures of the mountain and in the farmlands of La Cienaga.
The mules of Pico Duarte can be overworked. It is a difficult trail to hike, with rocky terrain and steep parts to climb. The mules carry supplies and exhausted hikers, which makes it a physical challenge for the mules. However, the mountain guides always try to give the mules at least five days of rest after a trip up and down the mountain to make sure they are strong and ready for the next trek to Pico Duarte.
