Anyone with recent experience?

I have done this. You need to hire a local guide to do the hike. It is an overnight adventure with a very basic camp out on the way up. You have to carry everything your selves.Now it can be a very cold hike with snow not out of the question. You also need to be in very good physical shape.

Is it cheaper to find a guide when you get to jarabacoa? Seems pretty pricey with the online companies...