The Dominican Republic is reasonably well known for the excellent eco-tourism opportunities it offers in areas like Samana (where humpback whales make frequent sightings during the winter season to mate and give birth) and fantastic beaches. Of course, with the fame that being a paradisiacal island entails and the affordable holiday packages, come tourists.
Like everywhere though, there are parts of this island which are often overlooked, less well known and therefore more compelling to go and visit. The South west coast of the island is exactly one of these places and the Barahona province is the place to go. It's the least commercially exploited part of the country, meaning undisturbed natural landscapes and the very best in unspoilt beaches. Because it's less touristy, it may be wise to go with a Spanish speaker, or get a very good phrase-book and keep your best sense of humour readily available! The hotels in Barahona are extremely affordable and while you certainly cannot expect luxury you will be getting tons of charm! Here are a few things to check out in the region, particularly in the Barahona area:
Enriquillo Lake: The largest lake in the Caribbean, be prepared for hot temperatures and fierce sunshine. It has an extremely high salt content, making it inhospitable to a lot of life forms, but you will see some American crocodiles, flamingos and iguanas.
Las Caritas: This is an archaeological site on the north of the lake and has some stunning carvings of smiling and sad faces, carved into the cliff face. A very peculiar and rather amusing sight to see.
Eagle Bay: Some residents of the Dominican Republic regard Eagle bay in Pedernales, the best beach in the country. A crystalline, vivid blue sea laps the shores of fine white sands. Tourists in this blessed area are few and far between for the time being, although the area is being redeveloped, so get there quick for the most authentic Dominican Republic holidays before mass tourism spoils its authenticity!
Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo: The best place to visit for eco-tourism is the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo, the country's first and only biosphere reserve. Every kind of forest you could think of can be found here, from dry forests, to evergreen forests, to cloud forests. There are also wetlands and coastal areas with untouched coral reefs. The diversity of flora and fauna here is impossible to describe. At the Jaragua National Park the landscape is almost desert-like, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean and the vegetation in this area looks like step on the arid soil invaded by cactus-like plants and numerous iguanas. Go see it.
Susan Crown:
Having worked in the tourism industry for over five years, before and after graduating from university in London, Susan Crown brings a refreshing approach to the latest goings-on in the worldwide travel sector. Originally born in Cuba, from an early age due to her father's job as a representative of Cuba's national flag carrier, Susan travelled extensively and lived in various parts of the world, thus being able to draw from her own experiences and take inspiration from the exotic destinations she has visited over the years.
Like everywhere though, there are parts of this island which are often overlooked, less well known and therefore more compelling to go and visit. The South west coast of the island is exactly one of these places and the Barahona province is the place to go. It's the least commercially exploited part of the country, meaning undisturbed natural landscapes and the very best in unspoilt beaches. Because it's less touristy, it may be wise to go with a Spanish speaker, or get a very good phrase-book and keep your best sense of humour readily available! The hotels in Barahona are extremely affordable and while you certainly cannot expect luxury you will be getting tons of charm! Here are a few things to check out in the region, particularly in the Barahona area:
Enriquillo Lake: The largest lake in the Caribbean, be prepared for hot temperatures and fierce sunshine. It has an extremely high salt content, making it inhospitable to a lot of life forms, but you will see some American crocodiles, flamingos and iguanas.
Las Caritas: This is an archaeological site on the north of the lake and has some stunning carvings of smiling and sad faces, carved into the cliff face. A very peculiar and rather amusing sight to see.
Eagle Bay: Some residents of the Dominican Republic regard Eagle bay in Pedernales, the best beach in the country. A crystalline, vivid blue sea laps the shores of fine white sands. Tourists in this blessed area are few and far between for the time being, although the area is being redeveloped, so get there quick for the most authentic Dominican Republic holidays before mass tourism spoils its authenticity!
Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo: The best place to visit for eco-tourism is the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo, the country's first and only biosphere reserve. Every kind of forest you could think of can be found here, from dry forests, to evergreen forests, to cloud forests. There are also wetlands and coastal areas with untouched coral reefs. The diversity of flora and fauna here is impossible to describe. At the Jaragua National Park the landscape is almost desert-like, the only one of its kind in the Caribbean and the vegetation in this area looks like step on the arid soil invaded by cactus-like plants and numerous iguanas. Go see it.
Susan Crown:
Having worked in the tourism industry for over five years, before and after graduating from university in London, Susan Crown brings a refreshing approach to the latest goings-on in the worldwide travel sector. Originally born in Cuba, from an early age due to her father's job as a representative of Cuba's national flag carrier, Susan travelled extensively and lived in various parts of the world, thus being able to draw from her own experiences and take inspiration from the exotic destinations she has visited over the years.
