3 Best National Parks to Visit In The Dominican Republic
The Caribbean nation of the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is known for its beaches and resorts. However, for those seeking time out in nature, the country’s terrain includes highlands, rainforest and savannah areas. Meanwhile, its national parks offer an amazing range of 6,000 species of flora and fauna in its various climates. Moreover, visitors have a choice of 29 national parks to choose from, including a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here we look at the top three national parks to visit in the Dominican Republic including land and marine experiences.
1. Damajagua Falls, near Puerto Plata
Hidden deep within a jungle, the Damajagua Falls, or 27 Waterfalls of Rio Damajagua, are a series of 27 waterfalls that were only discovered in the 1990s. To reach the attraction, it takes a day of hiking through the forest and crossing various footbridges before finally reaching the rocky hilltop where the hidden waterfalls are located. Meanwhile, hikers can make their way down the hillside by sliding through the water. Visiting these hidden waterfalls is a truly off-the-beaten-path experience that is well worth the hike.
2. Jaragua National Park and Bahia de las Aguilas
Jaragua National Park is the largest national park in the Dominican Republic and forms part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Meanwhile, the park consists of dry forests, beaches, lagoons and cays. Within its diverse ecosystems, visitors can experience the Bahía de Las Águilas coastline, the Taino Caves and the offshore islands of Alto Velo and Beata.
The diverse wildlife consists of manatees, and a variety of turtles, including green sea, hawksbill, leatherback and loggerhead. Bird watchers will appreciate the 130 species, including American flamingos, white ibis, white-crowned pigeons, osprey, roseate spoonbills, back-crowned night herons and blue herons. Meanwhile, among the iguana population are the endangered rhinoceros iguana, the Hispaniolan solenodon and the Honispaniolan hutia.
3. Cotubanamá National Park, Bayahibe
The Cotubanamá National Park, AKA Parque Nacional del Este, is one of the most popular national parks in the Dominican Republic. Adventure seekers can explore the caves, or go diving off the white beaches of Saona and Catalina Islands, with diverse marine life, including the iconic starfish, loggerhead, hawksbill, green and leatherback turtles.
Among the birdlife, more than 300 species can be found, while more than 500 flora species decorate the area. The land portion of the park can be accessed from Bayahíbe village and hikers can explore the caves and freshwater springs. Moreover, Saona Island is the most important turtle-nesting site in the country. It is also known for its coral reefs, mangroves and beaches. To the west of the park, a visit to the Cave of Cotubanamá reveals pre-Columbian rock art.
Explore the fascinating national parks of the Dominican Republic and their amazing diversity, with something for everyone to experience.