Ecotourism in Barahona: the authentic Dominican Republic

Ecotourism is a practice to travel in a sustainable way in some undisturbed natural areas that conserve the environment and sustains the well being of the local people. In the last period, the Dominican Republic has focused on a sustainable development because the tourism industry is heavily centered on its natural resources, including its abundant wildlife, lush mountain ecosystems, and its tropical forests.

Embarking on an eco-tour is an enchanting experience, and for those who are interested and willing to take the plunge and embark on an eco and green experience in the Dominican Republic, today we will make you discover the region of Barahona!

Barahona is a region located in the southwest part of the island, 200km from Santo Domingo and on the border with Haiti. It’s one of the best areas of the Dominican Republic for those who want to live a form of alternative tourism than the whole beach and village life. Sports and adventure enthusiasts can rediscover the pleasure of a holiday in touch with an unspoiled environment by experiencing not only water activities but also enjoying the wonderful beauties that the land can offer. Walking, biking, trekking, surfing, riding horses and many natural excursions: there is everything for every taste in Barahona.

Here the pleasure of discovery allows you to live in touch with the local genuine people, that are always smiling, ready to give you info or help if you may need… Here you will find what are the hidden pearls of this land characterized by the presence of very exclusive ecological environments. As we told you, the keyword is ecotourism, in fact here the vegetation is still wild and you can find a lot of protected natural parks such as the Parque Nacional of Gran Sabana, Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco, and the Parque National Lago Enriquillo, where to admire the largest lakeshore of the Caribbean, so, the choice is really vast.

Barahona is considered one of the most picturesque eco-friendly destinations around the Caribbean and still unspoiled and far from tourist effects. It’s characterized by many varied landscapes, from white sandy beaches to rock desert, tropical forests, floodplains, green mountains and beautiful lakes and waterfalls that create ideal atmosphere and habitats for a rich wildlife made of iguanas, pink flamingos, herons, rare insects, and crocodiles.

During the day you can have the opportunity to discover this unique wide region and we think one of the best ways is by doing a road trip with your friends, good vibes and stop in different spots. First of all, you MUST GO to the spectacular Bahia de Las Aguilas, classified within the TOP 10 most beautiful beaches in the world: calm, crystal-water seaside, wild beach with dry vegetation made of cactus and colorful flowers. When you’ll arrive here you will just feel in a corner of a paradisiacal paradise!

Then, while you are in Barahona, we recommend you take the chance to go to Oviedo Lagoon. It’s one of the most important ecological reserves of the Caribbean. The largest saltwater lagoon of the Dominican Republic hosts numerous endemic migratory species, but also iguanas, pink flamingos and sea turtles that come here to lay eggs.

Last but not the least in Barahona you can go to Lake Enriquillo, the largest in the Caribbean with an area of 200km². This island is the “largest reserve in the world of American crocodiles”, in fact, more than 400 crocodiles reproduce there, and spend the day refreshing in a part of the lake where a river flows.

After a day full of adventure is time to enjoy some quiet moments and which place is better than Eco del Mar? The direction to reach Eco del Mar is that of Cabo Rojo and you know that you are on the right track when you start facing dirt roads not to end. We highly recommend an off-road with some jeep, that’s awesome and funny (but always take care)!

Eco del Mar is an ecotouristic structure situated close to Bahia de Las Aguilas and made up of a series of hammocks under the trees, white “hamacas” with whitewashed tents where to eat or rest and just enjoy the simplicity of nature. Wake up with the sound of the waves of the sea and fall asleep with the silence of a night under the stars…An expanse of white sandy beach mixed with rocks where as you walk you find pink shells and corals. It looks like a picture, but it’s all so real in its imperfect nature this corner of paradise!You can just admire colorful butterflies flying in the sky and pelicans in the group at sunset on the horizon while you are sipping a delicious drink… The simplicity of a fish dish just caught, cooked and served for you in front of the sea… in front of an unforgettable pink/red sunset …

Barahona is the remote paradise of the Dominican Republic: a sense of peace prevails in this place and you are sure to be relaxed and positive while enjoying your holiday in this eco-tour destination.

Barahona is an ideal eco-tour destination for adventure and wildlife lovers. So, if you want to feel the same vibes, be ready and start to plan your ecotourist experience with us, you will never be able to forget your wonderful eco getaway at Barahona region!

Barahona, the authentic Dominican Republic.