FALL IN LOVE OF BARAHONA

The deep southwest of the Dominican Republic, dubbed “El Sur Profundo,” is geographically removed from the country’s primary tourist destinations – but those who get closer will find that remoteness has its perks: the most biodiverse reserve and parks in the country, surfing beaches drawing athletes in search of their next break, fresh water cascades turned natural recreational swimming parks, birding havens tucked amid mountain ranges, and plantations producing some of the country’s finest coffee. It’s no wonder this region has also earned the nickname “Pearl of the South” or “La Perla del Sur”.

CULTURE

BARAHONA CITY
The city of Barahona is ideally located near beaches, cold rivers for swims, and is less than an hour away from an array of biodiverse parks, lakes, and mountains.

BARAHONA ENRIQUILLO COASTAL HIGHWAY
The drive down the Barahona Enriquillo Coastal Highway shows off a sparkling turquoise Caribbean Sea on your left, while the mountains of Barahona tower on the not-so-distant right.

CABRAL
Cabral is best known for its colorful carnival at the end of Easter, when the Cachúa characters dress in bat-like costumes and unfold impressive whips as they go in pursuit of the demons from Thursday to the Monday after Easter Week. Close by is La Lista, a small town famous for its wooden rocking chairs

CACHOTE
Cachote is a stunning protected cloud forest area, with a tiny community living at 1,097 meters (3,600 feet) above sea level. There are winding paths along which you can observe tropical flora, including bromeliads and wild orchids, as well as a series of hiking trails for excellent bird-watching.

LA CIÉNEGA
A charming coastal fishing village, La Ciénaga offers the opportunity to experience an artisan marmalade making workshop, using fresh fruits collected from the Sierra de Bahoruco, and hiking trips to surrounding caves and rivers.

LAGO ENRIQUILLO
Lago Enriquillo is the largest and deepest lake below sea level in the Caribbean, ideal for wildlife watching and nature exploration. Boat trips along the lake’s waters and onto Isla Cabritos reveal a large population of American crocodiles, and flamingos.

LAGUNA RINCÓN
DR’s largest freshwater lagoon, reaching 28 square kilometers (11 square miles), Laguna Rincón is home to a variety of flora and wildlife rich enough to make it a protected scientific reserve, with water turtles, iguanas, flamingos, pelicans, herons, and Florida ducks.

LARIMAR MINES
In the heart of Bahoruco’s mountains, these mines are the only place in the world where larimar is found–a semi-precious, turquoise-colored stone. Explore the mining area and witness workers climbing back out of holes–running as deep as 40 meters (150 feet)–with raw larimar stones.

LAS CARITAS
Climb a series of sturdy wooden steps and explore the large number of petroglyphs across the walls, faces suggesting the presence of Tainos thousands of years ago.

PARQUE LITORAL MARÍA MONTEZ
Lining the Caribbean Sea, this large park fills up with residents who come here to take respite from the harsh afternoon sun and catch a breeze on one of the benches or under the trees. There’s a beach a short hike below, if you want to dip your toes in sand.

POLO
Perched over 700 meters (2,500 feet) above sea level, this highland municipality is renowned for its organic coffee production, blessed with the perfect soil and weather conditions to create a rich, dark blend exported overseas.

VILLA MIRIAM
Set on the grounds of Villa Miriam, a private residence but open to the public for a small entrance fee, a series of pools fed by the San Rafael River run through the property, gushing from the area’s lush hills.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE THIS IS THE BEST PLACE

CASA BONITA
This short but scenic zipline adventure takes you right over a pristine river as you glide through tropical forests. The Canopy Tour ends at an onsite spa, the perfect way to cool you down.

CUEVA DE LA VIRGEN
Tucked in the lush forests below the Bahoruco mountain range, a thirty-minute hike through a lush rainforest leads to this huge cavern and its emerald-colored pools.

LAS CARITAS
Climb a series of sturdy wooden steps and explore the large number of petroglyphs across the walls, faces suggesting the presence of Tainos thousands of years ago.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN BARAHONA
From lush national parks hugged by mountains to forest trails leading to caves, and hilly roads to coffee plantations: Barahona is ideal for mountain biking adventures.

PLAYA BAHORUCO
Small yet photogenic, this white pebble stone beach is most popular with surfers for its big swells and with fishermen who head out daily, while the undertow keeps the swimmers away. It’s worth a stop for a stroll and scenic views of Barahona’s coastline.

PLAYA LA CIÉNEGA
Facing a beautiful bay, this lively beach is dotted with fishermen canoes, and fills up with families after sunset and on the weekends. Partly rocky waters attract small fish and are safe enough to swim in close to shore.

Like most beaches in Barahona, this stretch has pebble stones rather than sand, and is popular with surfers who come here to enjoy the fast-breaking waters. On the other side of the beach is Los Patos river, where a wide natural pool attracts locals.

PLAYA PARAÍSO
A striking white beach lining turquoise waters, Paraíso offers cool breezes at sunrise, when fishers take off from its shores for the day, and at sunset. Its currents aren’t for the average swimmer–stick to beach walks–but its waves are ideal for experienced surfers.

PLAYA SAN RAFAEL
This signature Barahona pebble stone beach combines panoramic mountain views with river pools and cascades that run all the way to the shore, where the San Rafael River meets the Caribbean Sea. Surfers find waves here to practice on, particularly in the morning.

SURFING IN BARAHONA
Barahona is a prime destination for serious surfers. The recommended beaches are Barranca, Bahoruco, Ciénaga, San Rafael, Paraíso and Los Patos. Several surfing events organized by the Dominican Surfers Federation are held there.

Here you can find leisure in:

BARAHONA DINING
Barahona is a major fresh fruit and vegetable growing area, known for its coffee and big green plantains. The local specialty is seafood rice dishes plus casseroles and stewed or baked goat at Brisas del Caribe, María Montez and La Rocca restaurants.

BARAHONA NIGHTLIFE
Casual yet lively, Barahona’s nightlife reveals a slice of Dominican culture. In town, you’ll find a handful of sports bars and lounges along the Malecón, open from sunset until the early hours of the morning. Dance, play pool, or simply relax with cocktails across the seafront.

BARAHONA SHOPPING
Coffee from Polo, larimar from Paraíso, rocking chairs from La Lista, the fruit preserves and typical dolls made by the Coopdeci women’s cooperative in La Ciénaga. Barahona city market for fresh produce, including the famous Barahona plantains. Barahona caters mainly to domestic travel. The FestiCafé held in Polo in June every year is one great […]