Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PENÍNSULA DE PEDERNALES
The Península de Pedernales contains some of the most outstanding attractions of the
Dominican Republic: Bahía de Las Águilas, Laguna Oviedo and Parque Nacional Jaragua;
Cachóte; and world-class birdwatching in the Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco. Despite
all this, tourism in this part of the country is surprisingly low.
The peninsula was originally a separate island, but tectonic movement pushed it north
and upward into Hispaniola, closing the sea channel that once ran from Port-au-Prince to
Barahona, and creating many of the unique geographical features you'll see today.
The southwest is the best place on the island to go birdwatching, as you can see nearly
all the endemic species here. At last count, there are roughly 310 known birds in the DR
and 32 endemic birds on the island. Half of these birds are migratory, making winter the
best time to spot them.
BUYING LARIMAR
There are a few small artisan shops selling handmade larimar jewelry along the coastal road. This rare
stone, unique to the Dominican Republic is a great memento to remind you of the remarkable color of
the sea along this coast. Stones range in price from RD$300 to RD$6000 depending on the size of the
raw piece. The best spot is
Gift Shop Noelia
( 829-816-2433; 9am-7pm) along the beachside
road that goes through Bahoruco and La Ciénega next door to Restaurant Luz and run by the same fam-
ily. Once you enter Bahoruco on the main highway, you'll pass the baseball 'diamond,' cross a bridge
and there will be an unsigned road that goes to your left along the beach. Follow that road to the beach
for a half-mile and you'll see Restaurant Luz on your left, Noelia on your right.
Tours
Ecotour Barahona
( 809-856-2260;
www.ecotourbarahona.com
;
apt 306, Carretera Enriquillo 8, Paraíso)
This profession-
al French-owned tour company has been pioneering tourism in the southwest since 2004. It
offers good day trips to Bahía de Las Águilas, Isla Cabritos, Laguna Oviedo and Cachóte,
among others. It also offers a handful of day hikes in the hills around Paraíso, and can or-
ganize one-day and multiday horseback-riding tours. Most day trips cost US$119 for two
ECOTOURS
