National parks of the Dominican Republic. National park del este este national park dominican republic

National park Del Este at the extreme point of the southeast of the Dominican Republic. The park is the main natural attraction of the country. The territory of the park is quite large - it covers a large peninsula and the adjacent island of Saona. Lovers of travel and adventure, as well as true connoisseurs of relaxation in the bosom of pristine nature will get the greatest pleasure here.

A small number of limestone terraces, entirely covered with forests of subtropics, represent the mainland of the reserve. Local soils are very porous and easily absorb moisture, as there are practically no lakes or rivers. Therefore, this part of the park is dominated by deciduous trees. Animal world in the Dominican Republic it is not very diverse, but in the Del Este park there are all the native species of mammals, and there are also rare, endangered species among them.

The coastline of the park is a rare example of the diversity of the Dominican Republic landscapes. Mangroves and sheer cliffs alternate here. Near the coast, with enough luck, you can see bottlenose dolphins and very rare Caribbean manatees. The western coast of the park is occupied by beaches with clear water and very beautiful coral reefs - a dream for diving enthusiasts.

Parks of the Dominican Republic: national parks, reserves, protected areas of the Dominican Republic, natural parks.

The main asset of the economically rather poor Dominican Republic is its nature. Wet rainforests, red-hot sand dunes, transparent high waterfalls, deep-sea caves, emerald salt lakes, steep mountains, turbulent rivers, endless beaches ... The variety of flora and fauna is impressive. Almost 6 thousand varieties of plants are found on the territory of the country, more than half of which are endemic, that is, they grow only here. The rarest species of birds, reptiles, mammals live in the Dominican forests. Of course, such natural wealth is very vulnerable to humans and needs special protection. To preserve the unique landscapes in their original form, more than 20 were created in the Dominican Republic. national parks... Most of them are open to tourists, however, in some excursions are possible only accompanied by guides. Today, the Dominican reserves have become real tourist magnets, more than compensating for the lack of cultural and archaeological places of leisure.

Today the Dominican reserves have become real tourist magnets, more than compensating for the lack of cultural and archaeological sites of interest.

The most famous nature reserves

One of the most famous Dominican nature reserves is the amazing Los Haitises Park, located on the Samana Peninsula. Untouched nature: areas of mangrove swamps, cotton thickets, small green islands and mysterious caves alternate with landscaped tourist areas. Only part of the park is open to visitors, and even there walks are possible only with a group and with a guide.

Tourists are offered a wide range of entertaining programs with a visit to the caves of La Arena, La Linea and San Francisco, dotting the coast of the Gulf of San Lorenzo.

El Choco National Park is still very young, but its fame has spread far beyond the borders of the country. The reserve is downright buried in rich tropical greenery. More than 900 plant species grow in the park, among them the most striking colonies of orchids. The main pride of the reserve is cave complex"Caribbean Karst" with underground pools. You can get to the caves themselves along a hiking trail, swim to them by boat or scuba diving. It is very pleasant to swim in the cold underground lakes in the heat.

José Armando Bermudez National Park is located in the central part of the island, on the Central Cordillera ridge. It is adjacent to another well-known nature reserve - Jose del Carmen Ramirez. Together they form an amazing natural pair, which became the place of deployment of three highest mountains: La Pelona, ​​La Roussilla and the highest peak in all Antilles, the Duarte peak.

Other reserves of the Dominican Republic

Del Este National Park is located in the southeastern part of the country. The center of attraction for tourists is Saona Island, its wild beaches as if created for those who would like to experience the happiness of Robinson Crusoe.

On the island of Cabritos, you can observe caimans, iguanas and flamingos, as well as stroll through the thickets of cactuses. For divers, there is a direct path to the La Caleta Marine Reserve, whose success is ensured by coral reefs with a lot of inhabitants, picturesque wrecks and incredibly clear water. In the Eastern National Park, tourists will find more than 400 sq. km of subtropical jungle and dry forests, as well as caves with ancient Indian drawings.

While on vacation in the Dominican Republic, you don't have to lie on the beach or sit in a bar tasting local rum and cigars all the time. Despite the fact that there are practically no architectural and historical sights in the Dominican Republic, there are several magnificent national parks and reserves. Only 10% of the territory of the republic is allocated for natural reserves, but, nevertheless, these reserved places are literally teeming with animals and amaze with a variety of flora.

Del Este National Park (Parque Nacional del Este)

Perhaps the most popular in the Dominican Republic is the Del Este National Park, located in the southeastern part of the country. It covers an area of ​​about 310 square kilometers and also includes the island of Saona. This park was created for true connoisseurs of wildlife, as more than 112 species of birds live in the forests, some of them, by the way, are endemic, that is, they are found only here and nowhere else. By the way, in this national park there are no roads or paths that would lead to the most remote areas of the park, so determined tourists who want to explore all the protected corners of Del Este will need to rent a boat in the town of Bayahibe near the park. When traveling, you should be especially careful and careful, as there are many tarantulas and wasps in the Del Este National Park, which can turn the trip into a real torture. That is why, before walking in the park, it is worthwhile to liberally apply repellent to the skin and bypass the spiders encountered on the way.

The most popular part of this national park in the Dominican Republic is Saona Island off the southern coast of Haiti. At one time, the island was known as an untouched corner of virgin nature, but now the flow of tourists has grown so much that only memories of the former idyll remain. In any case, this place is worth a visit. The beaches of Saona Island will allow travelers to briefly feel like the Robinsons of Crusoe, and walking along the white beach in the direction of mangroves and swamps, you can reach two small fishing villages, lost in the forests. The easiest way to reach this island is by boat from the town of Bayahibe, where it will be useful to take care of the supply of drinking water and food before the trip. There is only one restaurant on the island, which is known for its sky-high prices and food of questionable quality.

In the Del Este National Park in the Dominican Republic, tourists will also be interested to look at the traces of the disappeared Indian Taino community that inhabited the island before Columbus discovered it. During excavations in La Aleta, many interesting finds were discovered. In addition, it is known that the entire settlement of the Indians was destroyed, and this terrible story began with the fact that the leader of the Indian tribe was torn to pieces by the dog of the Spanish colonialists. In response, the Indians tripled the rebellion, to which the Spaniards responded by killing 7,000 people.

Los Aitis National Park (Parque Nacional los Haitises)

Another national park of the Dominican Republic called Los Aitis is known for its magnificent nature, located on south coast Samana Bay. This area can only be explored by boat, as without it you will not be able to get to most parts of the park. Most of the territory is occupied by mangrove swamps, in which dozens of secret caves Indians. They now serve as excellent sanctuaries for birds and marine animals. At the moment, only a small part of the park is accessible for tourists, where they spend organized excursions- It will not be possible to independently explore this reserve. By the way, for those who do not like dampness, it is better to refuse such a walk, since Los Aitis is located in the wettest region of the Dominican Republic.

The standard tour that is offered in this park is called Ruta Litoral, and its route includes most of the attractions. During such a walk, tourists will visit a large cave, where rock paintings of the Taino Indians have been preserved, the former refuge of the legendary filibuster Willie Simons, the Remington and San Gabriel caves, on the walls of which you can see images of the faces of the Indians. By the way, they say that pirates and the infamous John Rackham once lived here. The journey through this park ends with a stop near the Cueva de la Linea cave. Once upon a time they wanted to build a railway station here in order to send sugarcane, which grew here in myriad quantities, to other regions of the country. However, the station was never built, and the reed has not grown here for a long time.

To arrange a trip to Los Aitis National Park, visit Sabana de la Mar. As a rule, the boat is ready to take on board no more than six people and such a trip will cost about 800 pesos (about 630 rubles). Another 50 pesos (about 40 rubles) will cost a visit to the park, and the services of a guide will cost 300 pesos (about 235 rubles). Tourists can agree on the services of a guide at the park administration, which is located in the city port.

National Parks of Armando Bermudez & Jose del Carmen Ramirez (Parques Nacionales Armando Bermudez & Jose del Carmen Ramirez)

These two Dominican national parks are usually referred to together as they are very close to each other. The parks were founded in the middle of the last century in order to save rainforests from massive deforestation, as happened in Haiti. These national parks are home to the highest Caribbean islands mountain peaks, which have become a favorite destination for tourists who love hiking, climbing and similar travel.

The parks of Armando Bermudez and José Ramirez are at a considerable height, so the weather in this part of the Dominican Republic is rather unpredictable. In the summer it is quite comfortable here (about + 20 degrees Celsius), while in the winter months the temperature drops to minus values. In addition, it rains here almost all year round, so when going here, tourists should definitely take raincoats and waterproof shoes with them.

You can get to the popular Duarte mountain, located in protected areas, by one of five trails, while La Sienga is the most famous and easiest. Each trail starts in a small town or village at the foot of the mountain, where travelers will need to buy a permit to visit the park and arrange for a guide. In no case should you try to explore the parks on your own - even the most experienced hikers can get lost in these forests. In addition, I am going to conquer Mount Duarte, it should be remembered that, despite the low altitude, the ascent to the top is a rather serious challenge. The reason for this is the terrible quality of the path - fallen trees and boulders are usually removed from it, but deep ruts and ruts are quite a standard phenomenon. That is why, you need to go to the top of Duarte only in well-fitted hiking boots, which will not only save you from bruises and dislocations, but also make you feel more stable on loose soil and slippery roads. As a rule, the ascent takes two days and another half day is spent on preparation, so it is better to come to La Siennega in the afternoon in order to have time to solve all the paperwork for a visit to the park, and start the ascent early in the morning. Before arriving, tourists also need to take care of food and water supplies for the trip - there is no market or necessary shops in the village.

While climbing to the top of the mountain, tourists will pass such interesting places as the huge lake Enriquillo with a length of more than 40 kilometers. It is known for the fact that the water in it is three times saltier than sea water due to constant evaporation, which is why swimming in it is not particularly pleasant, but it will be interesting to see. Moreover, this lake is the lowest point in the entire Dominican Republic. Another interesting place on the territory of the national parks is the secret refuge of the Indian chief. It is located in one of the caves near Poster Rio. Also noteworthy is the island of Cabritos ("goat island") - the largest of the islands on the lake. Here you can see crocodiles, huge iguanas and a colony of magnificent pink flamingos. Every day at 07.30, 08.30 and 13.00 boats with excursion groups leave for this island. Travel time is about 45 minutes, and the cost of the trip depends on the number of tourists.

Jaragua National Park (Parque Nacional Jaragua)

Finally, the largest in the entire Dominican Republic and the most attractive for lovers of deserted beaches is the Jaragua National Park. It is located in the southern part of the Baoruko Peninsula and also includes the two islets of Beata and Alto Velo. The peculiarity of this place, among other things, is that the inspection of the park is possible only with a guide, and a visit permit can be obtained only at the General Directorate of National Parks in Santo Domingo. Jaragua National Park will become a real paradise for nature lovers. Here cacti, palms grow in abundance, rare turtles and many beautiful endemic birds are found.

Most often, excursions in the park start in the city of Pedernales, where you can also take a boat to the nearest islands, a trip to which, by the way, will cost a substantial amount. However, once on the islands, tourists will understand that the money was not wasted. Beata only at first glance seems to be an uninhabited island, but having landed on the southern coast, travelers will be able to explore the numerous caves, the walls of which are decorated with ancient Indian drawings. The island of Alto Velo, in turn, is known for the fact that it was here that scientists discovered the smallest lizard in the world - a dwarf gecko one and a half centimeters in size.

By the way, it should be borne in mind that those who suffer seasickness, it is better to refuse to travel through this national park. The fact is that the journey can take from three to five hours, and even hardy travelers will find it rather exhausting. In addition, just in case, you should personally make sure that the captain of the ship has filled enough fuel, as otherwise there is a real chance to stay in this paradise for a long time. As for obtaining permits, they are issued by the National Parks Directorate. It is necessary to allocate at least one day to receive the necessary papers, since paperwork in Dominican institutions is completely normal. In the same administration, you can also agree on the services of a guide, without whom access to the park is prohibited and dangerous.

Del Este- a national park in the Dominican Republic, located in the very southeast of the island of Saona. Here you will find the most unusual species of plants and animals, as well as historical sights. The Del Este Park includes beautiful island Saona, which is visible from the south coast. The park can be navigated on foot or by boat, but it is not at all suitable for other vehicles. The park is home to endangered species such as West Indian manatees, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, as well as rhinos, iguanas and hedgehog rats. On the territory of Del Este, there are places of secret settlements.

For bird lovers, this is a paradise: 112 species of birds are found in the vast territory of the park. Some of them are unique, such as gulls and lizard cuckoos. In January and February, whales can be seen migrating in the surrounding waters, and there are also manatees, large gray aquatic mammals also called sea cows. The closest land relative of the manatee is the elephant.

There are almost no architectural and historical monuments, but there are several wonderful national parks and reserves. Natural resources occupy only 10% of the territory of the republic, but these places simply amaze with the diversity of flora and fauna.

One of the most popular is considered Del Este National Park, which is in the southeastern part of the country. Its area is about 310 square kilometers. The territory of the park is untouched wildlife, more than 112 species of birds are found here, and there are not even paths to the most remote corners. Be very careful when traveling because there are tarantulas and wasps in the park that can turn your trip into a real nightmare. The highlight of "Del Este" - Saona Island that off the southern coast of Haiti. White sand beaches, warm aquamarine water, gentle sun, mangroves, and in the interior of the island you can find fishing villages lost in the woods.

His unique nature another national Dominican Republic Park - "Los Aitis", which is on the southern shore of the Samana Bay. You will have to travel here by boat, because most of the territory is occupied by mangrove swamps, in which dozens of secret Indian caves are reliably hidden. Now it is a good shelter for birds and marine animals.

National parks"Armando Bermudez" and "Jose Ramirez" also attract a lot of tourists. They are located side by side, and were opened in the middle of the last century to save rainforests from massive deforestation, as happened in Haiti. Here are the highest mountain peaks in the Caribbean. The parks are high, so the weather in this part of the Dominican Republic is quite unpredictable. In summer, temperatures reach around 20 degrees Celsius, while in winter they drop below zero. In addition, it rains here almost all year long, so it is better to stock up on a raincoat and reliable shoes before walking.

Lovers of deserted beaches will love the largest Jaragua National Park, in the southern part of the Baoruco Peninsula... However, getting here is not so easy, you need to obtain permission from the General Directorate of National Parks in Santo Domingo. But the effort is worth it, "Jaragua" is a paradise for connoisseurs of wildlife. All kinds of cacti, palms, rare turtles and many beautiful endemic birds - the list is endless. Here you can walk, swim on the ship, see a lot of unusual, special and even dangerous. Access to the park is prohibited without a guide.

Dominican carnival

In the Dominican Republic, the spirit of a crazy holiday and intoxicating fun literally hovers. Incendiary music is constantly playing, all the time someone is dancing and everyone is smiling. And on weekdays and on weekends, there is always something to celebrate. One of the main celebrations is the famous Dominican Carnival. Spectacular carnival processions and stunning parades take place in the cities of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, La Vega and Santiago. A few days before the start of the action, the country's Ministry of Culture announces the program of the holiday and names the start time.

Dominican carnival Is a riot of colors and shades, entertainment, jokes and laughter. The main character of the holiday is the lame devil Devil Cojuelo. Also, carnival participants love to transform into gnomes, pigs, Maya Indians, fairies, voodoo dolls and even members of the Ku Klux Klan. Each region has its own traditions and popular characters. The Dominican carnival ends in Malecon Square in Santo Domingo, where the queen and king of the holiday are elected, dance and theater groups perform.

Summer merengue festival

You can get acquainted with the real Dominican flavor in Santo Domingo in mid-July, at one of the brightest holidays - the Merengue Festival (in October, the holiday is held in Puerto Plata). Merengue - traditional dance Dominican Republic, also common in countries The Caribbean... Everybody knows how to dance it here, even some tourists manage to master this art. The festival begins with a festive procession along the central streets of the city, after which festivities and fairs are held on the adjacent streets and lanes, and all kinds of free concerts, shows, exhibitions and competitions are held on the embankment. Mostly the main events unfold after the afternoon siesta at Plaza Espana, Avenida Caamano, Plaza Fray Bartolome de las Casas.

Dominican Republic cuisine

The national cuisine is quite exotic, some combinations of products are unusual for Europeans. The main feature is the active use of legumes, bananas and various vegetables in combination with fish and meat. Not a single dish is complete without a large amount of spices that add to the piquancy and emphasize the taste. One of the most popular spices is sofrito (tomato paste, green peppers, chopped garlic, green onions, tomatoes, coriander, vinegar).

Most Dominican restaurants offer thick asopao soup made from vegetables, rice and meat, and La Bandera stew made from beans, meat, rice, fried bananas and salad. Another popular dish is pastel en Ohashi - meat with vegetables baked in a banana leaf. The garnish is mainly served with red beans or rice in various combinations, you can also mashed bananas with manga onions. Dominicans always have thin casabe bread on the table, its recipe appeared more than five hundred years ago, and is passed down from generation to generation. The peculiarity of kasaba is that bread retains its properties and does not spoil for up to eight months, although there are no preservatives in its composition. As an appetizer in the Dominican Republic, it is customary to serve fried slices of bananas called tostones.

A delicious dessert worth trying - tropical fruits. Here you can enjoy not only the popular bananas, pineapples, coconuts and mangoes, but also guava, passionfruit, green limes and the like. These exotic fruits are sold in markets and served in restaurants usually in their natural form or as cocktails, juices or desserts with sauces, ice cream, whipped cream. A traditional delicacy is a mixture of beans with condensed milk and some other additives called "Habichuelas". By the way, even ice cream is made from beans here. In memory of the Dominican Republic, you can take home a few jars of local papaya, orange peel, guava, cashew and pineapple jam with cane sugar. Very tasty and exotic.

National drink Dominican Republic - rum, there are more than fifteen varieties. The most popular are Bermudez, Barcelo and Brugal. Rum is mostly drunk neat with plenty of ice and a slice of green lime, or added to cocktails. Exotic lovers can try the traditional Dominican low-alcohol drink called Pru.