Barahona and Pedernales

The southwest of the Dominican Republic is the least visited and wildest part of the country. Between Barahona and the border, the Sierra de Bahoruco drops to the Caribbean Sea along a coast of cliffs, white pebble beaches and cold rivers that originate in the mountains and reach the sand. The landscape changes quickly: humid forest on the slopes, cacti and dry scrub on the plains, salt pans and lagoons.

The coastal road south of Barahona passes fishing villages and beaches where rivers meet the sea, like San Rafael and Los Patos, with freshwater pools next to the surf. It is also the larimar region, the blue stone that exists only here and is mined in the mountains above the coast.

Further west, the province of Pedernales is home to Bahía de las Águilas, one of the most isolated and preserved beaches in the Caribbean, reached by boat or dirt road, within Parque Nacional Jaragua. In the Sierra de Bahoruco, Hoyo de Pelempito is a huge depression covered in forest. Inland, Lago Enriquillo lies more than 40 meters below sea level, with salt water, American crocodiles, rhinoceros iguanas and flamingos.

It’s a destination for people who enjoy driving, nature and uncrowded places, willing to accept basic lodging and long distances.

This destination brings together 4 cities: Santa Cruz de Barahona, Paraíso, Pedernales, La Descubierta.