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Park · La Descubierta, Independencia
Parque Nacional Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos
The lowest salty lake in the Caribbean, more than 40 meters below sea level, with American crocodiles, rhinoceros iguanas, flamingos and Isla Cabritos in the middle.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Parque Nacional Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos
Lake Enriquillo lies at the bottom of a depression between the Sierra de Neiba and the Sierra de Bahoruco, in the southwest of the country. Its surface is more than 40 meters below sea level, the lowest point in the Caribbean islands, and the water is salty, saltier than the sea, because the lake has no outlet. It is an ancient arm of the sea that became isolated thousands of years ago.
The national park protects the lake and Isla Cabritos, a low island of cacti and dry woodland in its middle. The lake is home to one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the Caribbean; on the shores live rhinoceros iguanas and Ricord’s iguanas, which approach visitors, and flamingos and other waterbirds frequent the shallow areas.
Near the entrance, the small cave of Las Caritas has faces carved by the Taínos into the rock, overlooking the lake. The water level has changed a lot in recent decades, covering roads and trees, and boat trips to the island depend on current conditions.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Two to three hours.
Best time
Early in the morning, when the heat is still bearable and the animals are more active.
How to get there
The park entrance is on the road along the north shore of the lake, near La Descubierta, about 100 km from Barahona.
Tip
Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: there is no shade and the heat is extreme. Ask at the park station whether boats to Isla Cabritos are running. Do not feed the iguanas.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos
Why is Lake Enriquillo salty?
Because it is an ancient arm of the sea that was isolated and has no outlet; evaporation concentrates the salt.
Can you swim in Lake Enriquillo?
Not recommended: the water is salty and the lake has crocodiles.
What are rhinoceros iguanas?
Large iguanas with horn-like protrusions on the snout that live on the lake shores and on Isla Cabritos.