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Beach · Paraíso, Barahona
Playa Los Patos
A pebble-and-sand beach south of Paraíso where a short cold-water river rises at the foot of the mountain and forms a clear lagoon beside the sea.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Playa Los Patos
Playa Los Patos is on the coastal road, just south of Paraíso. It is a pebbly and dark-sand beach with blue water and waves, and the mountain covered in green right behind it. The Los Patos river springs from sources at the foot of the range and runs only a few hundred meters to the sea, which earned it the reputation of being the country’s shortest river.
At its meeting with the beach, the river forms a shallow freshwater lagoon that is cold and very clear, shaded by trees, where families spend the day. The contrast between the icy river water and the warm sea a few steps away is the charm of the place.
Simple stalls and restaurants serve fried fish, lambi and cold beer, and on weekends the beach livens up with music and activity. During weekdays it is quiet.
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
From two hours to half a day.
Best time
In the morning, on weekdays, when the lagoon is calm and empty.
How to get there
It is on the coastal road, about 5 km south of Paraíso and 40 km from Barahona. Those traveling by bus can get off at the roadside, next to the river.
Tip
The sea has waves and rocks; the calm bathing is in the river lagoon. Bring sandals to walk on the pebbles.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Playa Los Patos
Is the Los Patos river the shortest in the country?
That is what people say in the region: it rises at the foot of the range and runs a few hundred meters to the sea.
Can you swim in Los Patos?
Yes, in the river's freshwater lagoon; the sea has waves.
Is there infrastructure in Los Patos?
Simple stalls and restaurants offering fish and drinks.