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1 city
Province · Sudoeste: Barahona e Pedernales
Independencia
Independencia is the province of Lago Enriquillo, the lowest point in the Caribbean, with American crocodiles, iguanas and Isla Cabritos, and of La Descubierta, with the Las Barías bathing spot.
In the photo: Lago Enriquillo and the southwest mountains (Independencia)
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Independencia
Independencia is at the far southwest of the country, on the border with Haiti, between the Sierra de Neiba and the Sierra de Bahoruco. The capital, Jimaní, is a border town, and the province’s center is a hot, dry depression with cacti and thorn scrub, where Lago Enriquillo lies.
The lake, saline, is more than 40 meters below sea level, the lowest point of the Caribbean islands. It is an old arm of the sea that became isolated, and the national park that protects it is home to one of the largest populations of American crocodiles in the region, rhinoceros iguanas and Ricord's iguanas, flamingos and, in the middle of the lake, Isla Cabritos.
The guide lists the town of La Descubierta in the province, in the Barahona and Pedernales area, on the lake’s northern shore. Nearby are the park entrance, the small cave Las Caritas, with faces carved in stone by the Taínos, and the bathing spot Las Barías, with cold fresh-water springs under large trees.
Further west, the smaller Limón lagoon also attracts waterbirds, and the road continues to Jimaní and the crossing into Haiti.
Destinations
1 destination in Independencia
Cities
1 cities in Independencia in the guide
When to go
From December to March the heat is less extreme. The region is very hot and dry year-round; visit the lake early in the morning. After heavy rains, the lake level and the roads around it can change.
Getting there
La Descubierta is about 100 km from Barahona, roughly two hours by car along the road that skirts the lake, and Jimaní is about five hours from Santo Domingo. María Montez (BRX) in Barahona is the airport with the closest flights to the lake. There are buses to Jimaní and Neiba, but a car is needed to get around the lake.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Independencia
Which province is Lago Enriquillo in?
It is divided between Independencia and Baoruco; the national park entrance and La Descubierta are in Independencia, on the northern shore.
Can you see crocodiles in Lago Enriquillo?
Yes, the lake hosts a population of American crocodiles; the park’s boat tours, when operating, take visitors to observation points.
What is Las Caritas?
A small cave near the lake’s northern shore, with faces carved in stone by the Taínos and a view of the lake.
Is it very hot at Lago Enriquillo?
Yes, it is one of the hottest areas in the country; go early in the morning and bring water and a hat.