Things to Do in Barahona, Dominican Republic
Nestled in the Dominican Republic's southwest corner, near the border with Haiti, Barahona is one of the country's splendid hidden gems. Few people venture to this part of the country, preferring to remain in more bustling hotspots. That's both a blessing and a pity … It's a shame for people to miss out, but it's excellent for you!
Discover a unique blend of local culture, spectacular nature, fascinating history and gorgeous beaches away from the crowds. Eco-opportunities also abound in this charming off-the-beaten-path destination. Throw in delicious authentic cuisine, quirky attractions, one-of-a-kind shopping experiences and one of the world's finest stretches of sand, and you've got the recipe for a perfect vacation!
We'll take you through 15 of the area's top things to do for a fun-filled time brimming with diversity. So, keep reading to find out where to spot the best wildlife, where to unwind in solitude and how to have unique experiences you'll only find in this part of the world.
01 Explore the Stunning Bahía de las Águilas
Among the most stunning and unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean, Bahía de las Águilas lies within Jaragua National Park. Soft white sands backed with greenery-clad karsts meet enticing crystal-clear waters filled with vibrant marine life. Grab your snorkeling gear and explore the underwater world. The beach's remote location results in few tourists venturing out here — which is perfect because you'll have this stunning paradise pretty much to yourself!
Although tour companies run excursions here, getting here independently requires more effort. Take a 15-minute boat ride around the point or rent an off-road vehicle to drive the rugged back roads.
02 Hike through Sierra de Bahoruco National Park
Sierra de Bahoruco National Park boasts diverse ecosystems, including majestic cloud forests, tropical dry forests, rainforests and scenic mountain landscapes. Orchids grow among the pine trees and mixed forest, and the terrain attracts a rich assortment of birds. Commonly spotted feathered friends include parrots, crows, martins and swallows, while rarer species include La Selle thrushes, Hispaniolan amazons and bay-breasted cuckoos. The park attracts keen hikers, too, and guided tours can help you make the most of your experience and spot things you may otherwise miss.
03 Discover the enigmatic Magnetic Pole
The Magnetic Pole is one of the area's quirkiest destinations, where cars seemingly defy gravity to roll uphill. The natural phenomenon is thought to be just an optical illusion — although many people will strongly argue otherwise! — but it definitely makes for a curious sight. Add this as a quick, fun stop, pop your vehicle into neutral and be amazed! Drive west from Barahona along Routes 44 and 46 toward Cabral to reach the spot.
At Cabral, turn left and head south along Route 533 for around 7.5 miles. Weekdays see fewer visitors than weekends. Note: make sure you always practice road safety and fully check your surroundings before coasting up — or down — the unusual hill.
04 Relax at Playa San Rafael
Playa San Rafael offers the chance to paddle in the sea, swim in the river and unwind in river-fed pools, complete with a small artificial cascade. In the mornings, the high waves often attract surfers, too. Of course, you can also relax on the white pebble beach, admire the rugged cliffs and snap plenty of pictures of scenic splendor. Popular with local families, the beach is a great spot to experience laid-back Dominican leisure time and sample fresh and tasty seafood from local vendors.
05 Visit the Larimar Mine
Larimar is the tradename of a locally mined gemstone unique to this part of the world. Created by volcanic activity many moons ago, the rare mineral comes in attractive shades of blue. If you want to learn more about the local mining industry and how skilled workers extract the rock, a tour of Larimar Mine is a must. Small villages dot the mountains along the rugged route to reach the mining area, making for an interesting journey. Several local operators arrange tours. Pick up locally made Larimar products for an out-of-the-ordinary souvenir or a thoughtful gift for someone special back home.
06 Go birdwatching at Oviedo Lagoon
The UNESCO-protected Oviedo Lagoon covers over 10 square meters, making it the largest lagoon in the DR. Dense mangroves surround the islet-studded salt waters, creating the perfect habitat for many bird species. A fabulous destination for nature lovers, pink flamingoes wade in the green shallows, and pelicans soar through the blue skies. Gulls, herons, parrots and more also call the area home. Blue land crabs, turtles and iguanas roam the fringes, too. Take a guided boat tour through the lagoon for unique insights and to make the most of your time here.
07 Swim in the natural pools of Los Patos
Offering a gorgeous visual contrast between the ocean and the mountains, Los Patos has a unique surprise — freshwater river-fed pools right next to the salty sea. Local families swim in the calm river, and you can relax in a natural spa while soaking up stunning views. When you're ready to switch things up, paddle in the ocean's waves, popular with morning-time surfers in the summer. Nearby, food vendors tempt visitors with authentic Dominican fare, with seafood featured highly on menu boards.
08 Stroll along the Malecón of Barahona
The Malecón of Barahona is a picturesque promenade with incredible views over the Caribbean Sea. Pretty at any time of the day; it's particularly popular when the temperatures start to drop. Join locals for an evening stroll and watch a glorious sunset over the waves. Feast on delicious street food and pop into one of the small bars for a drink and to shoot some pool.
09 Discover the historic Torre del Reloj Tower
Constructed in the early 20th century, the Torre del Reloj played a major role in the city's firefighting past. Home to an emergency alarm, the original siren still alerts locals to fire outbreaks today. Visit at 7 a.m., noon or 6 p.m. to hear the shrill warning in action—if it sounds outside of those times, there's a fire nearby. If you fancy a pit stop, plenty of food and drink vendors operate around the square. Centrally located close to City Hall and the historic gateway to the old city, the impressive tower is a convenient stop on a captivating tour of Barahona.
10 Experience local culture at Fiestas Patronales
Fiestas Patronales celebrate local saints and have great religious significance. In Barahona, Afro-Caribbean traditions blend with Spanish influences, with joyous singing, animated dancing, captivating live music, exhilarating parades and eye-catching traditional Dominican costumes. People flock to the streets and gather around the parks, churches and cathedral, keen to join in the fun over the nine-day celebrations. Barahona's saint festival takes place each year in the first week of October, paying respect to Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
11 Unwind at Playa El Quemaito
Lined with smooth, white pebbles, Playa El Quemaito boasts calm waters, perfect for swimming under the warming Caribbean sun. Drawing smaller crowds, the beach offers plenty of tranquility, ideal if you're looking for somewhere to switch off and relax. A fabulous alternative to busier beaches in the area, it's especially great for solitude-seeking couples and families.
12 Explore the Petroglyphs at Las Caritas
Travel back in time on your vacation with a visit to the ancient rock carvings at Las Caritas. A superb attraction for history enthusiasts interested in pre-Columbian culture, the cave bears a testament to the Taino people — the island's original inhabitants —from thousands of years ago. Notable for its many carvings of faces, it also features animals and symbols. Wooden steps right off the highway lead up to the viewing walkway, which also offers great vistas of the distant lagoon.
13 Hike the trails of Cachote Cloud Forest
Situated in the Sierra de Bahoruco mountains, the mystical cloud forest at Cachote stands more than 1,000 feet higher than sea level and provides impressive views of the valley. Trails wind through the protected landscapes, which are ideal for hiking, adventure, and nature enthusiasts. Tropical plants, such as orchids and bromeliads, grow among the trees, and the diverse wildlife includes giant geckos and around 30 native bird species.
14 Enjoy local flavors at Restaurant La Playa
Occupying an enviable beachfront location and affording terrific views over the sea, Restaurant La Playa is known for its fresh seafood specialties. Sink your teeth into local dishes, such as conch and crispy fried fish, while admiring the scenes. Visit on weekdays to dodge the weekend crowds.
15 Admire the views at Hoyo de Pelempito
Desert flora blends into pines before reaching the majestic cloud forest at Hoyo de Pelempito, located within Sierra de Bahoruco. The changing terrain and sweeping views make this a prime place for photography and explorations. Follow mountain trails to the lookout point to marvel at the mist, striking red rocks and vegetation in all their glory.
Barahona offers a bounty of outstanding activities and sights, from stunning beaches and splendid nature to fascinating cultural hotspots and top-class seafood eateries. The lesser-visited area is fascinating if you're craving a more authentic Dominican experience far from mass tourism. Immerse yourself in the area's culture, enjoy a sense of serenity and fall under Barahona's enchanting spell for a vacation you won't quickly forget. Set the ball rolling and start planning your memorable trip to Barahona to discover its many hidden treasures and delights.
Scroll Down
for the Next Article
