Los Haitises National Park

Here's What You Get

Do you want to visit an area of the Dominican Republic seldom seen by tourists?

If so, our trek to Los Haitises National Park is a true contrast with the all-inclusive resorts and tourist laden beaches of Punta Cana.

If you're looking for intimacy and authenticity then carry on and read our description of the natural wonder that is Los Haitises...

The Park

Haitises means "highlands" or "mountain range" in Arawak (the Taino Indian language). Tucked in a remote corner of the Dominican Republic's northeast region, the park is a 1,600 square kilometer humid forest with vast stretches of untouched mangrove forests, secluded beaches, ancient caves and the Dominican Republic's most diverse collection of endemic flora and fauna. What was once a sacred, safe haven for the Tainos (the country's original inhabitants) is now a mysterious and awe-inspiring draw for tourists willing to leave the beaten track.

And how do you get there?...

The Drive

From Punta Cana / Bavaro you head north into the eastern Oriental Mountain Range. Welcoming us is a windy, paved road that snakes through rolling green highlands and country villages, along the southern shores of Samana Bay. Your guide, meanwhile, brings the outside world to life explaining the daily routines of everyday Dominicans and highlighting some of the country's natural produce as you pass countless agricultural and cattle farms. Our highlight stop, during the ride, is an adventurous ascent of the 1,000 foot peak - Montana Redonda. Known for its amazing vistas, Montana Redonda offers unforgettable views of Samana to the Northern horizon and the Oriental Mountain Range to the Southern horizon.

Once we arrive at Los Haitises...

The Tour

• Catamaran - Aboard our catamaran we'll maneuver through the meandering canals of the park's majestic mangrove forests which act as an ideal home for hundreds of species of birds, fish, reptiles and crustaceans. Leaving the mangroves, the scenery opens up into the San Lorenzo Bay with photo-inspiring views of the park's lush outcroppings.
• Cueva de la Arena - Located on a secluded beach, the cave's several waterfront caverns hold Taino carvings (petroglyphs) in the rock and sleepy bats in their natural habitat.
• Cueva de la linea - Found deeper in the forest, this vast cave is filled with Taino drawings (pictoglyphs), giving us a better sense of Taino religion and culture before their society's ultimate demise with the arrival of Europeans over 500 years ago.

It's been a long day so you deserve...

Lunch at the Waterfalls

Paraiso Cano Hondo is a cozy eco-lodge at Los Haitises National Park. Transversing the property is a natural river landscaped into numerous waterfalls. You'll be treated to a typical Dominican lunch of meat, fish, rice, beans, vegetables, salad and fruit. After lunch, swim in the river's cool, refreshing waters born deep in Los Haitises; and after your swim wind down with some hot chocolate or coffee made at the eco-lodge.

Join us by booking now...

Only a certain numbers of individuals are permitted on the Los Haitises Tour and it's only available 2 days a week. To secure availability bookings should be made in advance.

For a genuine contact with the Dominican Republic's history, culture and natural beauty, join us on this unique adventure to Los Haitises National Park.

What's Included

• Round trip transport
• Catamaran tour of Los Haitises
• Professional guide
• Lunch
• Non alcoholic drinks

What to Bring

• Comfortable clothing
• Bathing suit
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Towel
• Sneakers or flip flops
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Cash

• The normal, non-stop, transfer time between Punta Cana and Los Haitises National Park is approx. 2 1/2 hours. The ride is part of the excursion as the tour guide discusses a great deal of Dominican culture and the everyday scenes taking place outside the bus. The stop at Montana Redonda can be on the way to the park or on the way back, depending on weather, and may be cancelled due to poor visibility.