This park hosts the 400 km² Enriquillo lake, the largest in the Carribean.
The lake is 40 meters below sea level, its water is 3 time more salty than the sea.
Biosphere reserve
- Route 1: After visiting the lake and the cave "Las Caritas" and the "lunch break" in The Descubierta.
You will continue the way towards Jimani, the border with Haïti ,with its typical market in the village of Malpasse, if security conditions for physical and health allow it. On the way back, you will drive around Lake Enriquillo to make a little stop in Duverge to refresh and swim in its famous natural swimming pool.
The Lake Enriquillo is subject to climatic and environmental changes, especially rising water levels, affecting the hygiene and safety. To spend a good day, we will propose one or other of the following 2 routes, each one ensuring the visit of the main points of interest:
In the center of the lake, you will step on the Cabritos island, last refuge of the famous cacique Enriquillo, with its typical fauna of iguanas, scorpions, crocodiles and birds (60 species including red flamingoes, egrets, herons).
The rainfall of this region is the lowest in the country, making it the driest place of Caribbean
Thus the vegetation is mainly made of cactus (50 species, most of them endemic).
The lake is said to be "the biggest American crocodiles reserve of the world".
Nearly 400 crocodiles let their eggs there, and spend their day around that spot of the lake where a cold river meets with the salty lake.
You will also discover the other attractions of this unique region:
- the Taïnos Cave "Las Caritas", its petroglyphs, and its amazing panoramic view over the Lake and the mountains of Bahoruco.
- One of many natural sulfured water pools, refreshing break, famed for their healing powers in cosmetology
In the Independencia region, come to discover the National park Isla Cabritos.
- Route 2: After visiting the lake and the cave "Las Caritas" and the "lunch break" in The Descubierta.
On the way back to Barahona, you will make a little stop to refresh and swim in the famous natural swimming pool Las Marias Neyba, and you will drive along the road Batey and its huge farms of sugar cane.
