Presentation

Presentation
ECOTOUR Barahona:
another vision of tourism
The region Barahona, situated in the southwest of the
Dominican Republic, has the potential to become the
leading eco-tourism destination of the Caribbean islands,
thanks to its exceptional ecological diversity, numerous
national parks, and UNESCO biosphere reserves.
As a specialist in the region for 6 years, ECOTOUR
Barahona will help you discover this wild and unknown
side of the Caribbean in an authentic way. Our
ecological excursions, treks, and adventures respect the
environment at all times and integrate the local
communities as much as possible.
Accompanied by experienced guides such as Leo and
Ramón, visit unique and wonderful places and enjoy an
unforgettable experience...
ECO-Tours
RATES
Lago Enriquillo or Bahía de las
Águilas
$75 USD per person*
Laguna Oviedo,
Larimar
With our ECO-Tours, you will discover 4 national parks
in the region Barahona. These parks are biosphere
reserves, protected and maintained by the Dominican
government in order to be kept authentic.
All our ECO-Tours include:
•
•
•
•
•
transport in minibus
guide (English, French, Spanish)
soft drinks during the day
typical Caribbean lunch
free access to the parks
1 ECO-Tour = 1 day
Cachote
$65 USD per person*
* for groups of 6 Pax or more
or
“Come and discover the Jaragua National Park, the
largest of the Dominican Republic!”
Day program:
08:00 a.m.: Departure from your hotel.
08:30 a.m.: Visit to the village Los Blancos.
11:00 a.m.: Departure by boat from the village La Cueva to the Bahia de
las Aguilas. Typical lunch on the beach.
12:00 p.m.: Swimming and snorkeling.
04:00 p.m.: Return to La Cueva. Stop at the only water spring of the
Jaragua National Park. Visit to a Taíno cave in the village Los Patos.
07:00 p.m.: Arrival at your hotel.
Bahía de las
Águilas
biosphere reserve
Playa
de las Aguilas was named
after the indigenous eagle. It is
famously known as the most
beautiful beach of the entire country.
The park climate is very arid and the
vegetation mainly composed of cacti
and other desert plants. The red dirt
road that runs along the bay is
comparable to an African savanna
landscape.
Discover this paradise for fishermen
and lovers of white sand beaches and
crystal-clear water. But first, travel to
the village La Cueva, where local
fishermen live inside caves.
Is there anything missing from this
picture perfect moment?
The calm sea and light wind will keep
you from suffering too much from the
sun and heat. Become an explorer for
the day and discover an ecological,
natural,
and
totally
unspoiled
paradise. You can observe more than
130 species of birds, 76 of which live
permanently in the bay, 10 are
endemic and 47 are migrants.
Lago
Enriquillo
“Discover the Isla Cabritos National Park in the
Independencia region!”
Day program:
07:30 a.m.: Departure from
your hotel.
10:00 a.m.: Boat tour around
the lake and visit to the island
Cabritos.
01:00 p.m.: Lunch next to the
natural sulfate swimming
pool.
02:30 p.m.: Visit to the Taíno
cave “Las Caritas”.
04:00 p.m.: Visit to the typical
Haitian market of Malpasse.
05:00 p.m.: Visit to the natural
swimming pool in Duverge.
07:00 p.m.: Arrival at your
hotel.
The park is home to the 200 km² large Lake Enriquillo. The lake lies 30 meters below sea level. Its water is 3 times saltier than the sea. In
the center of the lake lies the island Cabritos, the last refuge of the famous native chief Enriquillo. It has a typical fauna of iguanas, birds
(60 different species of red flamingos alone), scorpions, and crocodiles. The climate is very arid and the average rainfall is the lowest in the
entire country. Thus, the vegetation mainly consists of cacti (50 mostly endemic species).
The lake is said to be "the biggest reserve of American crocodiles in the world". More than 400 crocodiles reproduce here and spend their
days (usually very warm) lounging around a corner of the lake where a cold river meets the salty water. You will also have the chance to
swim – not with the crocodiles, but in the park’s natural sulfate swimming pool (often used in the field of cosmetology for skin care). In the
afternoon, hike to the Taíno cave "Las Caritas" and enjoy an amazing panoramic view over the lake and the mountains of Bahoruco.
Continue your journey towards Jimani and the Haitian border to a typical market in the village of Malpasse. On the way back to Barahona,
stop in Duverge to swim in the famous natural swimming pool.
Among the many sites of the country, the Laguna Oviedo is the
best place to spot the most beautiful aquatic birds of the
Dominican Republic. It is composed of more than 40 islands that
are home to herons, sterns, golden spoonbills, frigate birds,
white egrets, pelicans and, of course, red flamingoes.
After a boat tour, enjoy lunch on one of these islands. The
vegetation is arid and mainly composed of cacti. Two kinds of
iguanas live here: the Rhinoceros Iguana and the Ricord Iguana.
Although impressive in size, they are perfectly gentle.
After lunch, we will walk across the arid thickets of this desert
island to reach the mirador, a lookout-point that offers an
amazing panoramic view over the lake, the Caribbean Sea, all of
the Jaragua Park, and the surrounding mountain chain Sierra de
Bahoruco.
Where the river meets the lagoon, you will be invited into the
world of the local herons. This is a pleasant place for them due
to the many fish.
Laguna
Oviedo
Day program:
08:00 a.m.: Departure from your hotel.
“Explore
another
treasure
of
the Jaragua
National
the
Park:
Laguna
Oviedo!”
08:30 a.m.: Visit to a Taíno cave and the natural
swimming pool of Los Patos.
10:00 a.m.: Beginning of the boat tour over Lake Oviedo.
Walk from the lake to the sea to reach the beach Cabo
San Luis.
01:00 p.m.: Lunch on Iguana Island. Walk to a mirador.
04:00 p.m.: Return to Oviedo by boat.
06:00 p.m.: Arrival at your hotel.
Our adventure begins in the village Cienaga
Day program:
in a safari truck…
08:00 a.m.: Departure from your
hotel.
First, we will head all the way up the mountain
to the ecological mirador (lookout-point) of
Cachote, from where you will have a great view
of the river Nizaito, the beach of Paraíso, and
the Polo mountains.
11:00 a.m.: Arrival at the
ecological center of Cachote.
12:00 a.m.: Lunch.
On the way, we will stop several times to take
in the agricultural variety – coffee, cacao and
other tropical fruits – of the Bahoruco
mountains.
At the top of the mountain (1400 meters above
sea level), you will find yourself in the midst of
a cold cloud forest where scientists have
identified 45 types of endemic birds (including
the famous Dominican parrot “Cotorra
Hispaniola”). This paradise is the perfect
location for our lunch break.
After lunch, stroll downhill and enter the cloud
forest. Along the way, we will provide you with
explanations about the plants we encounter.
Some are used in medicine or cosmetology,
while others are integral ingredients of the
local Haitian voodoo practice!
01:00 p.m.: Walk to the village
Cachote.
03:30 p.m.: Swimming in the river
Nizaito.
06:00 p.m.: Arrival at your hotel.
Cachote
biosphere reserve
At the end of the walk (ca. 40 minutes), we will
arrive in Cachote, a typical village where
people live without water and electricity. After
getting to know the local community, we will
head downhill in our truck to the Paraíso
rainforest and the village Villa Nizao, located in
a valley next to the river Nizaito that is known
for its great production of oranges, coconuts,
and mangos.
If you wish, you may swim in the river, which is
also the favorite playground of the local
children.
“Discover the eastern part of the Sierra de Bahoruco
National Park!”
Mina de
Larimar
In the morning, head all the way up the Sierra de Bahoruco with a safari truck to the most unique
Larimar mine of the world. This famous stone has a turquoise color similar to the color of the
Caribbean Sea. Meet with local workers who will guide you through the mine and help you find your
own stone.
On the way back, stop at the amazing Villa Miriam to have lunch. This private house was built in the
middle of natural swimming pools and waterfalls. After lunch, we will walk down to San Rafael
beach where a river meets the sea, forming natural swimming pools of cold water.
We will end the day with a visit to an authentic Larimar “studio”, where you will learn how to
transform the stone you hopefully found in the morning into beautiful jewelry.
“Come and discover the Larimar stone and the
wonderful coast of Barahona…”
Day program:
08:00 a.m.: Departure with safari truck from your
hotel.
09:00 a.m.: Visit to a Larimar mine.
12:00 a.m.: Lunch in San Rafael.
02:00 p.m.: Walk along the beach of San Rafael.
03:30 p.m.: Witness Larimar processing.
06:00 p.m.: Return to your hotel.
ECO-Treks
RATES
$60 USD per person*
* for groups of 2 Pax or more
Our ECO-Treks will help you discover the beautiful landscapes of
the mountain chain Sierra de Bahoruco with its amazing primary
tropical forest, pine tree forest, and cloud forest at 1400 meters
above sea level.
Your guide will help you to identify orchids, ginger flowers, and
hundreds of other endemic plants. Enjoy his ability to
communicate with birds such as parrots, hummingbirds, or the
surprising Hilguero, which can produce nine different sounds. Out
of the 48 endemic species of birds found on Hispaniola Island, you
can observe 45 in this region alone.
Visit small, isolated villages of Dominican or Haitian locals who
breed animals (cows, goats, mules, fighting cocks) or grow food
(coffee, avocados, cacao, papayas, mangoes, bananas). They are
always very proud and happy to welcome visitors.
The duration and level of difficulty of the treks vary so that each
guest can choose a trek according to his/her ability.
All our ECO-Treks include:
•
•
•
transportation in a safari truck
local guide
typical Caribbean lunch
ECOhorsebackriding treks
ECOTOUR
also
offers
horsebackriding treks – an
unforgettable
experience!
The CACAO Trail
Garden of EDEN
The trail begins in the village Paraíso with a
Our trek begins in the village Ojeda on the
slight 30 minute climb trough mango, coconut,
and pineapple trees.
southern coast of Barahona, on a large farm where
you only have to stretch out your arm to pick and
taste avocados, oranges, lemons, mangos,
papayas, sapotes, guavas, passion fruit, and many
others types of fruit.
At a height of 300 meters, we head downhill for 2
hours, walking along the edge of the mountain,
facing the Caribbean Sea and the valley of the
Nizaito river. This mountain is known for the high
quality of its cacao production. You will have the
opportunity to taste cacao seeds with their unique
sweet and sour taste straight from the tree.
We will arrive at the village Villa Nizao, whose
inhabitants mainly work in agriculture producing
coffee, cacao, and other tropical fruits. The village
is located next to the river Nizaito, which has
wonderful natural swimming pools with crystalclear water. We will have lunch next to this river
and plenty of time to swim in the fresh river water.
Head back to the village Paraíso, following the
river until it meets the beach.
The COFFEE Trail
The trail begins on the beach of Paraíso. We will first
climb the mountain “Café de Las Mujeres” facing
Paraíso. Discover the great agricultural variety of the
Sierra de Bahoruco, including mangos, pineapples,
papayas, bananas, and, of course, cacao trees.
During the trek, stop in isolated villages to taste
tropical fruits and meet with the locals. Have lunch at
the highest point of the trail, in the middle of a pine
tree forest located in the village Charco Blanco at 800
meters above sea level. In this village, a few families
are in charge of the harvest and drying of coffee
beans, which are then transported down to Paraíso to
be sold.
The different communities of Dominicans and Haitians
we will meet along the way are always proud to show
us their homes and their way of life. We will head
down the southern side of the mountain to the canyon
of the Nizaito River. During the descent, enjoy the
amazing view over the village and the beach of
Paraíso.
At 300 meters above sea level, where the trail meets
the river, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear
water of the Nizaito. To round off the day, follow the
river all the way down to the beach where it meets the
Caribbean Sea.
After a 2-hour hike uphill, stop at a mirador
(lookout-point) with an amazing panoramic view of
the villages Los Patos, Ojeda and Paraíso, the river
Riosito, and the high mountains of Cachote. We
will continue our morning trek uphill to the village
Bario Nuevo, founded by a Haitian family who
produces coffee within the cloud forest.
In the afternoon (after lunch), we will cross several
coffee farms on top of the mountain and then head
all the way downhill to the canyon of the river
Riosito. Where the trail meets with the river, you
can take a refreshing dip in a king-sized natural
swimming pool, also a popular playground for the
local children.
Finally, we will follow the river downhill to the
village Paraíso.
ECO-Adventures
RATES
The goal of our ECO-Adventures is to help you discover
"end of the world"-sites that can only be reached via
expeditions over several days. To completely immerse you
into the surrounding nature, all nights are spent in natural
camp sites.
You can choose between several types of adventures:
- ECO-Adventure "Mountain" if you enjoy trekking
- ECO-Adventure "Sea" if you enjoy boat expeditions
All expeditions include logistical arrangements:
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•
•
•
•
camping equipment (tent, mattress)
eco-friendly showers
a cook and complete local staff to prepare the
camp
transport of your luggage (truck, mules)
lifejackets and first-aid kit
an English-speaking guide specialized in adventure
tourism
* Depending on number of
participants. Please Contact us
directly.
Day program:
La Costa del Parque Jaragua
1 day cabotage
06:30 a.m.: Departure from your hotel.
08:00 a.m.: Arrival at the village La
Cueva, boarding and departure to
Trudille.
10:00 a.m.: Disembark in Bucan Tui to
refresh yourself in the mangrove
swamp.
12:00 p.m.: Lunch at La Playita.
02:00 p.m.: Tour along Los Cabos to
Playa Caliente.
05:00 p.m.: Return to La Cueva and
return to your hotel.
07:00 p.m.: Arrival at your hotel.
An
entire day of navigating the
coast.
Discover beaches at the "end of the
world" along the coast of the Jaragua
National Park and visit several
authentic fishermen’s villages.
The Jaragua National Park is the
biggest
national
park
in
the
Dominican
Republic
and
was
declared a biosphere reserve by the
UNESCO. The land and water park
with a total area of 1400 km2 is the
refuge of numerous endemic species
of fauna and flora, as well as
migratory species such as flamingos
and Carey and Tinglar turtles that lay
their eggs on the park’s beaches.
While navigating along the sharp
cliffs and the secluded beaches, you
will be accompanied by authentic
fishermen travelling communities.
Discover magical landscapes and
dream beaches on this adventure into
the heart of an unspoiled and
preserved territory.
1st day
Departure from the hotel in ECOTOUR vehicle to Paraíso, a village nestled
between the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The trek begins on the
“Café de las Mujeres” trail and will take you across agricultural and coffee
plantations. Enjoy lunch in the small community Charco Blanco (900 m
altitude difference). Continue towards the cloud forest of Cachote (1100
m), an enclave of the Bahoruco National Park (biosphere reserve).
Visit the botanical path and fish pond. At the end of the day, share a
dinner prepared by the community and appreciate the freshness of the
region’s unique climate before being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the
mountain. Night in refuge or tent.
Walking time 6 hours, level 1100 m (uphill), high difficulty.
Sierra Bahoruco
3 days of trekking
2nd day
After a large breakfast, departure for Polo, first on a flowery path down to the river
Cortico (300 m), then uphill to the small village Auta. The magnificent view will
draw you to another hillside of the Sierra Bahoruco and to La Mina (old silica
mine). Small pause in the house of a Montea Nueva family (1000 m).
Continue your trek downhill towards Polo, passing by a sinister prison built by
Rafael Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961. Upon
reaching the road to the only city of the Sierra Bahoruco, wait for the bus that will
take you uphill to Polo. Enjoy a warm reception and dinner by Mama Gueda, who
leads the cooperative association of the village. In the evening, retire to your
accommodation for the night in a house, hotel or shared bedroom.
Walking time 7 hours, level 700 m (up- and downhill), medium difficulty.
3rd day
After breakfast, head up the "Caña Brava" (200 m) for a great view of the
valley that will take you to Paraíso. Walk down to the basin "Mata de Maíz"
(700 m), source of the “Rio Nizaito", which we will follow for much of the
day.
Walking time 5 hours, level 900 m (downhill), low difficulty.
ECO-Adventure
horseback-riding
ECOTOUR also offers this 3 day trek
as a horseback-riding excursion, an
incomparable experience!