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With 16 national parks and 67 protected areas within its borders, the Dominican Republic is a wonderful destination for those seeking both the excitement of hiking Pico Duarte and the serene views from its peak.
With towering mountains, luminous white sand beaches, and forests flushed with dense vegetation, the Dominican Republic is a popular pilgrimage spot for those seeking eco-adventure. Despite the abundance of opportunities for enjoying the flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic, there is little in the way of traditional and independent camping. Eco-minded visitors will find they are best served by staying at small hotels or lodges that pride themselves on serving eco-tourists with prime locations and services.
Although there are 16 national parks in the Dominican Republic, there are no official campgrounds within the reserves due to an absence of regulatory measures and protocols. Visitors who venture into the parks must obtain a pass from the National Parks Office. Adventurers may attempt to secure permission to camp in the park through the same office. A regular pass will cost RD$50 and can be obtained at local park offices as well as through the national office in Santo Domingo, located at Avenida Maximo Gomez, Apartado Postal 2487, and reachable by phone at 809-472-4204.
A few of the most popular national parks are Parque Nacional Armando Bermúdez and Parque Nacional José del Carmen Ramirez. With a number of major rivers and mountains to be traversed and scaled, these parks are popular choices for eco-tourists. The Pico Duarte is perhaps the most famous eco-tourist destination in the country.
Another park is Parque Nacional Jaragua, located southwest of Barahona in the Pedernales Peninsula. This area, which contains some of the most remote and unspoiled areas of the country, is rife with deserted beaches and is a vast aviary for many different bird species.
Eco-tourists will find all sorts of adventure while in the Dominican Republic. From windsurfing in Cabarete, to whale watching in Samana, to caving in the Pedernales Peninsula, eco-tourists can enjoy it all. Biking, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, scuba diving, and snorkeling are all available, as well. The island is truly a veritable cornucopia of eco-adventures.
While there are few campgrounds for independent campers, visitors to the island can find hostel style campgrounds located in areas close to natural attractions for as little as $8(USD) a night to pitch your own tent, or $10(USD) a night to stay in a dormitory style hall. Cottages and cabins in areas of the southwest and interior of the country north of Santo Domingo will often designate themselves as eco-tourist hotels and will offer tours and services catered to eco-tourists. These accommodations serve as suitable bases for taking day adventure trips out into the surrounding areas. Rooms in these specialized hotels can run from $40(USD) a night for just a room to $115(USD) a night for a room with a full meal plan.
Regardless of the type of activities you wish to indulge in, the chances are good that the Dominican Republic will be able satiate your thirst for eco-adventure.
The gorgeous weather found year-round in the Dominican Republic is a major draw for many travelers.
A number of great hotels and resorts can be found throughout the Dominican Republic, making it easy to find one that fits your vacation style.
Fluctuating crowds, prices, and temperatures means that in the Dominican Republic no two seasons are exactly alike.
