- NATIONAL PARKS AND PROTECTED AREAS

A leader in ecotourism, Dominican Republic (DR) has long been preserving its country’s magnificent beauty for the many generaons to come. One shining example is the first Humpback Whale Sanctuary, which was created in 1966 on its Northeast Coast. Today, over 25 percent of the country’s unique terrain and coastal areas have been protected in the form of naonal parks, reserves, monuments, and marine sanctuaries, granng unimaginable access to the land and seas. These beauful and profuse ecosystems are within a conservaon plan that boasts 83 areas, among which are 19 naonal parks, 15 natural reserves, six scienfic reserves, 32 natural monuments, two marine sanctuaries and nine areas of protected islands with panoramic views.

Some of the most impressive and diverse untouched landscapes in the abound among the country’s naonal parks. Visitors will find a variety of protected areas including mountains with pine forests and misty clouds, while white-sand beaches such as the Bay of Eagles at Pedernales line the Southwest. Addionally, Los Haises Naonal Park on the Northeast Coast features untouched mangroves, while the Naonal Park of the East along the Caribbean Sea boasts unique hiking trails and caves with ancient Taino drawings.

Below are some of the most important and most visited protected areas in the country.

The Naonal Park of the East and Saona Island In the Province of La Altagracia in the Southeast corner, Parc Nacional del Este was declared a naonal park in 1975 and covers a total area of over 150 m2 (388 km2). A prime locaon for bird-watching, this subtropical and dry rainforest region contains over 100 species of birds, including the rare white- crowned pigeon, the Parrot and the red-footed Boobie.

The J. Armando Bermudez and José del Carmen Ramirez Naonal Parks Spanning nearly 600 m2 (1,554 km2), these two parks in the Central West encompass much of the country’s central mountain chain, including the highest peak in the Anlles, . These parks are home to diverse flora and fauna, including wild boar and the naonal bird, the palm chat. Accompanied by guides, visitors here may plan hiking and camping trips lasng days that give them a sense of the parks’ natural splendor and biodiversity.

Los Haises Naonal Park On the Northeast Coast along the Bay of Samaná, approximately 62 m2 (160 km2) of unique, diverse areas comprise Los Haises Naonal Park. Mangroves, estuaries, coves and bays make up the park, which is well-known for both its magnificent series of limestone caves and its boat excursions through exoc mangrove swamps. Manatees, bats, tortoises and over 100 species of birds call these protected regions home.

Cayo Arena Frequently called “Paradise Island” by tour guides and visitors, this gorgeous sandbar area is located off the coast of the small fishing village, Punta Rucia, on the North Coast. This lovely island with its white- sand beaches makes the perfect trip for couples or independent travelers looking for a relaxing getaway, or an exceponal snorkeling spot with crystal clear waters and lively coral reefs.

The Marine Mammal Sanctuary Samaná Bay on the Northeast Coast is home to the Marine Mammal Sanctuary, which was established in 1966 to protect thousands of humpback whales who make annual trips to give birth and mate in these warm calm waters each winter. The sanctuary has been expanded mulple mes since its incepon to ensure the best care possible to the gentle creatures that inhabit it. Guests of the sanctuary have the unique opportunity to watch the whales frolic and play from January through March at a safe distance, without disturbing the glorious creatures.

The Valle Nuevo Naonal Park Over 250 m2 (647 km2) of the Central Region encompass the Valle Nuevo Naonal Park, a protected forest area that boasts fabulous waterfalls and top-rate bird watching. Some of the regions’ most recognized sites include Salto de Aguas Blancas, an 84-foot-tall (25 meters), three- ered cascade deep in the rainforest, and Las Pirámides, a monument built in 1957 to honor Colonel Francisco Caamaño Deño, who died fighng the regime of President Joaquín Balaguer.

The Ebano Verde Scienfic Reserve on Casabito Road in Constanza. Established in 1989, this 9 m2 (23 km2) scienfic reserve holds claim to over 600 plant species and is nestled between Constanza and Jarabacoa. It gets its name from the nave ebano verde tree, which stands inside. Unspoiled by mankind, the gorgeous area is home to around 60 species of birds that include the second smallest in the world, the zumbadorcito.

Cueva de las Maravillas The “Cave of Miracles” is located between San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana in the Southeast. Stretching well over 2,000 feet (609 meters), the fascinang cave system contains hundreds of well- preserved pictographs, petroglyphs and engravings from the Taíno Indians who once inhabited it thousands of years before. Accessible to visitors, the dwelling contains an excellent lighng system and footpath.

The Jaragua Naonal Park and its Bay of Eagles Jaragua Naonal Park, the largest naonal park in the country, is located in Pedernales on the Southwest Coast. Covering many diverse types of terrain, the region includes areas of forest, coast and sea. Famous for its various types of cac, the park generally has warm weather and low precipitaon levels. Guides take visitors through excing parts of this 530 m2 (1,373 km2) large region, where they show off nave Taíno cave art, flamingos, verdant foliage and much more.

Cabo Cabrón A spectacular wall diving site, Cabo Cabrón on the North Coast is the perfect place for adventure tourists seeking a unique diving spot. Its remote locaon makes for matchless scuba expedions and fantasc views under the sea.

Monte Cris Naonal Park With 212 m2 (549 km2) of coastal areas, mangrove swamps, lagoons and offshore keys, this naonal park in the Northwest is a natural beauty with a few disnct regions and varying weather systems. Offshore keys sit off of the North Coast, while forested areas make up much of the rest of the land area in the North. Dry areas without much vegetaon lie further in the South. El Morro, a large limestone basin in the park, is a well-known island-like formaon surrounded by islands with prey beaches.

Isla Cabritos and In the Southeast, the desert island of Isla Cabritos is a seven and a half mile-long piece of land situated in the center of Lake Enriquillo, the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean. Also the lowest point in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo is approximately 140 feet (43 meters) below sea level and is home to a large populaon.

Montaña La Humeadora Naonal Park Adventure travelers will enjoy the chance to spot rare birds and other animals in many areas of this park, which spans 162 m2 (412 km2) in the South Central region. Also known as Eugeno de Jesus Marcana Naonal Park, the park covers the southeast part of the Cordillera mountain chain, and it guards an important watershed, which is one of Santo Domingo’s water supplies.

Nalga de Maco Naonal Park Montane cloud forests make up much of Nalga de Maco Naonal Park, which was established in 1995 and includes an area of 108 m2 (278 km2) in the Western Central part of the country. Beauful mountain peaks and caves with ancient Taíno Indian drawings await travelers who have the opportunity of taking two-day, guided excursions on mules.

Sierra de Bahoruco, Sierra de Neibo and Sierra Marn Garcia Stretching from the province of Barahona into Hai, the Sierra de Bahoruco mountain range contains scenic local savannas and valleys. South of the Enriquillo Basin, the mountain peaks in this area range from between 3,000 and 5,000 feet (914 and 1,524 km) tall. The range spans a lile over 15 miles (24 km) along the waterfront. Further north lies the Sierra de and Sierra Marn Garcia ranges, which are two smaller secons of hills, separated from Bahoruco by the Rio Yaque del Sur.

Submarino La Caleta Naonal Park Founded in 1984, Submarino La Caleta Naonal Park is slightly over 12 miles (19 km) east of Santo Domingo in the South Central region. Although some of the park’s coral reef areas were damaged in 2004 by Hurricane Jean, marine life there has been restored due in part to efforts by Reef Check, a nonprofit organizaon, and the Ministry of Environment. The waters are popular for diving, as divers may view the wreckage of Hickory, a treasure-hunng ship from the early 1980s. Taíno Indian caves are another aracon at this renowned park.

Media Contact Siren Communicaons Olivia Bruo 416-351-0777 olivia@sirencommunicaons.com