Southern Dominican Republic

Overview

This is the least populated, least economically developed, and least visited region of the Dominican Republic. Thanks to—or because of—this, this part of the country has retained a wild character, both along its coastline and in its mountainous interior. Here, you’ll find a different Dominican Republic, off the beaten path and far from the atmosphere of the rest of the island...

Main towns

Santa Cruz de Barahona, or more simply Barahona, is the major city in the southwest. In fact, it’s the only one, aside from San Juan and Neiba, which are hardly tourist destinations.

Tourist attractions

Towns and their heritage

Apart from the cathedral of Barahona, the region’s urban tourist heritage is virtually nonexistent.

Beaches and coastline

Here, there are no beach resorts—just small villages for exploring the coast and enjoying deserted beaches, one of the most famous being Bahía de las Águilas in Jaragua National Park.

Nature and activities

While ecotourism and adventure tourism are not—or barely—developed, they are the region’s strong points. You can enjoy the sea, deserted beaches, the mountains and their activities, Pico Duarte (the highest peak in the Antilles), a unique saltwater lake (Lake Enriquillo), and Jaragua National Park, one of the largest in the Caribbean.

Climate