South West Peninsula of the Dominican Republic

[arroyodmb]

It feels strange being a resident and making a Trip Report.

I was invited to accompany two researchers from Colorado and their Dominican assistant to the South West of the Dominican Republic.

Stayed with them in Hotel Plaza, Plaza Naco the first night having arrived at 10.30 p.m. Very comfortable. Although missed the noise of crickets and the Roosters crowing in the night, couldn’t tell the time in the morning.

We left for Baharona at 5 in the morning and breakfasted at Pollo Rey in Bani. Mongu, Bolita de Yuca fried Cheese etc. Took around four hours to reach the south.

First stop was Lago de Oviedo, where there did not appear to be anyone at the ticket office and the person in charge was not in the office, it was Sunday therefore we gave the lake a miss. The water on the lake was low and looked very brown when we came down the hill.

Onwards to the south part of the Sierra de Bahoruco Nacional Parque and el Hoyo de Pelompito. Arrived at this Parque and there was a guard and an official in the ticket office. We are all keen bird watchers; therefore our first stop was la Charca, a small man made pool where birds stop off to drink. There we saw Golden Swallow, Caribbean Martin, Antillean Siskin and White-winged Crossbill. All new to me.

Then we climbed up to the observation point at el Hoyo de Pelompito. This is an impressive point looking down at the virgin forest with no roads, tracks or paths visible far far down below. The building is well built and situated for viewing El Hoyo. There are toilets there with water and toilet paper, but no soap.

Before leaving the park we stopped for more bird watching and saw Hispaniolan Emerald Hummingbirds, the others saw Hispaniolan Piculet (a small endemic woodpecker). We saw loads more birds but the ones mentioned before and later are Mountain specials.

We returned north to near Baharona and stayed at Casa Bonita. If you arrive there in the light, we did not due to doing some scientific research in between times, one can have a great view of the coast from this hotel. Cost was officially RD$800 per person with Dinner and Breakfast included, but it was possible to bargain a much better price for cash sale.

If you are not keen bird watchers and do not need to get up at 5 am like us you can enjoy the view while eating breakfast. We didn’t. They prepared breakfast of sandwiches, fruit and juice. Actually 4 am would have been better for us to have left the hotel.

The ride to the north part of the Sierra de Bahoruco was interesting as this is one of the roads which is utilised by the Haitians to travel to the border and we had in front of us two “American School Buses” with stuff piled high on the roof. This road is full of potholes!!!!

The climb to Puerto Escondido was made in a normal car, at only one point did we have a problem, the car when emptied climbed this lose section. If we had had a 4x4 vehicle and left earlier it would have been easier.

In this isolated village is situated the ticket office for the National Park and it was manned. Also there is a Colmado where one can by cold drinks if there has been power.

In the park there are varying types of forest from Broad Leafed to Pine Wood. Also there is a path marked as a location to look for birds. We only saw Flat-billed Vireo, Antillean Euphonia and Green-tailed Ground Warbler among other birds. This however is one of the prime bird watching locations in the Dominican Republic where many more endemics and special Caribbean birds can be seen. We missed the dawn activity and saw less special birds.

There is a case of don’t do as we did do as we suggest. This was a flying tour of the South West Peninsula. Only two days. There is much more to see for bird watchers and non-bird watchers alike. Hoyo de Pelompito, Lago Oviedo, Lago de Rincon, Lago Enrquillo and Bahia de las Aguillas in this area. So take at least four days to tour at leisure and see more than we did.

Carry something to wash your hands, a cooler for cold drinks and lots of water. There is lots of dust in the summer so if your vehicle has air conditioning it is best ot utilise this!!!!

Eight hours of travel back to the North coast arrived at 12 midnight!!! Duty called.

[Art Covey]

Thanks for the great trip report, sounds like lots of interesting places to see. Was in the area a few years ago and missed many places, hopefully saved for future visits.
Art

[Meredith]

I love Barahona and the Tamayo area as well!!! Sounds like you had a great time! I have never been to any of those areas where you went to though.