Paola Garrido writes about the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic, highlighting the most beautiful areas in the southern region of the country. She provides a series of spectacular photos to prove her point:

With its coast showered by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, Barahona and Pedernales have a very rich biodiversity. They are virgin and beautiful nature, with opportunities of sustainable tourism, they offer a different approach but just as interesting. Here there is a summary of a trip without waste, by the south east, considered one of the most important ecological reserves of the country. [. . .]

The Enriquillo Lake captivates you with its immensity and its massive vegetation, it is a protected area, and the biggest water body in the insular Caribbean. Forty meters below the sea level and with a combination of semiarid vegetation from a dry forest and a lake of salt water, it is a very particular place. It makes part of the Reserve of the biosphere of Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo and it is the habitat of different species of iguanas and of the American crocodile. It allows you to know a part of the history of the country because there we find a set of indigenous petroglyphs in Las Caritas, a rock shelter, where you also get an excellent view. [. . .]

Moving forward, along the road Barahona-Enriquillo, there is another beach that has a truly unique coast view; Los Patos is a magnet for those who want to enjoy colourful and natural landscapes. It is a beautiful natural spa created in the mouth of the river Los Patos that is born in one of the mountains of Paraíso. It is known for its cold and crystalline waters that have a blue and green colour. A beach with strong waves perfect for surfing and other sports. You can enjoy a wonderful bath in sweet or salt water and eat local food, big in fish and seafood. [. . .]

Going away from the coast, it is worth going until the Hoyo de Pelempito, breathe pure air and go into true touch with nature. It is a paradise that is kept untouched and gives you the feeling of being away from the world. You have to take deep breaths, immortalize the instant and enjoy the imposing landscape. Located in the National Park Sierra de Bahoruco, the Hoyo de Pelempito is the biggest geological depression of the country, from the height of its gazebo a totally extraordinary view rises. [. . .]

Coming back to the coast, those who think the Dominican Republic is just all inclusive resorts and crowded beaches, will be surprised when they visit Cabo Rojo. One of the less touristic beaches of the country, located in Pedernales, deserted and with clear and warm waters. More than clear, it is literally transparent, and offers a moment of pure life. [. . .]

The end of the trail, back to the east, offers a prize without a doubt. Reaching the Lagoon of Oviedo when the sun is setting is a true gift of nature. A natural aquatic reserve also in Pedernales and inside the national Park Jaragua, it is considered one of the most important protected areas of the Caribbean. Mangroves and an extensive variety of fauna are common in its salty waters.

For full article and photos, see http://panamericanworld.com/en/article/7-features-south-dominican-republic