Discovering Paradise
Pedernales
Discover Pedernales, a remote region with pristine beaches and the unique Bahía de las Águilas.
☀️December to April
🌡️30°C (86°F)
✈️Las Américas International (SDQ) — 5 hr drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
30°C (86°F)
☀️
Best Months
December to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Las Américas International (SDQ) — 5 hr drive
Pedernales is the last frontier of Dominican tourism — a remote, starkly beautiful province on the southwestern tip of the island where the Sierra de Bahoruco descends to meet Haiti and the Caribbean Sea. This is where you'll find Bahía de las Águilas, consistently voted the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic and arguably the entire Caribbean.
The province is a biodiversity hotspot: the Jaragua National Park protects desert coastline, offshore cays, and nesting sites for endangered sea turtles and flamingos. The Sierra de Bahoruco cloud forest harbors endemic birds found nowhere else on Earth.
Getting here requires effort, but the reward is experiencing the DR at its most wild, unspoiled, and spectacular. Pedernales is for travelers who measure their trips in experiences, not amenities.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
21° — 32°
💧💧
Aug
23° — 34°
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Dec
20° — 31°
💧
Feb
19° — 31°
💧
Jan
19° — 31°
💧
Jul
23° — 34°
💧💧
Jun
23° — 33°
💧💧
Mar
20° — 32°
💧
May
22° — 32°
💧💧
Nov
21° — 31°
💧💧
Oct
22° — 32°
💧💧
Sep
23° — 33°
💧💧
Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Pedernales is the most remote major destination in the DR, at the far southwestern corner of the island.
From Santo Domingo
About 5-6 hours by car via Barahona and the spectacular coastal road. Caribe Tours runs buses to Pedernales (RD$700-800). The drive is long but the scenery — especially the final two hours along the coast — is extraordinary.
From Barahona
About 2-2.5 hours south along the coastal highway. This stretch is one of the most beautiful drives in the Caribbean — cliffs, coves, and jungle cascading to the sea.
Important
A rental car with good clearance is strongly recommended. The road to Bahía de las Águilas from Cabo Rojo is unpaved and rough. Services (gas, food) are very limited between Barahona and Pedernales — fill up and stock up before the drive.
Pedernales town and surroundings have very basic accommodation. This is changing as the government develops the area, but for now, keep expectations rustic.
Pedernales Town
Small guesthouses and hotels offer basic rooms from US$15-30/night. Some have generators for when power goes out (which it does regularly).
Cabo Rojo Area
A few eco-lodges and beach cabañas near the Bahía de las Águilas access point offer more atmospheric stays. These range from basic tents to simple cabins.
Day Trip from Barahona
Many visitors base themselves in Barahona (more comfortable lodging at Casa Bonita or similar) and do day trips to Bahía de las Águilas and Jaragua National Park. This is the most practical option for comfort-seekers.
Bahía de las Águilas
Eight kilometers of virgin white sand beach with no development, no vendors, no buildings — just sand, sea, and sky. Access is by boat from Cabo Rojo (15 minutes, RD$2,000-3,000 per boat roundtrip) or via a rough 4WD track. Bring everything you need: water, food, shade, and sunscreen. There is nothing there — and that's exactly the point.
Jaragua National Park
The largest national park in the Caribbean protects coastal desert, cactus forests, flamingo lagoons, and offshore cays. Guided tours explore the Laguna de Oviedo (flamingos, iguanas) and Isla Beata. Boat tours from Oviedo cost RD$1,500-2,500.
Laguna de Oviedo
A hypersaline lagoon home to flamingos, roseate spoonbills, and iguanas. Boat tours offer close encounters with wildlife in a surreal, Mars-like landscape of red water and white salt flats.
Sierra de Bahoruco
The mountain range rising above Pedernales contains cloud forests with 49 endemic bird species. Birdwatchers come from around the world to spot the Hispaniolan crossbill, the palmchat, and dozens of other species found only on Hispaniola.
Hoyo de Pelempito
A dramatic geological depression (sinkhole valley) in the Sierra de Bahoruco with views that stretch for miles. The microclimate supports unique vegetation and the panoramic viewpoint is breathtaking.
- Bahía de las Águilas requires planning. Bring water (at least 2 liters per person), food, sun protection, and a shade structure. There is NOTHING at the beach — no shade, no vendors, no facilities.
- Go by boat, not by road. The boat ride from Cabo Rojo is short, scenic, and avoids the brutal dirt road. Plus, you arrive at the best section of the beach.
- Fuel up in Barahona. Gas stations in Pedernales town exist but sometimes run dry. Don't risk it.
- Bring binoculars for the Laguna de Oviedo and Sierra de Bahoruco. The birdwatching is world-class.
- Best season: December-April for driest weather and most comfortable temperatures. Avoid September-November when roads can flood.
- Respect the ecosystems. Jaragua National Park protects endangered species. Don't disturb nesting sites, don't feed wildlife, and pack out all trash.
Sample Itineraries
Pedernales Wild Southwest
Experience the Dominican Republic's most remote and spectacular coastline.
🌅 Morning4h
Bahía de las Águilas
Boat to the most pristine beach in the Caribbean — 8 km of untouched white sand with crystal-clear turquoise water. No hotels, no crowds, pure paradise.
Bahía de las Águilas
Tip: Boats leave from La Cueva. Bring everything you need — there are zero facilities on the beach.
☀️ Afternoon2h
Jaragua National Park
Explore the largest protected area in the Caribbean. Desert cacti, flamingo lagoons, and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Parque Nacional Jaragua
Tip: Entry fee is RD$100. A guide is recommended.
🌙 Evening1.5h
Pedernales Town
Stroll the quiet border town and enjoy a simple but delicious meal of grilled chicken and tostones at a local comedor.
Pedernales
Tip: The town is on the Haitian border — bring your passport if you want to peek across.
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Caribe Tours Bus(RD$500-700)
Bus from Santo Domingo via Barahona. Long journey.
Private Transfer(US$150-250)
From Santo Domingo. Full-day journey with stops.
Rental Car(US$40-60/day)
Essential for exploring Bahía de las Águilas and Jaragua Park.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$25-40
Mid-rangeUS$50-90
LuxuryUS$100-180
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Pedernales is very safe but remote — plan supplies
- ✓Bahía de las Águilas: bring everything you need — no services on the beach
- ✓Gas stations are sparse — fill up when you can
- ✓Near the Haitian border — stay within tourist areas
- ✓Start early for Jaragua National Park excursions
📶 Connectivity
Limited. 4G in Pedernales town only. Very limited signal in Jaragua park area.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
Pedernales, el paraíso escondido de la República Dominicana.
Playa del malecon de Pedernales R.D.
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bahía de las Águilas really the best beach?
Consistently rated the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic by every publication that covers it. 8km of pristine white sand, crystal-clear water, and absolutely zero development. It requires effort to reach — and that's what keeps it perfect.
What should I bring to Bahía de las Águilas?
Everything. There are NO facilities at the beach — no shade structures, no vendors, no bathrooms, no fresh water. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person, food, sunscreen, a shade structure or umbrella, and a hat. Pack out all trash.
How long does it take to reach Pedernales?
About 5-6 hours from Santo Domingo, or 2-2.5 hours from Barahona. The drive is long but the final stretch along the coast is one of the most scenic in the Caribbean. Plan to stay overnight rather than attempt a day trip from the capital.
Is birdwatching good in Pedernales?
World-class. The Sierra de Bahoruco cloud forest has 49 endemic bird species found nowhere else on Earth. Birdwatchers travel from around the world to spot the Hispaniolan crossbill, palmchat, and other Hispaniola endemics.
What is Hoyo de Pelempito?
A dramatic geological depression (sinkhole valley) in the Sierra de Bahoruco mountains. The viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views across a unique microclimate valley. It's one of the most spectacular geological formations in the Caribbean.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Pedernales
Plan Your Pedernales Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Las Américas International (SDQ) — 5 hr drive