Do I need a 4WD vehicle for Sierra de Bahoruco?

Yes, a 4WD vehicle is essential. The park's roads are unpaved and can be extremely muddy during the wet season. The main access roads through Aceitillar and Rabo de Gato are rough even in dry conditions. There are no paved roads within the park. If you don't have a 4WD, hire a local driver with an appropriate vehicle through your accommodation in the Barahona area.

Can I see the Hispaniolan solenodon in Sierra de Bahoruco?

The solenodon lives in the park, but sightings are extremely rare. This nocturnal, shy mammal is one of the world's most endangered species, and even dedicated researchers go months without seeing one. Your best (slim) chance is on a guided night walk in the broadleaf forest. Do not count on seeing one, but the knowledge that you are hiking through solenodon habitat adds to the magic of the place.

What should I bring to Sierra de Bahoruco?

Bring warm layers (temperatures can drop to near 10 degrees Celsius at higher elevations, especially at dawn), rain gear, sturdy hiking boots, binoculars (essential for birding), a headlamp, plenty of water and food (no shops in the park), insect repellent, and sunscreen. A field guide to Hispaniolan birds is extremely helpful. If camping, bring all equipment including a warm sleeping bag.

🏞️

🏞️ National Park

Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco

The Caribbean's richest birding destination

Challenging📏 800 km²⏱️ 1-3 days📍 SouthwestGuide Required

Quick Facts

🏞️

Type

National Park

🎟️

Entry Fee

RD$100 (approximately US$2)

📊

Difficulty

Challenging

⏱️

Duration

1-3 days

🧭

Guide

Required

📐

Area

800 km²

📅

Established

1983

☀️

Best Time

November through April for drier conditions; February-April for peak bird activity

🕐

Hours

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

⛰️

Elevation

0-2367m

🏛️

UNESCO

Part of Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2002)

📶

Cell Coverage

Very limited to none inside the park; some signal at lower elevation ranger stations

⛺

Camping

Allowed

🏗️ Facilities:Ranger StationsBasic Camping AreasHoyo De Pelempito Viewpoint Platform

🦎 Key Species:Hispaniolan solenodonBay-breasted CuckooWhite-winged WarblerBicknell's ThrushHispaniolan Crossbill

🌄 Key Features:Endemic bird speciesOrchid diversityCloud forestLoma del Toro summitPine forests

🎒 What to Bring:Binoculars (essential)Bird field guide for HispaniolaWarm layers for high elevationsRain gearSturdy hiking bootsHeadlampPlenty of water and foodInsect repellentCamera with telephoto lens

⚠️ Warnings:4WD vehicle is absolutely essential — park roads are rough and muddyNo services inside the park — bring all food, water, and fuelTemperatures can drop to near 10°C at high elevations at dawnRoads can become impassable after heavy rainThis is remote territory — inform someone of your itinerary

🥾 Trails:Hoyo de Pelempito viewpoint trailLoma del Toro summit trailRabo de Gato birding trailLas Mercedes cloud forest trail

Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco is the Caribbean's premier destination for birdwatching and one of the most biologically diverse protected areas in the entire West Indies. Rising from near sea level on its southern flanks to 2,367 meters at Loma del Toro, this 800 square kilometer park encompasses an extraordinary vertical gradient of ecosystems — from arid thorn scrub through subtropical dry and humid forests to Hispaniolan pine forest and elfin cloud forest at the highest elevations.

The park was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve as part of the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its exceptional biodiversity value. For birders, Sierra de Bahoruco is the single most important site on Hispaniola, hosting nearly all of the island's endemic bird species in one location. The park's remoteness and rugged terrain have preserved habitats that have been destroyed elsewhere, making it a last refuge for some of the Caribbean's rarest species.

Sierra de Bahoruco supports an extraordinary concentration of endemic and rare species:

Birds (30+ endemics): Bay-breasted Cuckoo, White-winged Warbler, La Selle Thrush, Hispaniolan Crossbill, Chat Tanager, Hispaniolan Trogon, Narrow-billed Tody, and the critically important wintering population of Bicknell's Thrush. This is the only place on Hispaniola where birders can see virtually all the island's endemics in a single location.
Mammals: The critically endangered Hispaniolan solenodon — a primitive venomous insectivore that has existed since the age of dinosaurs — survives in the park's forests. The Hispaniolan hutia is also present.
Orchids: Over 160 species of orchids have been recorded, many found nowhere else on Earth. The cloud forest is particularly rich in epiphytic orchids.
Reptiles: Numerous endemic anole species, the Hispaniolan boa, and the rhinoceros iguana at lower elevations.

The best birding areas are the Rabo de Gato road and the Las Mercedes cloud forest trail. A knowledgeable local birding guide is essential to maximize sightings.

The park's trail network covers a range of elevations and habitats:

Hoyo de Pelempito Viewpoint: An easy drive to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking a deep depression in the karst landscape. Accessible by vehicle, this is the park's most visited spot and offers good birding in the surrounding pine forest.
Rabo de Gato Road: An unpaved road through prime birding habitat. Drive slowly or walk, stopping to bird at different elevation zones. This is where most endemics are found.
Loma del Toro Summit Trail: A challenging hike to the park's highest point at 2,367 meters, passing through cloud forest with exceptional orchid and bromeliad diversity.
Las Mercedes Cloud Forest: A moderate trail through dense cloud forest, one of the best locations for Bicknell's Thrush and La Selle Thrush.

A 4WD vehicle is essential for most park roads, which are unpaved and can be muddy. Trails range from easy to challenging. A local guide is strongly recommended for navigation and wildlife spotting.

Prepare for a Sierra de Bahoruco visit with these recommendations:

Hire a birding guide: A knowledgeable local guide multiplies your chances of seeing endemic species by ten. Guides from the Bahoruco area know exactly where to find each species.
4WD vehicle: Essential for all park roads. The Aceitillar entrance road and Rabo de Gato road are rough and muddy in the wet season.
Warm layers: Temperatures at the higher elevations can drop below 10 degrees Celsius, especially at dawn — the best time for birding.
Camping: Basic camping is possible near the ranger stations. Bring all your own equipment and supplies.
Dawn start: Bird activity peaks in the early morning hours. Plan to be on the trails by first light.
Patience: Many of the park's endemic species are shy and require patient observation. This is not a park for rushing through.
Multiple days: To cover the different elevation zones and maximize species sightings, plan at least 2-3 days in the area.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Sierra de Bahoruco is considered the best birding location in the entire Caribbean. The park hosts nearly all of Hispaniola's endemic bird species in one location, including the Bay-breasted Cuckoo, White-winged Warbler, La Selle Thrush, Hispaniolan Crossbill, Chat Tanager, and Bicknell's Thrush. Serious birders typically spend 2-3 days in the park to cover different elevation zones. A knowledgeable local birding guide is essential for finding the rarest species.

🌿 Nearby National Parks

Parque Nacional Jaragua

🏞️ National Park

Full day

1,374 km²

Bahia de las Aguilas

🗿 Natural Monument

Half day to full day

37 km²

Parque Nacional Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos

🏞️ National Park

Half day to full day

375 km²

Park Information

🎫

Entry Fee

RD$100 (approximately US$2)

🕒

Opening Hours

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

📊

Difficulty

Challenging

🧭

Guide Required

Yes

⏱️

Recommended Duration

1-3 days

📅

Best Time to Visit

November through April for drier conditions; February-April for peak bird activity

⛰️

Elevation

0-2367m

📏

Area

800 km²

🏘️

Nearest Town

Duverge / Puerto Escondido

Get Directions →

This park is in

Barahona →

Discovering Paradise

Quick Facts

🏞️

Type

National Park

🎟️

Entry Fee

RD$100 (approximately US$2)

📊

Difficulty

Challenging

⏱️

Duration

1-3 days

🧭

Guide

Required

📐

Area

800 km²

📅

Established

1983

☀️

Best Time

November through April for drier conditions; February-April for peak bird activity

🕐

Hours

7:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily

⛰️

Elevation

0-2367m

🏛️

UNESCO

Part of Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (2002)

📶

Cell Coverage

Very limited to none inside the park; some signal at lower elevation ranger stations

⛺

Camping

Allowed

🏗️ Facilities:Ranger StationsBasic Camping AreasHoyo De Pelempito Viewpoint Platform

🦎 Key Species:Hispaniolan solenodonBay-breasted CuckooWhite-winged WarblerBicknell's ThrushHispaniolan Crossbill

🌄 Key Features:Endemic bird speciesOrchid diversityCloud forestLoma del Toro summitPine forests

🥾 Trails:Hoyo de Pelempito viewpoint trailLoma del Toro summit trailRabo de Gato birding trailLas Mercedes cloud forest trail

Sierra de Bahoruco supports an extraordinary concentration of endemic and rare species:

Birds (30+ endemics): Bay-breasted Cuckoo, White-winged Warbler, La Selle Thrush, Hispaniolan Crossbill, Chat Tanager, Hispaniolan Trogon, Narrow-billed Tody, and the critically important wintering population of Bicknell's Thrush. This is the only place on Hispaniola where birders can see virtually all the island's endemics in a single location.
Mammals: The critically endangered Hispaniolan solenodon — a primitive venomous insectivore that has existed since the age of dinosaurs — survives in the park's forests. The Hispaniolan hutia is also present.
Orchids: Over 160 species of orchids have been recorded, many found nowhere else on Earth. The cloud forest is particularly rich in epiphytic orchids.
Reptiles: Numerous endemic anole species, the Hispaniolan boa, and the rhinoceros iguana at lower elevations.

The best birding areas are the Rabo de Gato road and the Las Mercedes cloud forest trail. A knowledgeable local birding guide is essential to maximize sightings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco

Quick Facts

About Sierra de Bahoruco

Endemic Birds & Wildlife

Trails & Access Points

Visitor Tips

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌿 Nearby National Parks

Parque Nacional Jaragua

Bahia de las Aguilas

Parque Nacional Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos

Park Information

Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco

Quick Facts

About Sierra de Bahoruco

Endemic Birds & Wildlife

Trails & Access Points

Visitor Tips

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🌿 Nearby National Parks

Parque Nacional Jaragua

Bahia de las Aguilas

Parque Nacional Lago Enriquillo e Isla Cabritos

Park Information