DISCOVER LOS HAITISES NATIONAL PARK WITH BOP TRAVEL SERVICE
Did you know that the Dominican Republic has the most northern rainforests in the world? They belong to the most diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean, which makes it a unique spot to visit. Discover Los Haitises National Park in the Northwest of the Dominican Republic with BOP Travel Service!
What is a rainforest?
Rainforests are characterized by heavy rainfall and are located around the equator. They’re also referred to as lowland equatorial evergreen rainforests. The Dominican Republic has a tropical rainforest climate, which is typically hot and wet. It may come as no surprise that tropical rainforests are often found in regions with this climate! Because there is no dry season and rainfall is constant throughout the year, soils contain almost no nutrients, like in other forests. Instead, the rainforest ecosystem ‘recycles’ the nutrients before the can reach the forest floor. This results in high levels of biodiversity. Half of all living animal and plant species originate in rainforests. Plus, 80% of the developed world’s diet originally stems from the tropical rainforest. Think of the coffee you have each morning, or avocado’s you have for lunch. And what about chocolate and sugar?
Los Haitises
Los Haitises (‘highlands’ in Taino) national park in the northeast was established in 1976. With so many national treasures like this region, the Dominican law ruled that it had to be protected. Understandable, when you consider the immense amount of flora and fauna that inhabits the forest! The park was expanded from 208 to km2 (80 to 319 sq mi) in 1996, making it one of the biggest national parks in the Dominican Republic. A popular one too! 1.12 million travellers visited the Dominican national parks in 2016, and Los Haitises ranked as one of the most popular ones.
Flora and Fauna
Los Haitises is an otherworldly subtropical rainforest with towering rocks, deep mangrove swamps and caves. The latter contain the highest number of Taino petroglyphs and pictographs in the country, and are definitely worth a visit. Over 200 bird species built their nests in Los Haitises, but the life-sustaining role of Los Haitises reaches way further. The biodiversity is as big as the area itself! And if you’re lucky, you can even spot dolphins and manatees swimming around in the waters.
Visit Los Haitises with BOP Travel Service
BOP Travel Service will take you to Los Haitises through Sabana de la Mar. This is a small fishing town directly next to the park. You will also have the chance to stay in Paraíso Caño Hondo. A beautiful Eco Lodge located at the foot of the National Park. It was created as an extension of it. Here you can enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Jivales River and bathe in impressive natural pools. You are also surrounded by waterfalls. A real paradise.
Go and discover Los Haitises with us. Email us at info@bestofpuntacana.com or give us a call at +1 829 988 1498, +1 809 964 0674, +1 829 988 1242 for more information!
It’s good because we care!
Picture: Lonely Planet – Los Haitises