Visiting Los Haitises National Park "The Land of Many Mountains"
- Naureen Chhipa
- 3 minutes ago
- 18 min read
I've now been to the Dominican Republic more times than I can count, and somehow I always missed visiting Los Haitises National Park. Nicknamed "The Land of Many Mountains" by the Tainos (the original indigenous peoples of the Dominican Republic), this national park is truly majestic and among the best in the Dominican Republic. Offering the most dramatic, breathtaking scenery Mother Nature has to offer. I was in awe when I first set foot on the rugged terrain, and as soon as I arrived from Punta Cana, I knew this would be the adventure of a lifetime. In this article, I'll help you prepare to visit this hidden gem destination in the Dominican Republic. Whether on a day trip or staying overnight, we'll cover the best national park tour, accommodations, top things to do, and how to prepare for your adventure to explore the mangrove forests and beyond. Get ready, guys, this visit to Los Haitises National Park will be an unforgettable one!
Los Haitises National Park is located in Sabana de la Mar, in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic, on the southeastern coast of Samaná Bay, in the Hato Mayor Province. You can access Los Haitises National Park from almost anywhere in the Dominican Republic, but the shortest/most popular day trips come from Samaná, Miches, and Punta Cana.
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This national park is truly majestic and among the best in the Dominican Republic
Visiting Los Haitises National Park, "The Land of Many Mountains": Best National Parks in the Dominican Republic.
Table of Contents:
1.1. Where is Los Haitises National Park Located?
1.2. Map of Los Haitises National Park and Things to Do in the Area
How to Visit Los Haitises National Park
2.1. From Punta Cana | Visiting Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana
2.2. From Samaná | Visiting Los Haitises National Park from Samaná
2.3. From Santo Domingo | Visiting Los Haitises National Park from Santo Domingo
Best Time to Visit Los Haitises National Park
3.1. For Weather
3.2. For Wildlife
Tours | Best Tours to Take to Los Haitises National Park
6.1. Boat Tour in Los Haitises National Park
6.2. Trekking / Hiking the Rain Forest in Los Haitises National Park
6.3. Caving | Exploring the Tainos Caves in Los Haitises National Park
6.4. Las Almejas Beach | Secluded Beach Inside Los Haitises National Park
6.5. Kayaking in Los Haitises National Park
Preparing for the Adventure
Where is Los Haitises National Park Located?
This one is a little bit tricky. As I mentioned before, Los Haitises National Park is located in the town of Sabana de la Mar, starting at Caño Hondo / Caño Alto on the southeastern coast of Samaná Bay. By reading this, you might assume that if you visit Samaná, you can drive to Los Haitises, right? Well, that is not the case. You see, Samaná and Sabana de la Mar are divided by the Samaná Bay, so if you're staying in Samaná, there are no connecting roads; you can only travel by water through the Bay. You can, however, drive from Miches or Punta Cana to Sabana de la Mar to visit Los Haitises National Park.
Los Haitises National Park Map (Parque Nacional Los Haitises)
How to Visit Los Haitises National Park | Getting to Los Haitises
You have several options to visit Los Haitises National Park, depending on where you're coming from. We'll explore the most popular departure points, and I'll share with you my personal experience of how we traveled to Los Haitises National Park.
From Punta Cana: How Far is Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana
We traveled from Punta Cana to Los Haitises National Park. We flew in from JFK and landed in PUJ (Punta Cana International Airport). When we arrived at the airport, our car rental was already waiting for us, which made it very convenient and an effortless way to start exploring the Island. We rented a jeep from Frank Jeepetard Renta-Car and couldn't be happier with our choice. Communication with Frank via WhatsApp was seamless, making our pick-up and return a breeze. I highly recommend renting a jeep or SUV when driving in the Dominican Republic, as once you get off the highway and into some of the less-developed towns and villages, the rougher roads and potholes are more challenging for smaller cars.
The total drive time from Punta Cana to Sabana de la Mar, according to Google, is 2 Hours and 17 minutes. If you're spending the night, like us, in Caño Hondo (the hotel at the base of Los Haitises National Park), the total drive will take 2 Hours and 39 minutes. Now, that is according to Google Maps; in reality, I would add an extra 30 minutes or so to your drive through the Island. Driving on the highway is easy, but once you get off the highway, the road is a bit rough, and you'll have to go at a slower-than-usual pace. This is why you must rent a jeep or SUV if you're planning to drive to Los Haitises National Park! Another thing to keep in mind is to make the drive before sunset, as less developed towns have fewer street lights and the roads can get pitch black pretty quickly! Driving will also give you the chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the Dominican countryside.
If 3 hours seems like a really long drive, especially after a flight, you can also stop along the way in Miches-- an up-and-coming town that's being nicknamed "the new Punta Cana" for the years to come. We had a stop on the way back in Miches for a few days, and if you're looking for a place to stay in Miches, a solid option is the All-Inclusive Secrets Playa Esmeralda, which sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.
Another option to reach Los Haitises National Park from Punta Cana without a car is to book a day trip. Guided day trips are great because you don't have to drive! They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, sharing their knowledge of the Island while getting to your destination. My go-to travel agency whenever I visit the Dominican Republic is Sun Sand Spirit DR. They cover tours and day trips throughout the Island. We booked our Haitises National Park tour with them. If you're renting a car, you can book just the tour part without the pick-up/drop-off. You'll need a tour guide (mandatory) to explore and visit Los Haitises.
From Samaná: How Far is Los Haitises National Park from Samaná Town?
The best way to get from Samaná town to Los Haitises National Park is by ferry or by taking a day trip. Los Haitises National Park shares the waters of the Samaná and San Lorenzo bays.
If you want to take the ferry from Samaná to Los Haitises, you'll have to depart from the Samaná Ferry Pier heading to Sabana de la Mar. About five ferries depart daily (depending on the season), and the journey takes about an hour, covering 11 miles. Once in Sabaná de la Mar, your tour guide can pick you up at the port, or you can take a taxi to the meeting location. Despite the ferry being the cheaper option, I highly recommend booking a day trip, since you'll need a guide to enter the national park anyway. You're not allowed inside Los Haitises without a licensed park guide. If you book the day trip from the get-go, you'll save time finding the meeting location, and you'll have a more comfortable/ worry-free day trip. Another reason I prefer the day trip option is that there are different packages you can choose from that combine other nearby epic locations, like Cayo Levantado or Bacardi Island. Sun Sand Spirit (my go-to travel coordinator) can help curate and personalize your day trip, adding the places you want to see.
I don't recommend driving from Samaná to Los Haitises National Park, as the journey takes about 4.5 hours! The reason for this is that there are no roads connecting Samaná town to Sabana de la Mar, so you'll have to drive all the way down towards the capital (Santo Domingo), and then drive all the way back up to Sabana de la Mar, a total waste of time. The ferries are small, so cars are not allowed on them.
From Santo Domingo: Los Haitises National Park from Santo Domingo
From Santo Domingo, the best way to visit Los Haitises National Park is by driving or taking a day trip. You can rent a car directly through Frank Jeeptard Renta-Car, as they also service the capital. The drive from Santo Domingo to Los Haitises National Park will take approximately three hours. If you decide to take a day trip, you can combine your visit to Los Haitises with other nearby iconic places worth visiting in the Dominican Republic.
✈️ Closest Airport: PUJ (Punta Cana) ➡️ Click here for flight info. and the latest prices
🚙 Car Rental: Frank Jeepetard ➡️ Click here for more info. and the latest prices
🏝️ Guided Tours: Sun Sand Spirit DR ➡️ Click here for more info. and the latest prices
🏨 Hotel in Los Haitises/ Caño Alto ➡️ Click here for more info. and the latest prices.
Best Time to Visit Los Haitises National Park
For Weather:
The best time to visit Los Haitises National Park for good weather is during the dry season, from December to April, when conditions are pleasant, and humidity is lower. This time of year also marks the high season in Los Haitises and across the Dominican Republic. You'll find more tourists, longer lines, and higher prices, so it is imperative to book in advance.
The shoulder season (May and June) is also a good option. During these months, the crowds are fewer, the prices are lower, and the weather starts shifting, transitioning into hurricane season, which might bring rainy days.
The low season (September to November) is best for budget travelers as prices are lower and crowds are less. Visiting during low season is also a gamble, since it's peak hurricane season, with rainy days that can cancel your excursion if the Bay is too rough or it's raining heavily. I've visited twice in November, and despite occasional heavy rain that lasted only about an hour or two, I never had any problems. My tours all ran smoothly, and I enjoyed having the entire area to myself on both occasions.
Avoid the peak summer months (July and August) as this is the wet season and the summer heat can become intolerable. Humidity is also at its highest during this time.
For Wildlife:
The best time to visit Los Haitises National Park for wildlife viewing is during the high season, from mid-December to mid-March, as this period offers the best weather and coincides with whale-watching season in Samaná Bay. During these months, you can spot both marine and terrestrial animals. Whales migrate during these months to the warm waters of Samaná Bay to calve, so you might spot some baby whales too! Some marine life to look out for includes whales, dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. Bird-watching is also very big in Los Haitises National Park; the best time to spot these exotic little creatures is during the dry season from December to April, and the best time of day to go birding is right after dawn, when birds are most active. While you can spot some birds solo, it is best to book a bird-watching tour with a guide who knows the area if you want to see critically endangered species like the Ridgway's Hawk, which is mostly exclusively found in Los Haitises, since they prefer the lowland hills and limestone forest found in Los Haitises.
What to Pack: Essentials for Trekking, Kayaking, & Exploring
I didn't know what to expect on my first park tour trip to Los Haitises. I knew it would be hot and somewhat humid, that I needed to protect myself from the sun, and that at some point, swimming would be involved. I wanted to be comfortable and have enough sun protection to endure whatever the skies and my tour guide threw at me that day. I decided to wear a UPF 50+ long-sleeve one-piece swimsuit, and it turned out to be the best idea ever! I thought the long sleeves would get too hot, but they actually kept me cool and protected my skin from the sun. I tied a lightweight jacket around my waist to give it a bit more style (I didn't want to be walking around in just a swimsuit, even though it was shorts). I also wore a wide-brimmed string hat that was ideal for the at times high-speed boat trip, my waterproof hiking sandals, and of course, plenty of bug spray/sunblock. I also had a waterproof pouch for my cell phone, which came in handy while kayaking, since I couldn't always keep it dry and still wanted to take some epic shots. I also brought my Sony ZV-E10 vlogging camera to take some footage + zoom lenses for birdwatching shots. A quick-drying towel is something we forgot to pack, but you should bring one if you're planning to swim.
Shop Outfits and Gear on Amazon to Visit Los Haitises National Park
What I Wore to Los Haitises ➡️
⬅️ Men's Outfit Guide to Los Haitises
Permits and Guides to Visit Los Haitises National Park
Why a Local Guide is Recommended and How to Arrange Tours
A permit is required to visit Los Haitises National Park. You'll have to book your visit to Los Haitises through a licensed guide or an organized tour. Private vehicles are not permitted to drive directly into the core areas of the park, unless you're staying overnight in Caño Hondo, which sits on the slopes of Los Haitises. From Caño Alto (the hotel we stayed at), there are several entry points to Los Haitises for birdwatching that you can walk through solo. Still, Los Haitises National Park is huge, and cell phone signal is minimal. We found it easy to get lost in the forest. There are also many poisonous plants you might not be aware of, which can be harmful if they come into contact with your skin. That's why I highly recommend visiting with a local licensed park tour guide. Wild animal sightings are also possible; however, we did not encounter any dangerous ones while trekking through the forest. It is also worth mentioning that some of the pathways are not serviced regularly, as we were walking with our guide, he was literally cutting down overgrown plants so we could walk through-- that's why if you're not familiar with the area, getting lost with no signal is a possibility, and believe me, you don't want that happening to you! You can arrange your tour to visit Los Haitises National Park directly with Sun Sand Spirit DR; they'll handle the park permit.
Next, I'll share all the optional tours available for you.
Los Haitises National Park Tours
Things to Do in Los Haitises National Park
The tour we chose was the all-in-one guided tour of Los Haitises National Park, which included a little bit of everything. We took a boat ride through the mangroves, trekked the forest, hiked through limestone hills and karst formations, did a little cave exploring, and kayaked the Bay. You can also split these activities if you're planning to visit other places on your day trip besides Los Haitises. Here's what to expect for each activity.
Take a Boat Trip | Explore the Unique Landscape & Diverse Ecosystems
We started and ended our adventures through Los Haitises National Park by boat. Taking a boat tour of Los Haitises is the best way to experience the park fully while navigating the rivers. What I loved most about our tour boat was the unique vantage point it offered of the park. We were able to spot oceanic birds that roam the area freely, travel through the many mangroves, and take in the most panoramic views the Dominican Republic has to offer.
Trek/Hike The Subtropical Humid Forest within Los Haitises National Park
The guided hike we took through Los Haitises National Park was one of the highlights of my visit! It was everything I love about exploring a new place: adventure, being active/ interacting with the space, and trying new things! We learned about so many different plants and trees native to the area and got to try raw cacao for the first time! It was delicious! I wish they sold it as a fruit, because I'd buy it all the time. Raw cacao tastes a lot like limonsillos (lemongrass); it's tart, slimy, and I love it! If you choose only the hiking option on the tour, the hike through the Los Haitises rainforest will last approximately 2 hours.
Explore the Caves (The Karst Topography) Dating to the Taino Era
Explore the caves and ancient art left behind by the Tainos. On our tour, we visited two different Taino caves in Los Haitises National Park. This park features karst topography formed by the dissolution of limestone, resulting in a landscape of conical hills and sinkholes. The unique tropical karst terrain also includes numerous caves formed over millions of years. Some areas inside the caves contain quicksand, which is another reason to visit with a guide when traveling in Los Haitises. Oh, and we got to see real bats inside the caves during our visit. They were not scary, but quite charming.
Los Haitises is one of the largest protected areas in the Dominican Republic and boasts the largest mangrove forest in the Caribbean. Inside the caves, you'll have the opportunity to marvel at beautiful rock formations and to see petroglyphs and murals showcasing original Taino artwork. These art pieces offer valuable insights into the ancient Taino culture and its historical connection to La Hispaniola, now known as the Dominican Republic, before the arrival of settlers. The towering limestone hills that surround the area make for some of the most epic geological cave formations and landscapes. For me, visiting these caves was very special as they hold part of the historical connections of the Dominicans (I am half Dominican and born there ;) and the Tainos, the original peoples of the Dominican Republic.
Visit a Private Beach, "Las Almejas," Only Reachable by Boat
As part of our all-in-one tour/day trip, we visited Playa Las Almejas, a secluded beach within Los Haitises National Park. The beach is isolated and beautiful, not dominated by a single extensive mountain range, typical of many parks, but by limestone hills, karst formations, and a vast forest. We were the only ones there, despite there being other tours in the area, so visiting felt like a little treat! Playa Las Almejas is best enjoyed during the high tide. We were there during the low tide, and the beach was too shallow for bathing. Nevertheless, we got to see some conch and snails, which was a fun throwback to our time visiting Wilson's La Boca Restaurant in Cabarete as part of our Dominican Republic Road Trip!
Have a Beach/Bay Front Local Dominican Lunch
Our tour included a traditional Dominican lunch served on a rustic table overlooking the bay and beaches of Los Haitises. As we arrived for lunch, we felt welcomed and shared the experience with locals who were also visiting the park. During our meal, we not only took in the beautiful surroundings but also had the opportunity to talk to local fishermen of Los Haitises and Monte Plata (a province in the Dominican Republic that borders the Los Haitises National Park), and of course, chatted with our tour guide. We discussed the park and its significance in preserving the region's natural habitat and ecosystem.
One interesting thing we learned is that Los Haitises National Park offers free tours for local Dominicans, allowing them to visit the park and learn more about its history. I think this is a wonderful initiative, as it makes travel more accessible for locals, even within the Island.
Ensuring that travel is accessible to everyone should be a priority for every country. While tourism can significantly support less developed areas, we must also promote sustainable travel to protect the beautiful Earth we love to explore.
Go Kayaking in Los Haitises National Park
You can also do an entire tour just kayaking! Kayaking tours in Los Haitises range from 2 to 4 hours, and sunrise and sunset tours are available as well! For Fernando and me, this was our first time kayaking, and the experience was terrific! Yeah, sure, we hit a couple of rocks along the way, but the bay waters were calm enough to encourage beginners like us to keep learning and getting better! Our tour guide was paddling his own kayak and took some great pics of us during our kayaking learning adventures.
Go Swimming in the Natural Pools of Caño Hondo
Some tours also include a visit to the Natural Pools of Caño Hondo, which is also a hotel at the foot of Los Haitises National Park. Since we drove to Sabana de la Mar, we booked 2 nights in Caño Alto, so we slept and woke up in the Dominican rainforest. Click here for more information on overnight stays at Caño Alto and the latest prices.
Go Birdwatching and See Its Most Popular Endemic Bird, The Endangered Rigway
Los Haitises National Park is known for its birds. In fact, the endangered Rigway lives on the Island of Hispaniola, which is shared by the nations of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Los Haitises National Park is one of the only places in the world where the Rigway Hawk can be spotted apart from Les Cayemites Island in Haiti. If you're into birding, I recommend booking a separate birdwatching tour. On our all-in-one tour, we saw a few birds, mainly marine species, but we weren't explicitly looking for them; they just happened to be around.
Tips for Visiting Los Haitises National Park
Bring water with you, especially if you're traveling during the warmer months.
Protect yourself from the sun. You'll find shaded areas while trekking and visiting the Taino Caves, but not while kayaking on the open bay.
Trekking shoes are a must! There are some slippery grounds in the caves and forests.
Bring bug spray and sunblock.
Carry a waterproof pouch for your cell phone, especially when kayaking.
The rainforest can get hot and humid; bring a hand fan if you can't tolerate heat.
Preserve the environment; leave-no-trace principles specific to Los Haitise. These include properly disposing of waste, leaving what you find (don't take nature's gifts as souvenirs), and respecting wildlife-- we're visiting their homes.
Don't rush your trip. While you can see Los Haitises on a day trip, consider staying overnight and waking up with the chirp of birds or going to sleep with the sound of heavy rainfall. I found it magical to have the rainforest all to myself at the crack of dawn.
Los Haitises National Park Camping
Camping within Los Hitises National Park is limited. If you want to camp in Los Haitises, you'll have to book a specialized guided camping/trekking experience. The best way to experience the park overnight is to stay at one of the eco-lodges at the foot of Los Haitises: Caño Paraiso (the one with the natural pools) or Caño Alto, which sits right above, perched on the many hills of Los Haitises. Both eco-lodges are within a 2-minute walk or climb. If you're still set on camping, keep in mind you'll need permits from the environmental police and local authorities. Also, camping solo (without a guide) can be challenging due to the terrain and the risk of getting lost, not to mention the possibility of encountering wildlife such as the venomous Hispaniolan solenodon and crocodiles.
Los Haitises National Park Hotels
I loved my stay at Caño Alto, which is right above Caño Hondo in Sabana de la Mar on the slopes of Los Haitises National Park. We booked an elevated suite that overlooked the bay and Los Haitises, and woke up to the most magical sunrise over the Dominican rainforest. Click here for more info and the latest prices for accommodations in Los Haitises.
Final Thoughts and Reflections
As a first-time visitor, for me, the all-in-one tour was the way to go! I recommend this tour for everyone, except those looking to go birdwatching. Our tour covered everything except that. If you want to find native birds to the Island, which are on the brink of extinction, then booking a birdwatching guided tour is the way to go. On the all-in-one tour, my favorite parts were trekking through the rainforest, kayaking, and caving (where we got to see real bats). That's where we did all the amazing, crazy, once-in-a-lifetime stuff!
Visiting Los Haitises National Park feels like stepping outside the Dominican Republic and into an almost Jurassic Park world (no, the movie was not filmed here, despite erroneous reports to the contrary). But, I can see why people often mistake the flawless landscape of Los Haitises for that of Jurassic Park; Los Haitises seems otherworldly, untapped, and mysterious, one of my favorite guided trips I've taken in the Dominican Republic.
I encourage every traveler looking for a day trip to the Dominican Republic to consider Los Haitises National Park, a protected land left by the Tainos that still preserves some of their history. As a traveler and a native Dominican, experiencing Los Haitises has made me want to discover more hidden gems on this beautiful Island, the Dominican Republic.
Thanks to all of you who have been following my adventures through the Dominican Republic, I truly appreciate your support and love for this Island so dear to me! If you have any questions about visiting, check out my full travel guides on YouTube Till Next time!
