Pedernales – Nature, Lagoon and Mountain Trails

Laguna de Oviedo is an important birdwatching area. Together with the trails at Hoyo de Pelempito and the province’s protected areas, it shows how Pedernales can be explored through a range of nature-focused experiences. The geographic extent of the Sierra de Bahoruco reaches beyond the province—a distinction that matters when planning a trip.

Protected Areas and Mountain Landscape

Parque Nacional Jaragua is a protected natural area in the southern part of Pedernales Province. The province’s protected areas also include Área Nacional de Recreo Cabo Rojo-Bahía de las Águilas. These names offer a starting point for orienting yourself among the province’s protected areas.

The Sierra de Bahoruco extends across the provinces of Pedernales, Barahona and Independencia. It is therefore a landscape that spans multiple provinces, not a feature of Pedernales Province alone. The protected area covers 1,000 km² and ranges in elevation from 0 to 2,367 meters. The Sierra is distinguished by its varied ecology and unique flora and fauna in the Dominican Republic, and is suited to mountain tourism and walks. Its range of elevations and its course across several provinces give the Sierra a different scale from the individual local excursions.

Lagoon, Hiking Trails and Views

At Laguna de Oviedo, you can book one- to three-hour tours on the lagoon and in its surroundings through the Ministry of the Environment information center on the main road in Oviedo. The duration gives you a specific timeframe for your visit. Since booking details can change, check locally before your trip.

Several mountain hiking trails are located near the observatory at Hoyo de Pelempito. The observatory overlooks a 700-meter-deep geological depression between the mountains of the Sierra de Bahoruco. The two destinations offer different experiences: tours lasting one to three hours are described for the lagoon, while the trails and views of the depression shape the landscape experience at Hoyo.

You can go diving in the wider area around Bahía de Las Águilas. Check local guidance on protected areas before visiting, as restrictions may change.

Other Perspectives in the Dominican Republic

The wider destination of the Dominican Republic also offers other destinations with different characteristics. Altos de Chavón is a model of a 16th-century Mediterranean village built entirely of stone. The Altos de Chavón Archaeological Museum houses a collection on the indigenous culture of the Dominican Republic. This architectural and cultural side contrasts with Pedernales’ nature-focused experiences.

At the 27 Charcos de Damajagua, a hike leads through dense forest and over footbridges. Then, wearing a helmet and safety equipment, you descend over waterfalls by jumping or sliding into turquoise pools. Plan the activity according to the latest safety guidance. Valle-Nuevo National Park also offers opportunities for birdwatching and mountain trekking. The Dominican Republic therefore offers a variety of travel experiences; Pedernales has its own focus on lagoons, mountain landscapes and protected areas.

Discover more destinations: Pedernales, San Pedro De Macorís, Santo Domingo, Monseñor Nouel Province, Puerto Plata, Azua, Elias Pina, La Romana.

View the broader travel guide: Dominican Republic.