Los Tres Ojos - Santo Domingo

AlterEgo

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Jan 9, 2009
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Article and photos: https://www.listindiario.com/la-rep...tres-ojos-entre-lagos-cavernas-y-areas-verdes

Computer translation:

The Three Eyes: between lakes, caverns and green areas

Dalton Herrera
Santo Domingo
Three and a half kilometers of land, one and a half underground, four crystalline lakes, rocks and green areas, make up the Los Tres Ojos National Park, one of the most exotic spots in Gran Santo Domingo. east of the capital city.

Although it is forbidden to take a dip in the springs, citizens and tourists come daily to this area protected by the Ministry of Environment, in order to receive a nature bath in the tours that are guided by the staff of the national historical monument.

The two caves are the most attractive parts of the place. In one of them there are three lakes, main reason for which it was named "Three Eyes" to the tourist point, while in the other there is only one. However, to cross the entire subsoil, it is necessary to cross the 346 steps that connect the entire area.

Although it dates back thousands of years, the park was discovered in 1916 by national troops during the first US intervention in the Dominican Republic. However, it was not until 1968, under the government of Joaquín Balaguer (1966-1978), that the stairs were made so that tourists could visit the area. Four years later, in 1972, the park was open to the general public for tourists and citizens everywhere.

A paradise
The administrator of the Los Tres Ojos Park, Mayra Peña and the tour guide, Eugenio Robles, led the route taken by the journalists of Listin Diario on the spot.

When descending the first 59 steps, the sign indicates the name of the first spring: Lago Sulfur, which is 15 feet deep.

"There really is no sulfur, that name was put by the first people who discovered that they saw the blue hue, and believed that it had sulfur. These waters were studied and only contain calcium mineral; is quite sweet and crystal clear, "Robles said.

The caves are composed of limestone rocks, and in addition; according to experts, about 4 thousand years ago, that park was submerged in the Caribbean Sea.

The second lake, called La Nevera, measures 18 feet deep and due to the lack of sunlight, due to its location, keeps the water temperature colder than the others.

In these same waters, a small boat moved by an employee through a rope that connects to another piece of land, transports the visitors directly to the fourth and largest of the springs: Los Zaramagullones.

With 25 feet of depth and its green hue, caused by the rays of the sun that penetrate directly and the surrounding green area, this river is possible to be the most famous of all.

In it have been filmed films like: Tarzan, Combat Force, Jurassic Park III, Gold and Dust, among others. In addition, it is inhabited by fish tilapias, which were introduced by the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in the decade of the 40 by a shortage of fish in the country during the time.

The third lake, and the furthest from all, is named as: Las Damas.

"It is called that because there are studies that indicate that in this spring only women were bathed, according to indigenous mythology, these waters served to fertilize women who could not have children," said Peña.

It is the smallest river since it measures only eight feet deep.

The administrator of the Los Tres Ojos Park said that the cave inhabits cigua palms, snakes, bats, owls, silly birds, among other species.

Outside the caverns
Vegetation, trees and nature is what Los Tres Ojos Park offers. Families attend to relax and tourists to meet. Although, according to Robles, the tour guide, 80% of the visitors are foreigners, while the rest are Dominicans.

"The Dominican is more attracted to the outside than his own," he said with pessimism.

Peña, the administrator, explained that in the monument there is a cafeteria but they are building a more modern one to delight those who attend. In addition, he said he is planning to remodel bathrooms as he believes they are obsolete.

The cost to enter this green paradise is only 100 pesos per person, and is suitable for any family member and open Monday to Sunday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Undoubtedly, Los Tres Ojos National Park is one of the most favorable places to visit with your family.
 

cobraboy

Pro-Bono Demolition Hobbyist
Jul 24, 2004
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Fun place! Highly recommended!

When you take the little barge across the pond and walk to the cave opening, it's like stepping onto a prehistoric movie set. You expect to see dinosaurs roaming...
 

AlterEgo

Administrator
Staff member
Jan 9, 2009
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Fun place! Highly recommended!

When you take the little barge across the pond and walk to the cave opening, it's like stepping onto a prehistoric movie set. You expect to see dinosaurs roaming...

It's been decades since we were there, went several times in the old days when there was nothing much there. No charge for admittance, no personnel, just a staircase and you were on your own with nature. Being down there was almost surreal. With my bad knee, doubtful I'll go back.
 

Abuela

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May 13, 2006
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I agree its a "must do" in Santo Domingo. More than the Taino history and natural setting I was fascinated by the whole fish and turtle fossils. Its Mother Nature's treasure hunt.
 

Russell

Well-known member
Jun 17, 2017
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I have been there three times over the past five years... pleasure to take visiting friends there... ancient history in todays terms.
The place just seems to absorb you once you descend the stairs.... bit of magic!
WE all need that once in a while.

Russell