The Dominican Republic is a country that always surprises. There is such an abundance of different things to do, just around the corner: whales off the coast, deep caves with Taino drawings, a salt lake below sea level and the thermal springs in San José de las Matas (Sajoma).
San José de las Matas is gaining in popularity now. The municipality in the hills south of Santiago has lots of reasons to shine. Its Ecotourism Thermal Water Park, located in Los Montones, is a surprise attraction for many, but it is just one of the stars in the Sajoma firmament. The park was initially financed by the government, just like the Arroyo Hondo Theme Park and the La Ventana Park. It was then turned over to local organizations and institutions for upkeep and advertising.
The park opened just three years ago to the public. The waters come from a mountain and are carried by large pipes to a pool where visitors can enjoy a 20-minute plunge. The pool can only hold between 8 and 10 persons, thus limiting the time a person can stay in the warm waters. Right next door is another pool with water at normal temperature where visitors can take their time.
Access to the area is RD$125 for adults and a lesser sum[ for children between the ages of 6 and 12.
But that is not all. There is a swinging bridge over the Bao river that will give an adrenaline rush to most visitors. There is also a trail for hiking alongside the river. Visitors are urged to bring bug repellant and sunscreen for their visit.
A mountain town, Sajoma also has a lovely church, the Capilla La Milagrosa, that is perfect for picture-taking. Businessman Manuel Arsenio and his devote wife Camelia Rodríguez commissioned the construction of the church in the community of Los Montones. It has a capacity for 100 persons.
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8 October 2019