This is not exactly a “car” trip, since the route suggested recommends the use of an SUV or an all-terrain vehicle for this adventure that begins in San José de Ocoa. The trip is a mix of mountain valleys and rough landscapes, but ends in one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Bahia de las Aguilas. The route suggested by the group called Tiempo Libre (Free Time) of Diario Libre newspaper is an eco-tourism adventure that includes the provinces of San Jose de Ocoa, Azua, Barahona and Pedernales. The trip is about 600 kilometers long and was first carried out by a group of rallyists from Ocoa called the Third El Pinar Rally.
If the reader does not want to do the more difficult part, then just start in Azua or the community of El Pinar and go into the mountain valleys where strawberries abound because of the very chilly climate and the altitude. The trip route takes adventurers through the mountains of Azua and its highest point, La Piojosa, and goes through the Savanna of Miguel Martin and comes out in Peralta, in Azua province.
From there on, one can rest up on lodging on the Barahona highway, but the group says it is better to go south to Los Patos and its beach. The whole area is perfect for tents and campfires. Food is available in the little kiosks in the area and the tiny river is perfect for wading.
If you want a hotel, there is South Beach, located in Paraiso, where breakfast is included in the price. They have a bar, pool and a memorable view of the beach.
Before reaching Pedernales, make a stop at the Wind Farm of Los Cocos, which stretches across the horizon.
The last stretch of the trip, accompanied by a hot sun, rocky terrain, cactus and the sea, ends in Pedernales. The town is quiet, and not much is going on, nonetheless its treasures are indeed magnificent. For eating there is the Ibiza Restaurant, where the specialty is Dominican cuisine with fish and other seafood. The Alba Coral is a luxurious place, and its design, rooms and gastronomy are the equal of any in the East. A more economical option is Doña Chava. There is also the bi-national market, a beehive of activity on the border with Haiti.
The best is saved for last, and that is the Bahia de las Aguilas. The road is difficult yet passable, the area is rocky, or, you can go by boat. This is a magnificent example of nature at its best: a virgin beach, seven kilometers of white sand, and a refuge for over 130 species of birds. The water is warm and the seas is not very deep. Enjoy the afternoon, and respect the environment.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
28 January 2020