This archaeological site is located on the north side of Enriquillo Lake. If you drive by on a weekend, there may be tour buses or cars parked on the road to indicate the site of the carvings in the rocks atop the pronounced cliff. There is a trail that leads to smiling and sad faces etched into history. Visitors to the Enriquillo Lake environs should stock up on water as this is an area of blazing sun and heat, even by Caribbean standards.

    The Caribbean’s largest; this lake has an approximate area of 102 square miles (approximately 265 square kilometers). The lake also marks the Caribbean’s lowest point, which is found a remarkable 40 meters below sea level. The name Enriquillo honors the first successful insurgent against the Spanish conquistadors. The high salt content at this inland phenomenon has created a barren, seemingly lifeless environment that is inhospitable to humans, but ideal for lazing American crocodiles, friendly iguanas and graceful pink flamingos.
   A trip around Lake Enriquillo all the way to Jimaní (on the Dominican border with Haiti) and then returning back eastbound on the southside will bring travelers past the impressive salt and gypsum mines at La Salina. Start out early and set aside a full day for touring the lake and its environs.

   Upon arriving to Barahona, check into the availability of boat excursions to visit this 7.5-mile (12-kilometer) inner islet that is home to hundreds of reptilian residents. Arrive early in the day to book the seven-kilometer tour to Cabritos and view the iguanas, crocodiles and flamingos before the blazing sun takes over. The guides can make sure the crocodiles come close enough to your boat for you to peer into their eyes. Expect the excursion to take at least two hours, including a quick hike across the island. Be sure to bring drinking water and sun protection.

   Cool off on the way back to the city of Barahona by heading south on the Cabral-Polo Panoramic Highway. Sightseers will marvel at its Polo Magnético, where parked cars seem to travel backwards up the hill on their own without any

human assistance. Polo is located amid the forests of the Bahoruco mountain range, the home of some of the country’s best coffee plantations.

   The region’s most important city and provincial capital, Barahona is a port city at the end of a magnificent horseshoeshaped bay that is framed by rugged mountains. Because of its salt and gypsum mines and numerous discos, Barahona is know as the town “that works hard and plays hard.”

   Small hotels readily abound and are easily accessible from this highway that heads south from the city of Barahona. This is perhaps the most splendidly scenic highway in the Caribbean, exceptional in its views of a multi-colored sea, untamed stretches of dense forest, sparkling rivers and towering green mountains. Visitors to this area are few and the simple ways of traditional village life may be glimpsed along the route. Wave to the residents and they will smilingly wave back. It’s a lush landscape of brilliant greens, complemented by millions of graceful yellow butterflies and the melodies of innumerable birds. Also found along the way are the pebble beaches of Quemaito and San Rafael, with its natural pools that are filled by a tumbling mountain spring. Check out Villa Miriam, a private home that charges a small fee for admission to its pools set amidst river cascades and lush vegetation. Next is Paraiso, an aptly named “paradise” of intense turquoise waters in a calm and crystalline bay. There are spectacular views to be had upon approaching the small town of Enriquillo and its rough-watered beach, where a small cemetery overlooks three shades of blue.

   Named in honor of an Indian chieftain, this park extends over 854 square miles (1,374 square kilometers) and includes several miles of some of the best Caribbean beaches, as well as the small islands of Alto Velo and Beata. This area is reached after the town of Enriquillo, when the highway takes a gradual turn to the west as it goes inland. Discover the ecological marvels this park has to offer by journeying a little further into the country’s southwestern corner to the province of Pedernales. One of the Caribbean’s best areas for bird-watching is found here at the Oviedo Lagoon.