The country's least visited corner — and that's why it's worth it
Pedernales sits at the far southwest, right on the border with Haiti, and still feels like a secret. There are no resorts or hotel chains — there is one of the Caribbean's most spectacular beaches, an almost untouched national park, and landscapes that shift from mangrove to desert in less than an hour's drive. This guide groups the essentials by activity type.
Beaches and sea
Some of the Caribbean's clearest waters, with almost no infrastructure in between.
Bahía de las Águilas
Considered one of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches: 10 km of nearly pristine sand within Jaragua National Park. Accessible only by boat or 4x4.
Cabo Rojo
Rust-colored cliffs dropping straight into turquoise sea. The lookout is one of the most photographed in the region.
Playa Blanca and El Cabo
More accessible, quieter beaches near town, ideal if you don't have time to reach Bahía de las Águilas.
Nature and parks
One of the country's most diverse ecosystems, with species found nowhere else.
Laguna Oviedo
Boat tour on a hypersaline lagoon with pink flamingos, endemic rhinoceros iguanas, and several mangrove islands.
Hoyo de Pelempito
A lookout at 1,200 meters above a geological fault in the Sierra de Bahoruco. Clouds rise from the valley in a matter of minutes.
Parque Nacional Jaragua
The country's largest biosphere reserve, with beaches, mangroves, and dry scrubland where much of DR's endemic wildlife lives.
Two days in Pedernales
Early departure by 4x4 or boat to Bahía de las Águilas, fried fish lunch on the beach, and afternoon at the Cabo Rojo lookout.
Boat tour on Laguna Oviedo in the morning and climb to Hoyo de Pelempito before afternoon clouds roll in.
Adventure
Varied terrain for those who want something more active than sunbathing.
Snorkeling and diving
Little-visited reefs off Bahía de las Águilas and Cabo Rojo, with excellent visibility almost year-round.
Trekking Sierra de Bahoruco
Poorly marked trails through cloud forest and dry scrubland — best with a local guide, ideal for endemic birdwatching.
Food and relaxation
Where to eat in town and where to stay by the sea, near Bahía de las Águilas.
Bocanye Pedernales
Caribbean cuisine, fish, seafood, and grilled dishes with generous portions.
- Address
- Calle Libertad, Pedernales
- Hours
- Tue–Sun · 12:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Price
- Not published · confirm menu by phone
- Contact
- 809-524-0791
Eco Del Mar — Suites
Suites with private bathroom, ceiling fans, and balcony near Bahía de las Águilas. No A/C, TV, or Wi‑Fi by design.
- Address
- Carretera Cabo Rojo, Playa de la Cueva
- Office hours
- Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. · Sat 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Price
- Cactus Jr. from US$220 · Safari from US$310 / 2 people, Sun–Thu
- Contact
- 829-576-7740
Locate everything before you go
Pedernales is large and distances are deceiving — use Rutera's interactive map to group activities by proximity and avoid losing hours in transit.
View activities on RuteraBeach lovers
Bahía de las Águilas is the main reason to make this trip.
Nature photographers
Laguna Oviedo and its flamingos are hard to match anywhere else in the country.
Adventurers
Trekking through the Sierra de Bahoruco is among the most demanding and least traveled in the country.
