Things To Do
in Barahona
Barahona is a picturesque coastal city located in the southwest of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and beautiful landscapes. The city is surrounded by mountains and has a diverse ecosystem with lush forests and mangrove swamps.
Barahona is also famous for its rich history and cultural heritage, with many historic sites and museums to explore.
- "¿Cómo tú tá?" - How are you?
- "Todo bien" - All good
- "¿Qué lo qué?" - What's up?
- "Ta bien" - It's okay
- "Búscame eso" - Get me that
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning by hiking up to the Pico Diego de Ocampo for panoramic views of Barahona. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and diverse wildlife along the trails.
Visit the stunning Bahia de las Águilas, a remote beach known for its crystal-clear waters. Relax on the beach and enjoy a picnic surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Wind down with a seaside dinner at a local restaurant, savoring fresh seafood and Dominican cuisine. Enjoy the sound of waves as the sun sets on the horizon.
Spend the morning at Playa San Rafael, known for its breathtaking cliffs and turquoise water. Swim, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the pristine sands.
Indulge in local cuisine at a beachside chiringuito, trying fresh fish and tropical drinks. After lunch, continue to explore the beach or relax under a palm tree.
As evening falls, enjoy a beachfront bonfire if available or find a cozy spot for a cocktail. Watch the sunset while reminiscing about the day's adventures.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including beaches and mountains.
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions.
- Access to fresh local produce and seafood.
- Tranquil and less crowded compared to tourist hotspots.
- Opportunity for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and diving.
- Limited infrastructure and services compared to larger cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
- Economic challenges and lower job opportunities.
- Access to healthcare may be limited in rural areas.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters such as hurricanes.
Best Activities in Barahona
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful beaches of Barahona such as Playa San Rafael, Playa Quemaito, and Playa Las Salinas.
Engage in hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the natural wonders of Barahona, including the Parque Nacional Jaragua and Lago Enriquillo.
Enjoy scenic mountain biking trails in and around Barahona, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.
Participate in activities such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in the clear turquoise waters of Barahona.
Tours
Uncover the best of Barahona with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Barahona
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a unique opportunity to see the extraction process of the semi-precious stone Larimar and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Known for its beautiful black sand beach and picturesque river that flows into the sea, offering fantastic photo opportunities.
Features golden sands, crystal clear waters, and impressive cliffs, providing a picturesque setting for photography.
A pristine beach with turquoise waters and white sands, offering an unbeatable backdrop for capturing stunning images.
Food in Barahona
Barahona Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A specialty dish featuring goat meat marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, often served with rice and beans. One can savor this delectable dish at El Cayuco, a popular local restaurant.
Must-Try!
A traditional Dominican drink made from the bark of the mabi tree, offering a unique herbal and slightly sweet flavor. Mabí is commonly available at small eateries and local markets throughout Barahona.
Fried green plantains, a beloved staple in Dominican cuisine, served as a flavorful side dish or snack. Tostones can be found at numerous street food vendors across Barahona's bustling areas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The Municipal Market in Barahona is a vibrant hub where visitors can immerse themselves in the local food scene. Here, you can sample freshly prepared empanadas, tropical fruits, and refreshing coconut water.
The Malecón area is dotted with charming food stalls offering a variety of seafood delights such as fried fish, shrimp ceviche, and conch salad. It's a fantastic spot to experience the lively street food culture of Barahona.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
It is important to greet others with a handshake, a smile, and a friendly 'Buenos dias' (good morning), 'Buenas tardes' (good afternoon), or 'Buenas noches' (good evening).
Barahona culture values personal space, so it's important to avoid standing too close when engaging in conversation. It's also polite to wait for the other person to initiate physical contact.
When invited to someone's home for a meal, it's polite to bring a small gift such as flowers or dessert. It's also customary to wait to be seated and to not begin eating until the host or eldest person at the table indicates to do so.
Safety
Tipping in Barahona
Ensure a smooth experience
In Barahona, it is customary to tip around 10% to 15% at restaurants and for other services such as taxi rides and hotel staff.
Cash is the most widely accepted form of payment in Barahona. Credit cards are also accepted at some hotels, restaurants, and larger businesses. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller transactions and in more rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The whale-watching season begins in January, offering an opportunity to see humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Ideal time to visit for comfortable temperatures and blooming landscapes. It's a great time for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Warm and humid weather, perfect for beach activities and water sports. Summer is also the peak season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
Considered the rainy season, with occasional tropical storms. Travelers should be prepared for wet conditions but can still enjoy the lush greenery and less crowded attractions.
Barahona at Night
Hiking in Barahona
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park featuring diverse ecosystems, beautiful coastal landscapes, and hiking trails that lead through mangroves and limestone cliffs.
Known for its stunning cliffs and the famous Cabo Rojo lighthouse, this area offers scenic hiking trails with breathtaking ocean views.
A protected area with rugged terrain and diverse flora and fauna, providing various hiking opportunities amidst untouched nature.
A nature reserve featuring trails around the lagoon, where hikers can explore rich wildlife and enjoy views of the surrounding wetlands.
An adventurous hiking spot known for its natural beauty, mangroves, and opportunities for bird watching along the trails.
Aiports
How to reach Barahona by plane.
Located in Santo Domingo, approximately 170 km from Barahona, this is the largest international airport serving the Dominican Republic.
Situated in Puerto Plata, around 230 km from Barahona, this airport serves numerous international flights.
Located in Santiago, about 210 km from Barahona, this airport also caters to various international flights.
Approximately 260 km from Barahona, this is a major international airport catering to travelers heading to the Punta Cana region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in Barahona, representing the cultural and ethnic background of the majority of the population.
A significant portion of the population, descendants of Africans brought to the island during the colonial period.
Many residents are of mixed heritage, combining Indigenous, African, and European ancestry.
While small in number, some individuals identify with Indigenous ancestry, reflecting the island's original inhabitants.
A minority demographic, consisting of individuals with European ancestry, primarily from Spain and France.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is the most popular sport in Barahona and the Dominican Republic as a whole. It is deeply embedded in the culture, with many local players aspiring to play in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Basketball enjoys significant popularity, especially among the youth. Local tournaments and community games often bring together fans and players.
Volleyball is commonly played on the beaches and in schools, reflecting the community's love for team sports and seaside activities.
Soccer has a growing following in Barahona, with local clubs participating in regional leagues and the sport gaining traction among young athletes.
Boxing has a rich history in the Dominican Republic, and Barahona has produced several notable boxers. Local gyms offer training for aspiring fighters.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Barahona.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While much of Dominican cuisine centers around meat and seafood, many restaurants in Barahona offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, particularly those with a focus on fresh produce and plant-based ingredients. La Cueva and El Cayuco are known for their flavorful vegetarian offerings.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find options such as grilled fish, rice and bean dishes, fresh fruit plates, and plantain-based snacks widely available in local eateries. It's advisable to communicate your dietary needs to the staff, who are often accommodating to such requests.