Many economists consider 2010 the year of the Dominican Republic’s recovery as evidenced by a 7.5% growth of its economy.

Frederic Emám- Zadé and René Villarreal affirm that the country’s economic growth is led by the expansion of the activities that are seen  to meet the internal demand, as the construction and telecom industries boast a brisker reactivation than tourism and free zones.

Eco & Camping Fun in the Dominican Republic 

For anyone seeking an eco friendly adventure holiday then the DR could just be the very spot! With over 16 National Parks including 67 protected areas within the countries borders there is a lot to do from hiking to the top of Pico Duarte to rappelling and white water rafting through stunning forest scenery.

Towering mountains, trails scented by pine needles, glowing white beaches, majestic waterfalls, lazy fresh water lagoons and thick dense tropical vegetation its no wonder the eco tourism market in the Dominican Republic is becoming one of the fastest growing pastimes for adrenalin seekers though out the world!

 

You could spend a whole week reveling in action packed pursuits (energy levels permitting of course) and buy a weeks package stuffed full of eco action options from mountain biking and cannoning, trekking and hiking, kayaking & rafting and go for it! With a couple of top class companies in the Dominican Republic specializing in outdoor eco excitement you’ll be in safe hands with professional guides leading the way and showing you the ropes, first timers to an eco option holiday are more than welcome.

Within the National Parks of the Dominican Republic there are no official campgrounds as such mainly due to a lack of and regulatory measures and normal camping protocols.  If you are going to venture into any of the Parks then you must obtain a pass from the National Parks Office.  The National Parks Office is located in the DR’s capital city of Santo Domingo on Avenida Maximo Gomez, apartado postal 2487.  Or give them a call on 809 472 4204 (would be handy if you speak some Spanish!). A pass will cost RD$50 (a little over a dollar) and you can gain permission from here.  You will find that at many of the larger National Parks, guides will be waiting at various entrances to take you in for a fee.  This is not a bad idea, as the guides have been trekking round the parks for years, know where to go, are unobtrusive, many speak basic English.  Remember to haggle a little over their price!

Many of the National Parks have rivers and mountains to cross and scale, one of most popular park being Parque Nacional Armando Bermudez and Parque Nacional Jose del Carmen Ramirez , with Pico Duarte rising up between the two parks! Going up Pico Duarte is not to be taken lightly; you will need guides, routes vary from 25 - 45 kilometers and the peak is at 10,094 feet above sea level. The best climbing months are from December, January, February and March.  To read more about each individual park click here. Many different kinds of climate will be experience here – incredible.

Southwest of Barahona in the Peninsula of Pedernales you will find the Parque Nacional Jaragua.  This is one of the largest parks and one that gets the least rain fall too, from deserted beaches and cacti filled floors you will also find that over sixty percent of the countries bird population here. The depth of scenery and wild life attracts many people here every year.

 

 

There pretty much has to be something to captivate and entertain any one of an eco friendly mind, from wind surfing and kite-boarding on the fine Cabarete coastline of the north, to whale watching once a year in the beautiful bay of Samana on the east coast, click here to find out more whale details, to horse riding, scuba diving, snorkeling and caving! It’s all here for you to enjoy.

 

For people looking to camp and not finding too many campsites, you will however discover a brilliant selection of hostel places located by many of the National Parks around the Dominican Republic.  They will offer clean accommodation, food, sometimes even hot water (!) for a reasonable price per night. 

Whatever kind of eco adventure you are interested in, the Dominican Republic will be able to quench your thirst for some serious eco fun!