Experience the mangroves of Laguna Oviedo and boat on the Bahia de Las Aguilas in the Southwest -- via Bani, Azua and Barahona to Oviedo and Pedernales

This independent tour is an opportunity to experience the varied topography of the Southwest, including travel through the agricultural areas near Bani and Azua, and on to various shoreline habitats. With a PCV and  a Dominican guide to instruct, you will boat in mangroves, lagunas, or bahias, view flamingos and endemic birds, as well as experience Dominican hospitality.  You should also have an opportunity to visit your site as well as current PCV sites.

Southwest Itinerary:

This is an independent tour and our PCVs have a suggested itinerary for you.  They suggest a three day trip but you might contact them for alternatives--shorter or longer.

3 Day Itinerary for Southern Trip to Oviedo and Pedernales

v    Recommendation to bring 3 days of lunch from capital

v    Time based on private transportation

Day 1:

·        Leave capital by 7am

·        Arrive at the Oviedo Lagoon about 11 (100 peso/person
         park entrance fee)

·        Prearrange to start boat tour at 11:30 and have lunch at 12:30 on
         an island (2500 pesos/boat of 1-8 people)

·        Nature walk after lunch to see iguanas, local flora and fauna

·        Return to land by 3

·        2 OPTIONS

o       Option 1- CAMPO: With 8 people or less, you can sleep in El Cajuil and eat local campo dinner (rooms range from 600-1500 pesos and dinner is 150 pesos/plate mas o menos)

o       Option 2- PUEBLO: Drive to Pedernales (40min), eat at King Crab (plate averages 250 pesos) and sleep at Hotel FUNDACIPE (700  pesos for regular room and 1000 pesos for suite with kitchen and each room sleeps 3)

Day 2:

·        Eat breakfast in El Cajuil or FUNDACIPE accordingly

·        Leave for Bahia de las Aguilas by 9am on guided tour from
         AGUINAPE (1000 pesos/person up to 10 people)

o       Rental equipment is also available: beach chairs for 50 pesos, snorkel for 200 pesos or a cooler for 200 pesos.

o       Bring sunscreen, towels, bugspray, snacks, booze etc..

·        Drive to Restaurant Rancho Tipico (100 peso/person park
         entrance fee)

·        Take a 15min boat ride across to the beach (350 pesos/person)

·        Late lunch/ early dinner at Rancho Tipico around 5pm (plate
         averages 350 pesos)

·        Return to FUNDACIPE

Day 3:

·        Breakfast at FUNDACIPE at 8am

·        Buy food for lunch at local supermarket (unless food was brought
         from capital)

·        Leave for Hoyo de Pelempito at 9am on guided tour from
         AGUINAPE (1000 pesos/person up to 10 people)

·        Drive to vistor center to eat lunch (100 peso/person park
         entrance fee)

·        Leave Pelempito around 1pm

·        Drive back to the capital and stop in Los Patos to swim in the river

To plan and arrange your Southwest Tour contact Contact: Arliss:809 467 5208 or Kirsten: 809 467 1004.

Costs and Details 

Tour Cost:  Excluding car or van rental, the cost for the activiites outlined above is approximately $5,200 RD or $140 US.  Costs do not include incidentals and some snack foods lunch as indicated in the suggested itinerary above.

Tour Guide(s)

• Your tour will be led by PCVs  familiar with the area.  The Oviedo excursion will be led by La Asociacion de Buias de Naturaleza de Oviedo. Lodging:  See suggested choices above.

 Transportation:  To be arranged.

Minimum Participation required: Our volunteers who will try to work with those interested for a easy, comfortable, and interesting excursion.