Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco

Enriquillo

Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco is a significant protected area located in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic, encompassing parts of Pedernales, Independencia, Barahona, and Bahoruco provinces. It forms part of the larger Bahoruco Mountain Range, a massif of volcanic origin dating back to the Cretaceous period. The range was once submerged under the sea, leaving marine sedimentary layers and fossilized coral remains visible at high altitudes. The park is also recognized as a Biosphere Reserve due to its ecological importance and diverse habitats. It features unique geological formations, including tectonic faults from the collision of the Caribbean and Atlantic plates. Notably, the Sierra de Bahoruco is famous for larimar, a rare blue mineral found within volcanic vesicles in the mountains. The park's name originates from indigenous Taino language, first recorded by Bartolomé de las Casas. Its proximity to Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the Antilles, adds to the region's natural significance. The park offers opportunities for nature exploration, geological study, and cultural appreciation.