The El Pomier Caves

Fifty-five caves have been recorded in this limestone hill system, and between them they hold something in the order of six thousand pictographs and hundreds of petroglyphs, made by Taíno, Igneri and Carib peoples over a very long period, which makes it the largest concentration of rock art anywhere in the Caribbean and one of the most significant in the Americas. Figures, birds, faces and abstract patterns are drawn in charcoal and animal fat on the walls and ceilings. Only a handful of caves are open, with lit walkways and guides. Bats live in most of them. Limestone quarrying operates right up to the reserve boundary and has been the subject of a long campaign.

What you actually see

• Cave One - the main show cave, with the densest panels of drawings.
• The pictographs - thousands of charcoal figures, birds and faces.
• The bat colonies - resident in most of the system.
• The scale - fifty-five caves, most closed to visitors.

When to go

November to April is drier and the tracks easier. Access is by guided tour with limited hours, generally closing in the early afternoon, so arrive in the morning. Bring a torch and shoes with grip.

Honest expectations

Only a small number of caves are open and the visit is short. Lighting and walkways have suffered from underfunding and the site has closed at times. Quarrying continues at the boundary and the noise and dust are audible and visible, which is part of the story rather than something the guides hide. Guides speak little English.

Nearby

San Cristóbal is fifteen minutes; Santo Domingo is an hour east.