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Home/Countries/Dominican Republic/Nature & outdoors/Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve

Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve

A private reserve near Punta Cana with a chain of freshwater lagoons in coastal forest.

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WhereLa Altagracia
Nearest cityPunta Cana
Best seasonYear round
Time to allowTwo to three hours
Getting thereWithin the Puntacana resort area; guided access from the visitor point
EntryEntry charged; guided

The Ojos Indígenas reserve protects around fifteen hundred acres of coastal forest behind Punta Cana, and running through it is a chain of twelve freshwater lagoons fed by groundwater, several of which can be swum in. Trails link them through subtropical woodland with orchids, iguanas and a long bird list. The reserve is run by a foundation attached to the resort group and also operates a research and propagation programme. The name refers to the lagoons themselves, each of which carries a Taíno name given by the foundation that manages the reserve.

What you actually see

  • The lagoons - twelve groundwater-fed pools linked through the forest.
  • The swimming pools - several of the lagoons open for swimming.
  • The coastal forest - subtropical woodland with orchids and iguanas.
  • The research work - the foundation's propagation and conservation programme.

When to go

Year round; mornings are cooler and better for birds. Access is guided and runs to set times. The reserve closes in the late afternoon.

Honest expectations

Access is guided and must be arranged; independent walking is not permitted. Only some lagoons allow swimming. Entry is priced at resort rates.

Nearby

Hoyo Azul is south, and Punta Cana is on the coast.

What to pack for Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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