Attraction: Parque Nacional del Este

This massive national park has no roads to running through its interior. Most guests navigate it by boat to take advantage of the hiking, wildlife viewing, and historical sites found here.

 

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Expert Review of Parque Nacional del Este

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Parks and Outdoors Review of Parque Nacional del Este

Away Travel Expert: Lynne Sullivan

Parks Expert Favorite
ParksExpert Rating Recommended for:
Birding,Day Hiking,Nature,Sustainable Travel

Parks and OutdoorsExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• No roads lead directly into the park's interior, and visitors usually come by boat from the town of Bayahibe. Some tours stop at sites along the park's waterfront on the mainland and then visit Saona Island, which is the most popular part of the sprawling park system.
• Organized tour packages include transportation from resorts located in the Punta Cana area, but if you have your own car, you can pick up a permit and arrange a boat trip at the national park office on the west end of the parking lot at Playa Bayahibe, near the dock. You are required to hire a ranger at the park entrance to guide you through the reserve.
• A network of hiking trails winds through the thick forest to caves and cliffs that shelter a remarkable assortment of birds and relics from early Taino communities.

The main attractions inside the national park are the caves and the abundant wildlife living in the dense tropical forest. Expect to hike about two hours along trails cut through the trees to reach Cueva del Puente and Cueva Jose Maria, the most

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The main attractions inside the national park are the caves and the abundant wildlife living in the dense tropical forest. Expect to hike about two hours along trails cut through the trees to reach Cueva del Puente and Cueva Jose Maria, the most interesting caves. Both were used by Taino natives as ceremonial sites, and the walls are decorated with pictographs and petroglyphs that depict everyday life, as well as encounters with Spanish soldiers. More than 100 species of birds live in the park, including eight endemic types, and plentiful marine life populates the surrounding waters, including sea turtles, dolphins, and manatees.

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Romance Review of Parque Nacional del Este

Away Travel Expert: Christine Loomis

Romance Expert Favorite
RomanceExpert Rating Recommended for:
Anniversary,Honeymoon,Wedding,Weekend Getaway

RomanceExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• You can visit the park on your own most easily by hiring a boat and guide at the harbor in Bayahibe; agree on the price before leaving land. You must pay a park entrance fee, too.
• The hassle-free way to see the park: by tour from Punta Cana. It's a longish but comfortable van ride, followed by a catamaran sail to Saona, with great swimming and lunch on the island.
• If your wedding party and guests love beach and water, take this tour together for excellent photo ops and a shared experience to cherish.

Situated at the southeastern tip of the country, this expansive national park covers the peninsula south of the towns of Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma. In addition to densely forested land dotted with ancient caves, the park extends well into the water

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Situated at the southeastern tip of the country, this expansive national park covers the peninsula south of the towns of Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma. In addition to densely forested land dotted with ancient caves, the park extends well into the water and includes popular Saona Island. There are more than 125 species of birds—parrots, pelicans, boobies, and frigates among them—and fluttering butterflies pose for close-ups on Saona. Swimming in the turquoise waters and rocking together in a hammock under a shady palm on Saona are among the highlights of a day in the park.

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Attractions Near Parque Nacional del Este

• The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve Punta Cana, DO - 29.4 mi.
• Playa Cabo Engaño Punta Cana, DO - 30.3 mi.
• Playa El Cortecito Punta Cana/Bavaro, DO - 30.3 mi.
• Playa del Macao Punta Cana/Bavaro, DO - 30.3 mi.
• Marinarium Marine Park & Aquarium Punta Cana, DO - 30.3 mi.
• West Coast Surf Shop Rincon, PR - 49.2 mi.
• Rincon Bay Rincon, PR - 49.3 mi.
• Rincon Rincón, PR - 49.3 mi.
• Rincón's Beaches Rincón, PR - 49.3 mi.
• Punta Higuero Rincón, PR - 49.3 mi.

Hotels Near Parque Nacional del Este

• Sivory Punta Cana Punta Cana, DO - 28.7 mi.
• The PUNTACANA Hotel Punta Cana, DO - 28.9 mi.
• Club Med Punta Cana All Inclusive Punta Cana, DO - 28.9 mi.
• Sanctuary Cap Cana -Luxury All Inclusive, a Salamander Hotel Punta Cana, DO - 29.0 mi.
• Fishing Lodge Cap Cana Cap Cana, DO - 29.1 mi.
• Gran Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection- All Inclusive Punta Cana, DO - 29.2 mi.
• Tortuga Bay Hotel Punta Cana, DO - 29.2 mi.
• The Royal Suites Turquesa by Palladium- Adults Only- All Inclusive Punta Cana, DO - 29.2 mi.
• Golden Bear Lodge Cap Cana Punta Cana, DO - 29.5 mi.
• Caleton Club and Villas Punta Cana, DO - 29.5 mi.