Balneario La Plaza — Attraction in Barahona

I wish I would have listened to the negative reviews. Even though they were written years ago it is an ongoing problem in the area, and you never think it’s going to be you til it is.

I went I to la plaza after reading reviews of the attacks that occurred a couple years ago thinking that it wouldn’t happen to us, that it would be a non issue. However when that man came down the side of the hill wielding a giant machete at my family’s heads, I instantly regretted my choice of coming here.

This is very much an ongoing problem, the community and the police are aware of the situation and they’re still allowing tourist to venture into those mountains knowing there are armed and violent men roaming those woods waiting for their next victim.

If I could leave negative stars, I would. This was the most terrifying experience of my life. My mom, my sister, and I were attacked by a man with a machete at Balneario La Plaza in Barahona. He stole everything—our phones, wallets, keys, and the equipment we brought for content creation.

My mom was hit in the head and arm with the machete. She now has permanent scars. Both she and I were tackled down a mountain. The trauma of watching my family be attacked—and living through it—is something I’ll carry forever.

Our tour guide was not at all helpful and let us get attacked through his carelessness. He offered no protection, no warning, and absolutely no help when it mattered most.

Yes, the place is beautiful—but no destination is worth your safety. One violent man and one horrifying moment ruined everything. The Dominican Republic depends on tourism, but we were met with violence, neglect, and silence.

We’re traumatized. We’re devastated. Stay away.

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Si pudiera dejar estrellas negativas, lo haría. Fue la experiencia más aterradora de mi vida. Mi mamá, mi hermana y yo fuimos atacadas por un hombre con un machete en el Balneario La Plaza, en Barahona. Nos robó todo: teléfonos, carteras, llaves y el equipo que llevábamos para crear contenido.

A mi madre la golpearon en la cabeza y el brazo con el machete. Ahora tiene cicatrices permanentes. A las dos nos empujaron por una montaña. Vivir y presenciar ese momento fue un trauma que jamás olvidaremos.

Nuestro guía turístico no fue para nada útil y permitió que nos atacaran por su descuido. No ofreció protección, ni aviso, ni ayuda en el momento más crítico.

Sí, el lugar es bonito — pero ningún destino vale tu vida. Un hombre violento y un solo instante de horror arruinaron todo. La República Dominicana vive del turismo, pero nosotras solo recibimos violencia, abandono y silencio.

Estamos traumatizadas. Estamos...

Had the worst experience of my life! The beauty of the place is unforgettable, yet my daughter and I were attacked walking back by a man with a machete that came down from the mountain unexpectedly. My daughter was carrying a backpack that was obviously given to him, but that wasn’t enough. He ended up attacking us with the machete, hitting me on the arm and head as I defended myself and protected my daughter. The entire community knows who he is and he continues to roam free around the area. I definitely recommend to go with a certified guide into this area…although we were with a guide and the assault happened anyways. The guide I went with carried no weapons or anything to protect me from the attack, you are basically on your own. It’s a shame that the community doesn’t take action against these criminals who are ruining their source of revenue from locals and tourists who would enjoy visiting this place. I think the local guides who are the most affected should join in to stop assaults like the one my daughter and I experienced by taking actions into their own hands. The area isn’t protected by police and you are basically on your own. Truly, assaults like this should not happen and the person who did this to us has been doing this over and over. If that is the case this area should be closed down until it is safe. My daughter and I are lucky to be alive. I am thankful for all the support from the wonderful people in the community that did help us out. This definitely was an adventure that I would never forget and blessed to be alive to warn others about...

What happened to us at Balneario La Plaza in Barahona, Dominican Republic, was beyond traumatic. I don’t even know how to put into words the fear, pain, and helplessness we felt. My mother, sister, and I were brutally attacked by a man with a machete in broad daylight — while on a “guided tour.”

He ambushed us and stole our bags — taking everything: our phones, wallets, keys, and all of our content creation equipment. My mother was hit in the head and arm with the machete, leaving her permanently scarred. My sister and mother were violently thrown down the mountain. And the worst part? Our tour guide stood by and did NOTHING. Not a word, not a warning, not a hand to help.

We were left stranded at the top of the mountain with no way to get back to safety, because our car keys were stolen too. We had no phones to call for help, no money, no ID — completely isolated and vulnerable, with no protection or support. Imagine being stuck in a foreign country, in the middle of nowhere, after barely escaping an attempted assault, and having zero way out.

Yes, the natural beauty of Balneario La Plaza is undeniable. But what is the point of beauty if it comes with the risk of losing your life? One man with a weapon and a completely unprepared system ruined what should have been a peaceful and memorable trip. This experience was not only traumatic — it felt like a betrayal, especially in a country that relies so heavily on tourism.

We are heartbroken. We are scarred — emotionally and physically. We are lucky...