Cave Chicho — Attraction in La Hispaniola

Somehow it was so difficult to know how to get to this cave because neither the Internet nor the locals know much about it. Ended up walking on a sandy road under the hot sun for about 45 minutes because we weren't sure if we were going in the right direction. However, if you do know where you're going (especially if you're driving instead of walking), you would have more time to enjoy this cave, which really is worth all the walking in the heat and humidity. I've been to quite a few cenotes in Mexico. This one is different because you go down deep into a cave, which makes the ceiling very high. There are no safety railings nor lighting, so it's necessary to bring your own light. Quite off the beaten path. But the water is so clear that you can see the white rocks all the way to the bottom even with little light. Also there are some pre-colonial Taino sculptures, which is a bonus. Well worth the journey and very close to the center of Bayahibe. Glad the mass tourism companies have decided to keep this out of...

Follow Google maps! It seems sketchy but it will be okay! You will turn off the main road and go onto a dirt road, follow the dirt road until you get to a rope gate guarded by a friendly couple! You pay 200 pesos per person to get past the gate, make sure you have exact change! Keep following the road and Google maps! Try to have a car with 4 wheel drive, you’ll need it. You can stop and park wherever there is room! Keep walking where Google maps says, on the dirt road around to the left. You will hit the trail head, continue down the short trail and you’ll be at the cave! It’s absolutely stunning! Make sure to take a head lamp and some goggles to be able to clearly see everything! It’s a little chill when you first get in but so great after that! Would highly suggest water shoes to wear on the rocks! There are bats in the cave and bees at entrance, but not too many and we...

We went with the expectation that this was a free experience besides paying 200 pesos per person to enter the national park. We drive to the entrance of padre nuestro and we were greeted by a man who said he would take us to the caves. We said we didn’t need help and he said it was “obligatorio” and we had to pay him 3,000 pesos to see the caves. This was never told to us at the entrance of the park and very frustrating. We also had no way of knowing if he was a legitimate guide or not. He did not have on a uniform and approached us from his motorcycle. We turned around and left and he sat at the front with the park entrance keepers so I guess he was legitimate. Total scam though and we did not get out park entrance fees back. We had no intention paying $50 USD to see the caves and had no way to know if the man was a...