National Park El Choco y Las Cuevas de Cabarete — Attraction in La Hispaniola

Las Cuevas (the caves) were wonderful! But they were physically challenging for this group of 60-somethings (glad I took ibuprofen before!). Some of the steps, climbs, scrambles and ladders are very challenging - especially going down, with limited lighting, and your helmet (provided!) banging the cave roof every few seconds.

But the pools were delightful, and worth all the knocks and aches. Two of the three pools you can jump into (and we did!! Even at our ages!).

We've visited many caves, but this is the first time we've HEARD the sound a stalactite makes when struck (gently!!) with a metal rod. THEY ARE MUSICAL PIPES!!! Because they're hollow! Who knew?!?

Our guide was very good, and told not just about the caves and the history, but also about all the flora. He got a big tip from us.

Not to be missed - IF you're up for...

Beautiful park with Monkey Jungle zip line on top. We didn't hike in the park itself as we didn't have a guide. When we arrived there were no monkeys unfortunately. Zip lines are fun, take about one and a half hour and cost around 50 bucks which is quite a lot of you compare it to 27 waterfalls. Make sure to bring cash as they do not accept cards. We had to go all the way to Sosua supermarket to get cash afterwards and the guy on the motorbike charged us extra 500 for going with us. The road is quite bumpy in the end (last 3 miles) but it is doable even in a normal small car, you...

Absolute scam. After being ripped off, my girl friend and I went to the Ministry of Environment I’m Santo Domingo and reported these thieves. Hopefully things will change soon. The bracelet they give you days $1 but they charge you $20 just to see 2 caves. And only for a short time. This entire country should be avoided. Instead go to the Bahamas or Mallorca or anywhere where they don’t take advantage of you for being a “gringo”. Y ahora un mensaje por los ladrones guías que trabajan en el choco. Tú vas a estar pronto y voy a regresar y me voy a reír de ti viviendo...