This astounding national park is a sight that cannot be missed when visiting the Dominican Republic. El Chocho National Park guards 48 square miles of pasture land, lagoon, jungle, tropical plants, freshwater springs and mystical caves. It park has 862 species of flora, 12 species of bats and 36 species of birds.

El Choco features two lagoons--Laguna Cabarete and Laguna Goleta--which are located between the hills of the Cordillera Septentrional and the Atlantic Ocean.

The park’s main attractions are its 5-million-year-old caves and underground pools. Many of these caves remain hidden by the lush vegetation that grows around them. El Choco is accessible from either end of the Cabarete.

If you seek adventure, the popular “Igunana Mama” tour leads one hiking and three mountain bike trips around the park. For a more family-friendly tour of the protected area, the Cabarete Caves Company offers 1.5-hour tours that are great for all ages.

Bilingual tour guides provide a tour of the park, taking you on an expedition through the caves and the sub-tropical woodland. The guides explain how the caves were formed and the history behind the park’s landscape. The proceeds from taking this tour go to the National Parks for Conservation and Preservation. This is definitely a must-see for nature lovers.