Birdwatching Tour in the Dominican Republic:
tropical birdwatching

15-Day Birdwatching Tour in the Dominican Republic

This birdwatching tour offers an immersive experience of the country’s biodiversity through diverse and well-preserved ecosystems. More than 321 species, including 31 endemic ones.

  • Sierra de Bahoruco, the heart of Dominican ornithology and home to endemic species
  • Los Haitises National Park, mangroves, and Ridgway’s Hawk
  • Constanza and Valle Nuevo: Mountains and high-altitude species

Length of stay: 15 days

Theme: Adventure & Encounters

Difficulty: Simple

I designed this tour to help you discover the Dominican Republic through its most diverse ecosystems, accompanied by local nature guides, so you can observe rare and endemic species in the country’s protected areas.

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Highlights of this trip

Bahoruco Mountains

High-altitude cloud and pine forests, with many endemic species.

Los Haitises National Park

Mangroves, islets, and rainforests—a refuge for Ridgway's Hawk.

Constanza and Valle Nuevo

Pine forests and mountainous agricultural landscapes, high-altitude species.

Travel Itinerary

Jour 1 :

Arrival at the Airport - Santo Domingo

Arrival in the Dominican Republic according to your flight schedule. Meet your private driver.

Transfer to the colonial zone of Santo Domingo, a historic district designated as a World Heritage Site.

First free time to explore the capital’s Caribbean atmosphere. We’ll take the time to get to know you.

Check-in at a charming hotel in the heart of the Colonial Zone.

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Jour 2 :

Barahona via Baní

After your first night in Santo Domingo, you’ll take a private transfer to the unspoiled region of Barahona.

On the way, stop in Baní, nestled between salt flats and mangroves, for your first chance to spot coastal birds such as herons, egrets, and shorebirds in a diverse natural setting.

The road then follows the Caribbean coast to Barahona, set amid turquoise waters and wild landscapes.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Barahona

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Jour 3 :

Sierra de Bahoruco – Cachote

This morning, you’ll set out early for the Cachote Cloud Forest, one of the country’s best sites for birdwatching.

In this high-altitude tropical environment, you’ll be able to spot several endemic species, such as the Hispaniolan Trogon, the Narrow-billed Todier, the Hispaniolan Emerald, and the Rusty-throated Solitary.

After breakfast and lunch on site, you’ll continue on to Puerto Escondido.

A final birdwatching session is planned on the Rabo de Gato trail, in a drier environment.

Overnight stay in nature-based accommodations in Puerto Escondido

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Jour 4 :

Sierra de Bahoruco – Zapotén

Depart before dawn by 4×4 for the Zapotén area, located on the northern slope of the Sierra.

You’ll explore a high-altitude pine forest, a prime habitat for several rare species such as the Hispaniolan Crossbill, the Green-tailed Warbler, the Antillean Woodpecker, and the Spindalis.

Breakfast and lunch are served on-site so you can make the most of the morning’s birdwatching.

At the end of the day, head out to La Mina, where you’ll have the chance to spot nocturnal species such as the Hispaniolan Nightjar.

Overnight stay in nature-based accommodations in the Sierra de Bahoruco

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Jour 5 :

La Placa – Barahona

On this final morning in the Sierra, you’ll explore the La Placa area, known for its biodiversity.

You’ll have the chance to spot the Broad-billed Todier, the Flat-billed Vireo, and the Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, among others.

After lunch, you’ll head back to Barahona.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax by the turquoise waters after these first few days of intense birdwatching.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Barahona, overlooking a paradise-like beach

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Jour 6 :

Oviedo Lagoon

Today, you’ll set out to explore the Laguna de Oviedo, one of the country’s most unique ecosystems.

With its saltwater lagoon, islets, and mangroves, this site is ideal for observing waterbirds such as flamingos, herons, and egrets.

The contrast with the mountain landscapes of the previous days makes this stop particularly interesting.

Return to Barahona at the end of the day.

Overnight stay at a charming hotel in Barahona

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Jour 7 :

Constanza

Today, you’ll leave the coast behind and head for the central mountains and the Constanza region.

The route winds through a variety of landscapes, gradually transitioning from a hot, dry climate to a cooler, greener environment. Along the way, there will be a stop at a waterfall—the perfect place to cool off.

Arrival in the Constanza Valley, known for its crops and mountain scenery.

Overnight stay at a small lodge in Constanza

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Jour 8 :

Valle Nuevo

An early start for a morning of birdwatching in Valle Nuevo National Park, one of the country’s most important sites for high-altitude species.

In these pine forests, you’ll be able to spot the Guaraguao, the Constanza Ciguita, the Antillean Euphonia, andthe Dominican Amazon.

You’ll also explore the area known as Madre de las Aguas, the source of several of the country’s major rivers.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local life with an agrotourism activity, exploring the region’s strawberry and flower farms and plantations.

Overnight stay at a small lodge in Constanza

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Jour 9 :

Bayaguana

You’ll head toward Bayaguana, a more humid and tropical region.

Along the way, stop at Salto Alto, a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation—the perfect spot for a break in nature.

Upon arrival, check into your lodging, located in the heart of a natural setting perfect for wildlife watching.

Spend the night in colorful Victorian-style houses in Bayaguana

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Jour 10 :

Bayaguana: A Day Exploring the Region

A day in the Bayaguana region, known for its rivers, dense vegetation, and rural atmosphere.

You’ll take the time to explore the surroundings at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing in a rich and still relatively unspoiled environment.

A more leisurely day, allowing you to fully enjoy nature.

Overnight stay in colorful Victorian-style houses in Bayaguana

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Jour 11 :

Caño Hondo

Departure for the Sabana de la Mar region.

Upon arrival, check in at Caño Hondo, an ecolodge nestled in the heart of nature and surrounded by tropical vegetation.

First birdwatching session in the area, with the chance to see the White-naped Crow, the Todier, or the Hispaniolan Oropendola.

Overnight stay at an ecolodge in Caño Hondo

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Jour 12 :

Los Haitises

Today, you’ll explore Los Haitises National Park, one of the country’s richest ecosystems.

Boat tour through the mangroves and islets, followed by a walking tour through the forest areas.

You’ll have the chance to spot Ridgway’s Hawk, a rare endemic species, as well as several forest pigeons and tropical passerines.

Overnight stay at an ecolodge in Caño Hondo

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Jour 13 :

Bayahibe

Today, you’ll head out to the Bayahibe region.

Along the way, you’ll stop at the Punta Cana Foundation for a guided birdwatching experience in the heart of a protected area. You’ll follow the Hawk Trail to an observation tower.

There, you’ll be able to spot several species endemic to Hispaniola, such as the Hispaniolan Falcon, the Broad-billed Todier, the Palmchat (the national bird), the Hispaniolan Woodpecker, and the Hispaniolan Emerald.

After this immersive experience, continue on to Bayahibe and check into your ecolodge surrounded by nature.

Overnight at an ecolodge in Bayahibe

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Jour 14 :

Cotubanamá National Park

Today, you’ll explore Cotubanamá National Park, known for its biodiversity and natural landscapes.

Hike through the Padre Nuestro Reserve with a English-speaking guide, traversing a dry tropical forest with plenty of opportunities for birdwatching.

The trail leads to cenotes with crystal-clear waters before continuing on to Chico Cave, a natural cavern where you can swim in a peaceful setting.

A day combining nature, exploration, and relaxation.

Overnight stay at an ecolodge in Bayahibe

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Jour 15 :

Start

Transfer to your departure airport, based on your flight schedule. The route will be adjusted according to your airport (Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, or another).

End of your birding tour in the Dominican Republic, rich in bird sightings and varied landscapes.

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