Los Tres Ojos National Park

The Dominican Republic represents one of the most diverse territories in the Caribbean, whether for its spectacular beaches, its people or its natural wonders, such as Los Tres Ojos National Park.

This natural attraction is located just a few minutes from the center of the city of Santo Domingo. It was formed thousands of years ago after a cataclysm that caused the collapse of most of the rocks in the area, dividing it into 4 lakes. The history of the park indicates that there are indications that its caves were inhabited by the aborigines or Taino ancestors.

The 3 Eyes were discovered in 1916 by national troops during the first U.S. intervention in the Dominican Republic, and was rescued in 1972 by the environmental authorities in order to preserve its natural beauty, vegetation, fauna and species that live there, such as bats, owls, palm ciguas, among others.

The park has caves composed of limestone rocks, which are divided by three subway lakes, the main reason why it was named the tourist spot «Parque Los Tres Ojos», in addition to these lakes, also has a freshwater lake outside. Although it is forbidden for visitors to swim in these lakes, you can take boats that the park provides for visitors.

To tour the caverns on foot, it is necessary to cross the steps that connect with the following lakes:

Lake Sulphur. Named this way because it was previously believed to contain sulfur, but according to studies it was identified that its 14 feet deep waters contain calcium mineral.
La Nevera Lake. Named this way because of the little presence of the sun in its waters of 5.4 meters deep, having a temperature that oscillates between 15°C and 21°C (50°F and 70°F).
In this same lake or eye, visitors are transferred in boats to reach the other end of the cavern. Here you will find the fourth and largest of the park’s springs, Los Zaramagullones. It has a green hue, surrounded by vegetation and bordered by high cliffs, making it one of the most beautiful springs in the capital, where blockbuster movies have been filmed, such as: Tarzan, Fuerza de Combate, Jurassic Park III, Oro y Polvo, among others.

Lago De Las Damas. The third eye that you should not miss is the Lago de Las Damas. It is so called because studies indicate that in pre-Columbian times it was used by ladies and children to take a bath.