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National Parks

From tropical forests to semi-deserts, the Dominican Republic is comprised of various climate conditions, the largest being sub-tropical moist and sub-tropical dry forests. Four mountain ranges elevate the island and are capped by four of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean: Pico Duarte at 10,128 feet above sea level (ASL), La Pelona at 10,072 feet ASL, La Rucilla at 9,990 feet ASL and Pico Yaque at 9,055 feet ASL. However, being the tallest isn´t its only colossal claim. The Dominican Republic also has the lowest point in the Caribbean at 144 feet below sea level at Lake Enriguillo.

These mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, lakes and islands serve as home to 5,600 plant species. Thirty-six percent of the country´s floral species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on the planet, of which, 300 endemic orchids have been identified.

National Park "El Choco"

El Choco covers 77.5 sq. km and includes two lagoons - Laguna Cabarete and Laguna Goleta - which stretch for 8km between the hills of the Cordillera Septentrional and the Atlantic Ocean. The park´s main attraction is its caves with subterranean water systems and underground pools as large as soccer fields.

National Park "Monte Cristi"

Covers an area of 550 sq. km, extending from the Haitian border to Punta Rucia. Within its boundaries lie offshore keys, mangrove swamps, lagoons, and a 237-meter limestone mesa known as El Morro. This forms a kind of island surrounded by beaches (the best is Playa El Morro) and mangrove swamps.

National Park "Jaragua"

Stretches for 1,374 sq. km across the southern tip of the Pedernales Peninsular, including the offshore islands of Beata and Alto Velo. Within its boundaries is the 27 sq. km Laguna de Oviedo, home of the country´s largest flamingo population; some of the country´s finest beaches, and caves with Taino drawings and rock carvings. The vegetation is mainly subtropical dry and thorn forest (cactus).