Los Haitises - Cotubanamá 

Embark on a captivating journey through two of the most wonderful lowland protected areas in Dominican Republic: El Este (Cotubanamá) National Park and Los Haitises National Park. Encounter a wide variety of rare and endangered bird species, offering the chance to spot up to 50 avian varieties during this tour.

Starting at Cotubanamá National Park, you will visit a vast nature sanctuary, home to a diverse array of endemic, native, and migratory bird species. Traverse the gentle trail of Guaraguao winding through rain and dry forests, promising an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Additionally, immerse yourself in the wonders of Los Haitises National Park—not only is this one of the Caribbean's premier birdwatching destinations, but it's also one of the best places to see the Critically Endangered Ridgway's Hawk in its natural habitat. Delve into its lush tropical rainforest and stunning mangrove landscapes, making this one of the DR's largest and most significant nature reserves. Experience the magic scenery of the isolated Paraíso Caño Hondo eco-lodge.

Endemic Birds you may find:

Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo, Broad-billed Tody, Flat Billed Vireo, Green Tailed Warbler, Palmchat, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Black-crowned Palm Tanager, Antillean Piculet, White Necked Crow, Hispaniolan Pewee, Hispaniolan Parrot, Ridgway's Hawk, Hispaniolan Mango.

Dates: July 16th-17th and July 23rd-24th

Maximum Group size: 10 people

Cost: $360 USD

Location: Parque del Este and Los Haitises

Difficulty Level: Light

SOLD OUT! on July 23rd-24th

Pre-conference field trip (July 16th-17th) still has space!

Images from Parque del Este and Los Haitises

Ridgway's Hawk

Vervain Hummingbird

Palmchat

Hispaniolan Parrot

Coast of Cotubanamá National Park

Black-crowned Palm Tanager

Guarauao Forest Trail, Cotubanamá

Broad-billed Tody

West Indian Whistling Duck

Mangroves of Los Haitises

Seabirds in Los Haitises mangroves

Thanks to Explora Ecotour for all the beautiful pictures on this page.

Itinerary

Day 1

5:00 a.m. Departure from hotel Dominican Fiesta

7:30 a.m. Arrival Parque del Este

7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Birdwatching

9:45  a.m. Departure to Sabana de La Mar

12:45 p.m. Lunch

1:30 p.m. Los Haitises

2:30 p.m. Check-In at  Hotel Paraíso Caño Hondo

4:30 p.m. Boat ride through mangroves and San Lorenzo Bay and birdwatching

7:30 p.m. Dinner at hotel

Day 2

7:00 a.m. Breakfast at hotel

8:00 a.m. Birdwatching at Los Haitises

11:00 a.m. Back to Rooms

1:00 p.m. Checkout

5:00 p.m. Arrival to the hotel Dominican Fiesta

What to bring:

Bring light field clothes, hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, binoculars, hat, light rain jacket, swimsuit, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, and insect repellent. Bring any prescribed medication.

Safety Considerations:

Slips, trips and falls, insect bites, dehydration, heatstroke. Wear proper clothing, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and hat.