The most beautiful natural sites to discover Santo Domingo & Area

This huge open-air cave, which is reached by a 350-step stone stairway, is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and bats. There are also three ponds (hence the name), the first, El Ojo de Azufre, filled with sulphurous water, the second, El Ojo de las Damas, with salt water, and the third, El Ojo de la Cañuela, with fresh water. The works of development of the site were carried out by order of Trujillo. A ferryman will take you to the last of the ponds by means of a makeshift ferry, for the modest sum of 25 pesos.

This large park lies on the fringe of a residential area and the university zone. The complex includes the capital's main museums: the Museum of Dominican Man, the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of History and Geography, as well as the National Theatre and the Cinematheque (www.cinemateca.gob.do, screenings Tuesday to Friday at 7.30pm and weekends at 5pm and 7.30pm). As you can see, culture has pride of place here, a boon for travellers wishing to learn more about the country.

A breath of greenery that stretches over 7 km in length. The first ecological park of Santo Domingo, one of the largest green spaces of the city. The Dominicans practice jogging and cycling there at the end of the day, and lovers stroll there in the evening. Embellished with sculptures, fountains, an artificial lake, bars and cafeterias, the park is a restful stop that you will never stop visiting. From the Mirador del Sur avenue, you have a beautiful panoramic view of the western part of the city. So take a deep breath and breathe out without delay.

The park covers an area of 10 km², and it's worth noting the obvious care taken to recreate the animals' natural habitat. No cages, no fences. However, due to a lack of resources, the zoo is becoming increasingly impoverished and does not make for an unforgettable visit. If you're an avid birdwatcher, don't miss the large aviary, where you can admire all kinds of rare birds with their variegated plumage. This can be an interesting place to visit if you're bringing the whole family and want to introduce your children to some of the fauna.

The Parque Duarte is decorated in its center with a bust of Juan Pablo Duarte, a hero of the War of Independence. In this very place, famous hangings took place, among them the one of the cacica Anacaona, queen of Jaragua, accused by Nicolás de Ovando of being the cause of an insurrection. This execution was followed in 1586 by the hanging of a number of clerics during the sacking of the city by Francis Drake. The square was also the scene of bullfights and popular religious festivals. It is also frequented by the LGBTQI+ community.

On the same road as the mahogany house, here is the natural freshwater pool that was used by the dictator Trujillo at the time. Transformed into a playful swimming area, with slides and a relaxation area, the Toma is a privileged place for the inhabitants of San Cristobal and the surrounding area. Its cool waters are appreciated during the hot season, which is almost all year round, and there is also a playground and food and drink outlets. There is also a playground and food and drink outlets, as well as regular entertainment and concerts.

The central park of Azua is surrounded by charming wooden houses with arcades. In the centre, a small yellow gazebo adds a cheerful note to the whole. On the side, the yellow and white colours of the church answer it. Opposite the central park, the Campo Santo is a typical cemetery of a small Dominican town. Don't miss the opportunity to visit it. The central park is the place where the inhabitants meet and relax. A small haven of peace where one could stay hours to read, write and simply stroll.