Hato Mayor
Region: Este · Best season: Todo el año
Tourist sites · Hato Mayor
Province in the east of the Dominican Republic, with its capital at Hato Mayor del Rey. Its main attraction is Los Haitises National Park, one of the largest mangrove and rainforest reserves in the Caribbean, with mogotes, caves and Taíno rock art, reached by boat from Sabana de la Mar. The territory combines cattle plains, rivers, mangroves and a rich farming tradition (cocoa and citrus).
Practical guide
Best season
All year; December to April is drier, ideal for boat trips to Los Haitises and the caves. From May to November there is more rain and lusher vegetation. Avoid very windy or stormy days for sailing the bay.
Things to do
- Boat excursion through Los Haitises National Park from Sabana de la Mar
- Visit to the Cueva de la Arena and the Cueva de la Línea, with Taíno pictographs
- Birdwatching and a ride among mogotes and mangroves
- A beach and food day in Sabana de la Mar
- Cocoa and citrus farm route through the province
What to pack
How to get there
Hato Mayor is about 2 hours from Santo Domingo and 1.5 hours from Punta Cana by road. Access to Los Haitises is from Sabana de la Mar, with local boats and guides. It has no airport of its own; the nearest are Punta Cana International (PUJ) and Las Américas (SDQ), plus Cibao (STI) for the north.
Car rental
There is no airport in the province: rent a car in Punta Cana (PUJ), Santo Domingo (SDQ) or Santiago (STI). A car is handy to reach Sabana de la Mar and explore the coast; Los Haitises is explored by boat with local operators. Check insurance and mileage before setting off.
Hotels & resorts
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