La Yagüita Agroforestry Park

La Yagüita Agroforestry Park, in Paraíso, Barahona, safeguards vital watersheds and dry forest in the mountains. Trails winding through guayacán and mahogany trees lead to overlooks with sweeping Caribbean views. Prime spot for spotting endemics like the Palmchat (cigua palmera) and the Antillean Mango hummingbird (zumbador). Local guides walk you through the reforestation efforts and shade-grown coffee farms. Expect cool temps, fresh air, and zero crowds. Bring water, closed-toe shoes, and a camera. High-clearance vehicle needed from the Barahona-Paraíso road. Responsible tourism that puts money directly into the community.

Born as a joint community-government initiative to reforest the upper Yaque del Sur watershed, protecting the water supply flowing down to Paraíso and Enriquillo. Its name honors the yagüita, a native tree that was key to healing soils degraded by subsistence farming (conuco) and charcoal production. Today it blends conservation, hiking trails, and environmental education — serving as a green lung and living classroom for the Sierra de Neiba.