Bordered by the foothills of the Cordillera Septentrional to the
south and the Cabarete Lagoon to the North, the park guards 77
square kilometers (48 square miles) of pasture land, lagoon, jungle,
tropical plants, Caribbean birds, caves, and abruptly jutting
hills. Many of the freshwater springs encountered in the park
have subterraneous origins deep in the belly of the earth.
Although there are no volcanic origins in the Dominican
Republic, with years of erosion the foothills seen from Cabarete
have a green upside-down egg crate appearance. Upon a closer view
of these, it is obvious they are coral reefs.
The Area Protegida Cabarete and Goleta should not be missed,
they are a vision of true beauty. Getting to these parks is very
easy from Cabarete, getting lost in the labyrinths is even easier.
We highly recommend that your first visit be with a reputable
guide company.
The funky named and internationally renown, "", leads 1 hiking and 3 mountain bike trips
in and around the protected area. At the Callejon entrance, there
is also the Cabarete Caves Company, which offer 1.5 hour tour
suited for all ages. It leads through impressive areas and hillls
accomanied by very interesting explanations.
While there are several dirt paths and small rocky mule trails
leading into the Area Protegida Cabarete and Goleta, there are
two main entrances. Located on the eastern side of Cabarete at
the end of the "Callejon de la Loma" road, about a 15-minute
walk from the center of town, visitors may gain access to the
park at the "Cabarete Caves" office. For a more remote
experience, a 5-km (3-mile) ride in guagua or carro publico heading
west out of town will bring you to the roadside community of Islabon.
Just before the Islabon bridge, a small road proudly bears the
sign "Area Protegida Cabarete y Goleta" at its entrance
on the right-hand side.
A 5-minute walk brings you to the park entrance. Visitors should
expect to pay RD$50 per person to a National Park official for
admittance at both entrances.
