Larimar Mines & Cave de la Virgen
Mountain Combo
$ 178 per person
Day Trip
Mountain Combo
By 4×4 jeep to Larimar Mine and hike to Cave La Virgen
Pride of the Dominican jewelry industry is the Larimar, changing between white, light blue, green blue and deep blue, which you will get to know today.
An off-road vehicle will pick you up at your hotel at 8:00 am. Along a scenic coastal road you will drive to Bahoruco. From here, you will head high into the mountains to the only Larimar mine in the world. The gemstone was discovered in 1974. It is scratch resistant, can be polished and is used for various jewelry pieces. Your driver will drop you off just below the mine; you will need non-slip shoes for the climb. Once at the mine, you will be given a guided tour of the mining village. Entry into the tunnels is not recommended and visit at your own risk.
Back in the village of Bahoruco, you will visit a typical larimar workshop where locals work the stone. You are welcome to bring your own stone, which you can buy in the mines from one of the flying merchants, but please ask your guide before making such a purchase (the purchase is not mandatory, cost to be paid by the participants).
Afterwards, you will continue to La Ciénaga, from where you will take a hike of about 45 minutes to the Cueva de la Virgen, the Cave of the Virgin. The way there leads through a rainforest with an impressive biodiversity and full of beautiful native flowers, including several species of ferns and fruit trees. During the hike you can listen to the songs of native birds, including the endemic palm warbler, hummingbirds and more than 40 other species. Completely hidden in the lush forests of the Sierra de Bahoruco, the walk along and through a river is as exciting as the swim in the cave's emerald pools fed by a plunging waterfall. Remember to wear shoes that can get wet for the hike.
Afterwards, visit Villa Miriam The estate of a Barahona-based businessman, whose garden has been opened to the public, is located right on the San Rafael River with natural pools and waterfalls. The refreshing watercourses invite you to swim. If you wish, you can also have something to eat here (cost to be paid by the participants).
Monday to Friday
Included
Entrance fees
Transportation from/to your accommodation in Barahona or surroundings
local non-alcoholic beverages
English or Spanish speaking local tour guide
Not included
All services not explicitly mentioned, personal expenses and tips
Sunscreen and sunglasses, insect repellent, cap or hat, bathing suit, towel, change of clothes and (non-slip) shoes that can get wet
from/to hotel in Barahona or surroundings
Pick up at the hotel around 8:00 a.m.
128 USD per person (guaranteed departure from 2 persons)
Participants under 15 years are not allowed
Day trip
Mountain Combo
$ 178