Blue Eye

What secrets lie beneath the shimmering surface of Hoyo Azul, the Blue Eye? This cenote, nestled within the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve, whispers tales of the Taíno people. They, the Dominican Republic’s original inhabitants, called such lagoons “Ojos Indígenas,” or “Indigenous Eyes.” They saw these places as sacred. Today, twelve such lagoons, fed by the underground Yauya River, are cradled within this 1,500-acre reserve. The Taíno legacy lives on in the names of each lagoon, preserved thanks to historians like Frank Moya Pons. The waters of Hoyo Azul, the Blue Eye, are so clear, they seem to defy reality. Fish appear to float in mid-air. But Hoyo Azul is just the beginning. This reserve teems with life. More than 500 plant species thrive here, 36% of which are unique to the Dominican Republic. Over 100 bird species grace the skies, including the critically endangered Ridgway’s hawk. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse one of the 300 remaining wild hawks. The reserve also protects the rhinoceros iguana, a creature found only on the island of Hispaniola. Don’t be afraid to visit the animal farm, home to animals present in the Dominican Republic since colonial times. You can pet horses, goats, ducks, and chickens. And on Saturdays, the Sustainability Center opens its doors, revealing the reserve’s commitment to conservation. Learn about beekeeping, the importance of forest honey, worm composting, and the native plants and fruits growing in the greenhouse and orchard. The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is more than just a beautiful place. It’s a testament to the vision of the Punta Cana Club & Resort, who set aside this land over 40 years ago. Every visit helps to maintain this sanctuary. It supports the vital conservation programs of the Puntacana Group Foundation. So, take a deep breath. Feel the cool spray of the cenote. Listen to the whispers of the past. Let Hoyo Azul, the Blue Eye, open your eyes to the wonders of the Dominican Republic.