Twelve eyes stare back at you. Not real eyes of course but twelve stunning lagoons. Welcome to the Reserva ecologica Ojos Indigenas in Punta Cana. This isn’t just any park. It’s a journey through time and nature.
Imagine the Taíno people the original inhabitants of this land. They saw these sinkholes as sacred. Each lagoon mirrored their eyes. They named them Yucahu Baruguá Casibajagua and Guamá the largest and deepest reserved for the supreme chief himself.
Today the Reserva ecologica Ojos Indigenas is a protected area. It boasts over 500 plant species. One-third are unique to the Dominican Republic. You’ll walk through a Taíno food forest. They were sophisticated farmers. See the Guayiga plant. They made flour from it. They baked arepas and bread. You can still find these foods in the Dominican Republic today. Look for Guajaca. The Taíno used it for liver inflammation. They used Noni for infections. The Cana Palm was food and fiber. Everything had a purpose.
The park protects hundreds of species. Blue crabs hermit crabs roam the grounds. Iguanas bask in the sun. You might spot a Ridgway’s hawk soaring above.
Three lagoons are perfect for swimming. Jump from the dock at Guamá. It’s 26 feet deep. Black tilapia and turtles swim below. Feel the cool fresh water. It’s truly refreshing.
Beyond the lagoons lies a surprising addition a pet zoo. Ideal for families. There’s also a fascinating iguana habitat. It’s part of a conservation project. Researchers study the iguanas. They breed them to maintain the population.
The Grupo Puntacana Foundation manages the reserve. They work tirelessly to conserve the area. They run beekeeping projects. They produce 2000 gallons of honey and pollen annually. They even compost food waste from local hotels using worms. It’s a truly sustainable operation.
Leave the Reserva ecologica Ojos Indigenas feeling refreshed. You’ll carry with you the spirit of the Taíno. You’ll appreciate the beauty of nature. You’ll leave with a newfound respect for conservation.