Pedernales & Cabo Rojo

Pedernales is the Dominican Republic's south-western corner: a small, quiet town on the Haitian border, about 5 to 6 hours by road from Santo Domingo and 2 to 2.5 hours beyond Barahona. Most people come for one reason, Bahía de las Águilas, and discover that the area also has Playa Cabo Rojo and its red cliffs, the empty town beach, the flamingos of Laguna de Oviedo to the east, and the 1,000-meter climb to the Hoyo de Pelempito viewpoint.

There are two places to stay. Pedernales town has the services: a handful of small hotels such as Hotel Vista de Águilas Ecolodge, guesthouses, comedores, a provincial hospital and a bank. La Cueva, a fishing village about 25 to 30 minutes south past Cabo Rojo, is where the boats leave for Bahía de las Águilas; the glamping lodge and its Rancho Típico restaurant are right on the water there. Staying at La Cueva means you are on the first boat out in the morning; staying in town means more choice for dinner.

Practical warnings: this is a cash place. Pedernales has one bank branch and its ATM has been reported empty on weekends, so bring pesos from Barahona or Santo Domingo. Fill up on fuel in Barahona too. Cell signal is fine in town and disappears quickly outside it. The provincial hospital handles emergencies, but serious cases are transferred to Barahona or Santo Domingo.

The big change: Cabo Rojo is the centerpiece of the government's Pedernales tourism project. The cruise port opened in January 2024 and receives regular ships. Large hotels are under construction: the first (an Iberostar) is now expected around February 2027, with Hyatt's Secrets and Dreams resorts planned for later in 2027. A new international airport near Oviedo is also expected in 2027. None of the resorts or the airport are open in 2026, so for now this is still a remote, low-key place, and it is worth seeing before that changes.

The border market, held on the Dominican side on Monday and Friday mornings, is a lively local scene; leave valuables at your hotel and check current advice before going near the crossing.

Best for: beach purists, birders, road-trippers. Not for: travelers who need resort comforts or short transfers. See our road-trip guide for planning.