Barahona - Barahona is the biggest city in the southwest, a larger small town with all the normal things found in any Dominican Town of its size. There are banks and restaurants both small and large. It is a very active and friendly town centrally located near to much of the eco tourism areas of the southwest. There is a mix of both typical wooden houses with tin roofs and modern homes as well. The main streets are very bustling while the side roads can be quite calm.
Barahona has a large port dominated by the large sugar mill. Here the sugar and molasses is loaded on ships for their journey to other parts. There is also the sugar train that runs with its load of sugar cane collected from the farms along its route. You can see one of the old steam locomotives not far from the mill area.
Stuff to do:
The Barahona Market - Here is a shopping conglomerate where one can find just about anything at very reasonable prices. It takes up a block or more of the street and a few alleyways also.
The Malecon - The usual seaside road where there are all types of restaurants and nightspots. There is usually music blaring from all these spots and people enjoying a drink, talking, eating or some dancing.
The Central Park - Lots of small bars, restaurants and places to eat outside. A good time in the evenings.
Festivals:
Virgen del Rosairo - October 7
Hotels:
Loro Tuerto (translated One-eyed Parrot)
This small hotel is big on service and friendliness. The rooms are simple, comfortable and clean. They have cable tv, air conditioning, 24 hour electric and hot water. It is located in the southwest town of Baharona on the main street. It is about 1 and 1/2 blocks from the bus station and within walking distance to the park. There is a nice patio where you can sit and unwind from an active day in town or at the beautiful local beaches. The staff is very friendly and helpful and speak English, French and Spanish.
The casual dining cafe on site serves a nice little variety of dishes and is decorated with lots of interesting items.
Rooms start at $1300 pesos per day. No credit cards accepted. WiFi hot spot.
Location: Luise E. Delmonte #33, Barahona, Dominican Republic
Contact: 809-524-6600
Hotel Caribe - 809-524-4111
Guarocya Hotel and Casino - 809-524-4121
Hotels a little way out of the city:
Aparta Hotel Pontevedra, El Arroyo - 809-341-8462
Coralsol Resort - 809-850-7525
Hotel Casablanca - 809-471-1230
Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge - 809-476-5059
Hotel Restaurant Playa Azul - 809-424-5375
To read about my trips to Baharona area go to The DR Gringas Blog (both open in a new window)
Sideshows of the Barahona area: