Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve

A system of trails takes you through the 1,500 acres of protected land, with over 500 species of plants that create a unique habitat for its wildlife. The indigenous Taíno were sophisticated agriculturalists, and around the Ojos Indegenas site a food forest remains that bears traces of their tending.

Look out for Mangles and Gri-Gri Trees, as well as the Guayiga plant, which Taínos turned into flour and made arepas (biscuits), bollos (rolls), and bread with. Many of these foods are still prepared in the Dominican Republic today. You’ll also see fruit trees and medicinal plants that were part of the Taíno everyday diet, including the Guajaca plant, El Noni fruit and Palma Cana.

The Guajaca Plant has been used across the Americas for treating liver inflammations, hernias, rheumatoid arthritis, and hemorrhaging. A pomade made from the plant was applied to abscesses and tumors. Typically found in Southeast Asia, the Noni Fruit ( a.k.a Indian mulberry or Great Morinda) is a powerful source of antioxidants, used for fighting infections, pains, and arthritis. The Palma Cana (sabal palmetto) was used for food and fibre. Taínos ate the soft heart and used other parts to make clothing, shelter, weapons and tools. Its usefulness made it a part of all aspects of their culture.

Today at Ojos Indigenas, these plants are being conserved for future generations and breakthrough scientific research.

Ojos Indigenas protects hundreds of bird, reptile, mammal, and crustacean species. Along your way through the park you'll see the likes of:

• - Blue Crabs and Hermits
• - Turtles and Rhino Iguanas
• - Ridgway and Sparrow Hawks

As part of a conservation project, there's an Iguana habitat you can visit to learn more about Ojos Indigenas; the park also features a Petting Zoo, great for families with children. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a horseback ride around the park.

If you feel like keeping the ball rolling, you could book a joint tour to the Grupo Punta Cana Foundation Center to see how they’re growing fresh vegetables in a dry climate using worm composting, turning kitchen waste and garden rubbish from the local resorts into an organic fertilizer.

The Foundation also helps produce 2,000 gallons of honey and pollen every year from 500 local bee colonies. Delicious.

Ojos Indigenas is less than ten minutes’ drive south of Punta Cana. It’s marked on Google maps and well-signed.

If you’re booking your trip to Punta Cana, make a reservation with Tortuga Bay, The Westin Punta Cana Resort & Club, or Punta Cana Resort & Club and gain your entrance into Ojos Indigenas free with your stay.

Written by Omar Guzman.

Published October 2021