Los Tres Ojos National Park: The "Jurassic Park" Cave Hidden in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is a city of extremes. It is loud, it is chaotic, and the traffic (tapones) can be intense. But just 10 minutes away from the concrete jungle of the city center, there is a silent oasis that feels like it belongs on another planet.

Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos(The Three Eyes National Park) is a massive limestone cave system formed thousands of years ago. It contains three main underground lakes—and a secret fourth one—with water so blue it looks like someone dumped food coloring in it.

If you are visiting the capital to see the Colonial Zone, you muststop here first. It only takes about 90 minutes to see, but the photos will look like you went deep into the Amazon. Here is what you need to know before you go down the stairs.

1. The Experience: Descending into the Earth

The first thing you notice when you arrive isn't the water; it's the air. As you walk down the long, winding concrete staircase into the cavern, the temperature drops. The noise of the city disappears, replaced by the sound of dripping water and crickets. The air gets heavy and humid.

You are literally walking into a collapsed limestone cave.

• Fun Fact:If it looks familiar, it’s because scenes from Tarzanand Jurassic Park IIIwere actually filmed right here. The vegetation is lush, green, and wild.

2. The Three Lakes (The "Eyes")

The park is named after three main oval-shaped lakes that look like "eyes" looking up at the sky.

• Lago de Azufre (Sulfur Lake):This is the first massive lake you see at the bottom of the stairs. The water is a stunning turquoise-white color.

  • Local Note:Despite the name, it does notsmell like sulfur (rotten eggs). It was named that way because early explorers thought the white mineral deposits were sulfur. It’s actually calcium and other minerals.

• La Nevera (The Fridge):You follow a path to the second lake. It is darker, deeper, and cooler because the sun rarely hits the water directly. Back in the day (before the park was protected), kids used to swim here to cool off.

• El Lago de las Damas (The Ladies' Lake):A smaller, shallow, and sheltered lake.

3. The Secret "Fourth Eye" (The Highlight)

Most tourists just look at the first three lakes and leave. Don't be that tourist. The best part of the park is hidden behind "The Fridge."

To see it, you have to take a wooden bargeacross the second lake.

• The Cost:It costs a grand total of about 50 Pesos(less than $1 USD). You pay the boatman directly.

• The Ride:The boat doesn't have a motor. The boatman pulls the barge across the dark water using a rope system. It feels very old-school and adventurous.

Once you cross and walk through a dark tunnel, you emerge into Los Zaramagullones. This is an open-air crater surrounded by massive rock walls and giant trees. The water here is emerald green and filled with fish. It is breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful. It is my favorite spot in the entire city to just stand and breathe.

4. The "Can I Swim?" Reality Check

I need to manage your expectations right now because I see disappointed faces every time I go. NO. You cannot swim in the lakes.

In the past (decades ago), locals used to swim here. But today, it is a protected area. The oils from human skin and sunscreen damage the fragile ecosystem of the caves.

• The Rule:Look, take photos, breathe the fresh air, but do notjump in. If you want to swim, head to Boca Chica beach (30 mins away).

5. Practical Logistics (Read This!)

• Entrance Fee:It is incredibly cheap.

  • Foreigners: ~

    200Pesos(200Pesos(3.50 USD).

  • Locals: ~$100 Pesos.

  • Bring Cash (Pesos).They rarely accept credit cards, and the boatman definitely needs coins or small bills.

• What to Wear (Safety Tip): Wear Sneakersor shoes with grip. Do not wear flip-flops or high heels. The stairs are limestone, and because of the humidity, they are always damp and slippery. I have seen people slip and fall hard.

• Time Needed:You can see everything comfortably in 1 hour to 1.5 hours. It’s a perfect morning activity before lunch.

6. How to Get There

The park is located in Santo Domingo East, right next to the National Aquarium.

• From the Colonial Zone:Take an Uber. It is a 10-15 minute ride across the bridge and should cost around $4 - $6 USD.

• Safety Note:The park itself is guarded by Tourist Police (Politur) and is very safe. However, the neighborhood surroundingthe park is a working-class residential area, not a tourist zone.

  • My Advice:Don't wander out of the park gates to explore the neighborhood on foot. Take your Uber from the hotel to the park gate, and from the park gate back to the hotel.

Verdict: If you want to escape the heat and see something that looks like a prehistoric movie set, Los Tres Ojosis the best $4 you will spend in Santo Domingo.