El Choco National Park

Located less than 15 minutes from the beach and the heart of Cabarete, El Choco National Park offers a world of nature for hikes, mountain biking, swimming in fresh water lagoons, and cave exploration. Stretching 78 square kilometers (30 square miles), a handful of hiking trails take you through thick tropical forest along cacao and coffee trees, medicinal plants, and into part dry, part water-filled caves dating back millions of years. Along the way you’ll spot over 30 species of birds, lizards, and bats. There are bilingual guides at the entrance if you head to the park solo, or you can sign up for an organized hike or biking tour with an adventure outfitter in town.