Overview:

Lago Enriquillo is a hyper-saline lake located in the Dominican Republic and situated between the Departments of Barahona and Indepencia in the southwestern portion of the nation. The lake is located about 30 miles south of Barahona, and is the largest lake in the Caribbean, with an area of 896 km2. It is 184 meters below sea level, making it the lowest area of the West Indies and one of the lowest in the world. The area is a desert-like environment due to its extreme heat and high salt levels. Its remoteness and beauty has made it a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, bird watching, and horseback riding. The area offers a unique insight into the unique landscapes of Hispaniola, with an array of endemic plants, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Dominican-Republic
Prominent Features:

1. It is the lowest point in the Caribbean Region and considered the Caribbean's largest lake. 2. It is filled with salt water, making it unique among other bodies of water. 3. It is home to several species of wildlife unique to the area, such as the American crocodile, flamingos, and turtles. 4. The water level of the lake often changes due to climatic conditions. 5. It is home to Isla Cabritos National Park, a protected area where visitors can observe thousands of migratory birds, as well as other animals. 6. The lake is a popular attraction for ecotourists and bird watchers. 7. Access to the lake can be done by taking a bus from Santo Domingo or other nearby towns. 8. The surrounding area is lush and green, with palm trees and other vegetation. 9. Much of the land around the lake is owned by the Dominican government, and there are many conservation efforts in place to protect the wildlife. 10. There are a few resorts and hotels that offer accommodation near the lake, offering visitors the chance to stay and explore the area. This national monument of Dominican-Republic portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Lago Enriquillo in Barahona, Dominican Republic, is a large saltwater lake that is the largest in the Caribbean. The lake is located in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic, near the border of Haiti. The lake dates back to the 16th century, when Hispaniola was colonized by the Spanish. The lake was originally named Laguna Jimenoa, after an indigenous chief who lived in the area. The lake often flooded into surrounding areas, causing extensive damage to crops and livestock. To prevent further flooding, the Spanish government built a dam to control the water's flow. In 1920, the entire lake was renamed Lago Enriquillo, after the famed Freedom Fighter and National Hero of the Dominican Republic, Generalissimo Enriquillo. He was a key figure in the Dominican War of Independence and had made monumental contributions to the Dominican Republic. The lake is part of a national park and has become a popular destination for tourists. It is home to dozens of species of native fish and reptiles, including crocodiles and iguanas, and over 100 species of birds. It is also the nesting site for the American Flamingo, which can be seen throughout the year. The lake is surrounded by beautiful desert scenery and is a great place to explore and take pictures. Lago Enriquillo has also had a significant impact on the local economy. The lake acts as a reserve and provides much of the Dominican Republic's fresh water supply, as well as fisheries, agriculture and livestock. Overall, Lago Enriquillo is an important part of Dominican-Republic’s history and ecology. It is a great place to explore and enjoy the local wildlife and scenery. With its growing popularity with tourists, Lago Enriquillo is an increasingly important destination in Barahona. You must visit one of these historical places in Dominican-Republic on your Dominican-Republic tour

Interesting facts:

1. Lago Enriquillo is the lowest body of water in the Caribbean basin. It’s known as the “sunken lake” or “king of Caribbean dry lakes” and is located in the southwestern corner of the Dominican Republic in the province of Barahona. 2. The area around Lago Enriquillo has some of the most unique ecosystems and rare wildlife in the Caribbean, including the world’s only population of American Crocodiles that live in a salty environment. 3. The lake is salt-water and is home to iguanas, lizards, and over 140 species of birds, some of which are endemic to the area. 4. Archaeological evidence indicates the lake has been in existence since the Pleistocene Epoch, and it is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in the Caribbean. 5. The Spanish Conquistador, Juan de Esquivel, named it in honor of his son, Enriquillo, who lost his life electrocuted while trying to cross the lake. 6. The lake's shoreline is mostly composed of white gypsum, making it one of the few inland places apart from sandy coasts and permanent snow and ice where the entire shoreline is of white color. 7. The lake is isolated and there are no rivers that feed it. Its water salinity and magnetic strength are much higher than that of most other Caribbean lakes. 8. The lake's surface area exceeds 200 km2 and has depths up to 40 meters, making it the largest lake in the Caribbean and one of the largest salt water lakes in the entire world. 9. The lake is famous for its seasonal concentration of American Flamingos, with more than 7,000 individuals visiting the lake each year. Visit one of the famous monuments of Dominican-Republic with your friends and family.