Barahona: The Untouched Gem of the Dominican Republic

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dee-skool-peh/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh reh-bah-har ehl pree-seh-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
  [meh-dee-ah oh-rah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [see-eh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dee-ehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (para ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (pah-rah)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Barahona was inhabited by the Taíno people. This indigenous group was known for their advanced agricultural practices, social organization, and intricate pottery. They called this region 'Bohoruco,' which later evolved into Barahona.

Barahona's history during the colonial period is deeply intertwined with the establishment of sugar plantations and the exploitation of indigenous and African slave labor. The region became a significant part of the Spanish colony, contributing to the global sugar trade.

From 1822 to 1844, Barahona, like the rest of the Dominican Republic, was under Haitian rule. This period was marked by significant cultural exchange and conflict, as the Haitian government implemented policies aimed at unifying the island under one administration.

After gaining independence from Haiti in 1844, Barahona began to develop its own identity within the newly established Dominican Republic. The region saw an increase in agricultural production, particularly in coffee and sugar, which fueled economic growth.

The 20th century brought significant infrastructural development to Barahona, including the construction of roads and the expansion of the port. These developments enhanced trade and communication, making Barahona a vital economic hub in the southwestern Dominican Republic.

In recent years, Barahona has become a focal point for ecotourism, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, such as the Sierra de Bahoruco and Lake Enriquillo. Efforts to preserve its biodiversity and promote sustainable tourism have made it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Barahona is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, including the Carnaval de Barahona. These events celebrate the region's rich heritage through music, dance, and traditional costumes, providing a deep insight into the local culture and community spirit.

Barahona is accessible via several routes. The closest international airport is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, approximately 190 kilometers away. From Santo Domingo, you can take a bus from the Caribe Tours bus station, which offers direct services to Barahona. The journey by bus typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, enjoying the scenic route along the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic.

Once in Barahona, you have several transportation options. Local taxis and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are widely available and provide an efficient way to get around the city. Public minibuses, known as guaguas, operate on fixed routes and are an economical option for travel within Barahona and nearby areas. For greater flexibility, consider renting a car to explore the beautiful beaches and nature reserves at your own pace.

The official currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments, street vendors, and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout Barahona, but ensure you have enough cash on hand before heading to remote locations. It's also wise to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Barahona is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to remain vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded places, so keep your belongings secure. Areas such as Villa Estela and La Raqueta have higher crime rates; exercise caution if you need to visit these neighborhoods. Stick to well-known tourist areas and consider using a reputable tour guide for excursions.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Barahona has local police stations and medical facilities, including the Jaime Mota Regional University Hospital. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies can be found throughout the city for minor health concerns. It's also a good idea to have a list of emergency contacts, including your country's embassy or consulate.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local religious practices. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and be quiet and respectful. Public Transport: Do be courteous to fellow passengers and offer your seat to elderly individuals. Avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a warm smile. A simple 'Hola' or 'Buenas' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it may be considered rude.

To experience Barahona like a local, visit the bustling markets such as the Mercado Municipal, where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and eager to share stories and tips about their city. Don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful beaches like Playa San Rafael and Playa Los Patos. For a unique experience, take a trip to the Bahoruco Mountain Range and visit the Larimar mines, where you can see the beautiful blue gemstone unique to the region.