The Three Eyes Cave in the Dominican Republic in the center of Santo Domingo or Los Tres Ojos (in Spanish) is a real lost world in the center of the metropolis. When I got here, I was amazed. Images from Conan Doyle’s book immediately came to mind. Next, you will learn all about this attraction and even a little more.
General facts about the Dominican Republic caves
Briefly, but essentially, I will try to tell the general picture about the caves of the Dominican Republic as a whole.
- There are a large number of caves in any part of the country
- Even official statistics don’t say how many caves there are in the Dominican Republic
- According to available data, there are at least 5,000 caves in the country, but there may be up to 10,000 of them
- About 100 new caves are discovered every year
- About 70% of the country’s caves are submerged and submerged, making the Dominican Republic a haven for cave divers.
- Most of the caves in the Dominican Republic are karst
And here is one such cave in the center of the capital of the Dominican Republic — Santo Domingo. It’s called “Three Eyes”.
Three Eyes Cave (Los Tres Ojos): History
You should always know the history of any tourist attraction, even if it is short. It allows you to get a better feel for this place and answer some questions that arise during the visit. Yes, this is not always the most interesting information, but it will definitely not be superfluous.
- Three Eyes Cave was formed millions of years ago among karst rocks.
- Until the 20th century, it was underground, and no one knew about it.
- Above, the cave was bustling with life, the Spaniards were building a city, and so on
- As a result of one of the earthquakes, part of the cave collapsed
- In 1916, this cave was discovered by people. By that time, it was already an open-type cave.
- Initially, three lakes were discovered in this cave, so it was called the Three Eyes Cave or Los Tres Ojos
- After almost 45 years, a fourth lake was found here, to which there was initially no access. But they didn’t rename the cave.
- Today, three lakes can be reached on foot, and the fourth can only be reached by boat. But more on that below.
Useful to know:For more than 100 years since the cave collapsed, it is completely overgrown with tropical vegetation. And today it is a piece of oasis in the metropolis. You don’t immediately believe your eyes when you get here.
Map, opening hours, ticket price, excursion
Below is important information about this attraction:
- Parking and entrance coordinates: 18.481374, -69.842959
- Working hours: daily from 9 am to 5 pm
- Ticket price: 200 pesos. That’s about $ 4. By the way, they will also charge you in dollars at the checkout. For more information about how many currencies there are in the Dominican Republic and how much money to bring with you, see the article: about the country’s currency.
- Have some small money with you, 50 pesos per person or$1. They’ll come in handy inside, and I’ll tell you why below.
- The location of the Three Eyes attraction on the map, you will find in the article about Santo Domingo. There’s a map in there.
Important to know:Parking at the entrance to the attraction is large, spacious and free of charge. But there are guys (allegedly in parking vests) and for 50-100 pesos (as much as you give) they will protect your car. You don’t have to pay them anything, just smile and say that they are the mafia and you know that parking is free. In the worst case scenario, they will flatten the wheel and then it is unlikely. I usually give them $ 1 and they’re guaranteed to be fine.
There are many legends and fables about security in the country
By the way, in the same parking lot, tourists are often offered to buy gift Cuban cigars. Cheap! They sell banana leaves in the form of cigars.
Three Eyes Cave Guided Tour
Now I will tell you one more point. At the entrance there are guys who offer the services of a private guide. He will guide you through the cave, pay for the entrance fees and ferry crossing, and tell you the history of the cave. For everything about everything from a couple, he asks from $ 25 to $ 50, depending on how you know how to bargain and how much you look like Americans.
The Tip:It’s not worth it. This is not a tourist attraction where you need a guide. I have told you the story, and the route through the cave is intuitive to anyone. And you will pay$10 for tickets and a ferry for two people.
Three Eyes Cave: what awaits you inside
Inside the park there are many recreation areas, a small cafe, clean toilets and actually steps down to the Three Eyes Cave itself.
- The route through the cave is looped
- There are platforms for taking photos
- All three main lakes have access to the water, you can at least touch it
- Each lake has a different color, transparency, water composition, and temperature.
Attention:Swimming in the cave’s lakes is strictly prohibited, as is feeding the fish.
By the way, it’s very pleasant in the heat. Always cool and fresh.
When you come to the second lake, it is impossible to pass by, you will see a ferry crossing and a ferryman. Yes, it’s just like in Greek mythology, where Charon transported souls across the underground river Styx to the realm of the dead. When you get here, even the atmosphere is the same. Clear blue water, silent ferryman, twilight and crossing to nowhere.
The ferry is 70 meters long. Swim for 1 minute. The ferry can accommodate 8-10 people at a time. But there are no queues from the word at all. On the other side you will be dropped off, you will walk about 50 meters through the cave between stalactites and stalagmites and come to a large round lake. This is the 4th lake, which was not known before.
Today, the sky above the lake collapsed (this happened about 50 years ago). But from the surface of the earth to the lake can not be approached-sheer cliffs.
For a round-trip ticket, the ferryman asks for 50 pesos or$1. Just like in ancient Greece :). You can’t pay with a bank card.
Visiting the entire cave, all 4 lakes at a leisurely pace will take you about 1 hour.
Travel Tips
Here are some tips that might make it a little easier for you to visit this attraction:
- Do not give up the guide — it is absolutely not needed here
- Some tourists don’t take the ferry to Lake Four. My opinion is that this is the most interesting part of the Three Eyes Cave.
- Give the parking attendant a dollar and he will be happy and you are safe for your car
- If you have time to spare, you can take a snack with you or buy snacks in a cafe here on the spot and sit in the park. It is quiet and very beautiful, even though the center of a bustling metropolis and furious traffic are nearby.
- Well, be sure to have some small money with you. This applies in general to the entire Dominican Republic, and not just this cave.
If you are just studying information about the country and have not yet bought tickets or a tour here — read the article about ready-made tours to the Dominican Republic, there are many tips and life hacks.
In conclusion: the Three Eyes Cave in the Dominican Republic is an amazing attraction not only for Santo Domingo, but for the whole country. Every tourist should visit here and see how a huge bustling metropolis and a piece of the lost world coexist together.
Los Tres Ojos will definitely surprise and impress you!
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