Jardín Botánico Nacional, Santo Domingo

The Jardin Botanico, located in Santo Domingo, is a wonderful place for nature/bird lovers, families, joggers, couples, and just about anyone else to spend a morning or afternoon. The well-maintained park has a main road the loops around the entire garden, allowing you to see all parts easily. The Japanese garden is lovely and meticuously maintained. Bird lovers will want to visit in the morning, preferably on a weekday, before the crowds arrive. At the park, you'll see the ubiquitous palmchat, the Hispaniolan woodpecker, hummingbirds, flycatchers, and even aquatic birds such as the purple gallinule. Reptile lovers will want to keep a lookout for fauna; a beautifully patterned little boa slithered across the path when I visited. The park has a rather noisy train that circles the park. Anxious to finish the last circuit of the day, our driver led us through at what seemed like break-neck speed. The train was pretty crowded, with people leaning out, etc.--not what I'd consider safe. If at all possible, I strongly recommend walking rather than viewing the park by train. You'll see a lot more--and burn the calories from all that Brugal and Presidente you've consumed!