Los Haitises National Park (Samana)

[Don Tomas]

Across the bay from the town of Samana lies the beautiful Los Haitises National Park with its strange rock formations, caves, and mangroves. Los Haitises National Park is 83 square miles and is made up of masses of coral and small hills. The average annual temperature is around 77 degrees Fahrenheit with a humid climate and frequent rainfall, causing varied vegetation despite scarce soil. There is two major life zones: the wet forest and the subtropical rainforest. Cedar, ceiba, mahogany, and other tropical American trees are common here. Latifoliate, a broad-leafed plant, ferns, bromeliad and lianas flourish throughout the park. In addition to seeing lush, subtropical vegetation, a large number of birds can be found here, including parrots, owls, and gannets. Notable are also the ìjutÃ*aî and the solenodonte. Also in Los Haitises are three cave systems. These caves feature Taino drawings from the pre-Columbus era.