Juan Bautista Pérez Rancier National Park—more commonly known as Valle Nuevo National Park—is a vast highland protected area in the Dominican Republic that showcases some of the Caribbean’s most dramatic mountain landscapes and unique ecosystems. Situated in the Cordillera Central mountain range, the park spans approximately 910 square kilometres across several provinces, including La Vega, Monseñor Nouel, San José de Ocoa, and Azua, making it one of the largest national parks in the country. The area sits on a high plateau, with elevations commonly exceeding 2,000 meters and reaching up to 2,842 meters at its highest peaks, creating a cool, misty climate that contrasts sharply with the tropical lowlands below. The park is known for its rolling highlands, pine forests, and sweeping savanna-like grasslands, offering a rare alpine-like environment in the Caribbean.

The ecological diversity within Juan Bautista Pérez Rancier National Park is significant, supporting a wide array of plant and animal species, including many that are endemic to the island of Hispaniola. The terrain features various habitats—from cloud forests and pine woodlands to open highland plains—each hosting distinct flora and fauna. Birdwatchers and nature lovers are drawn to the area for sightings of endemic and rare species, and the park’s many freshwater sources give rise to major river systems that help sustain agriculture and communities throughout the region. Its remoteness and varied topography also make it a compelling destination for hikers and adventure travellers looking to explore well‑defined trails, panoramic viewpoints, and cooler mountain air that can dip below freezing at times, a surprising phenomenon in the Caribbean.

In addition to its natural wonders, the park holds a number of cultural and geological attractions that enrich the visitor experience. Notable sites include the Cyclopean Pyramid, a historic stone marker once used as a boundary point, the dramatic Aguas Blancas waterfall, and monuments commemorating figures like Francisco Caamaño, a Dominican national hero. The area’s scenic roads—such as the Antonio Duvergé highway—offer access through forested landscapes and rural communities, providing opportunities for eco‑tourism, camping, and photography. While conservation efforts continue to balance environmental protection with public access, Juan Bautista Pérez Rancier National Park remains an important symbol of the Dominican Republic’s commitment to preserving its highland ecosystems and natural heritage.