AREAS OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

WELCOME TO PUNTA CANA

Blessed with one of the longest white sand coastlines in the Caribbean, a total of 48 kilometers, accented with coconut palms that seem to reach the sky, Punta Cana is synonymous with rest and relaxation in front of the sea. Here, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, from the far north at Uvero Alto to the south at Cap Cana, all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels offer all the pampering and comfort of modern beachfront living. Families will enjoy miniature entertainment centers as well as water parks for children, while couples will find dreamy wedding venues with secluded beachside offerings for an even more romantic stay. But you will not only find fun in the sun, with fine white sand and a crystal clear and iridescent sea to swim, fish, or take a dip among marine life and sunken ships. Punta Cana is also a golfer’s paradise, with 10 golf courses located along the coast, a beach escape with luxurious marinas and gourmet dining, and a wellness area with the best spas in the country, including the only Six Senses of the Caribbean.

WELCOME TO SANTO DOMINGO

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. The Capital, as it is affectionately called, transmits the pulse of Dominican culture, where the old and the new converge seamlessly, from centuries-old architecture and history, to large shopping malls, art galleries, a active and exciting nightlife and an irresistible food scene.

Exploring the Colonial City, the first European settlement in the Americas and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1990, is a recommended experience for all travelers. This historic neighborhood consists of a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with architectural marvels dating from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. Its streets will take you to colonial buildings converted into museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and sidewalk cafes. Hop on the Chu Chu Colonial train for a 45-minute tour of the area, hire a guide to take you down America’s first paved street as you share stories, or rent a bike and ride around on your own. For a break surrounded by nature, enjoy a picnic on the lawn of the National Botanical Garden, the largest in the Caribbean, or walk the Malecón at sunset to enjoy views of the Caribbean Sea, food stalls and people-watching.

WELCOME TO THE ROMANA

Overflowing with natural riches, from a dreamy coastline to excellent golf courses, La Romana is one of the preferred destinations in the Dominican Republic. Sugar cane fields lead to beautiful white sand beaches from Dominicus to Bayahibe. The cave-filled forests of Cotubanamá National Park are home to plenty of springs and Taíno rock art. In the sea, the Saona, Catalina and Catalinita Islands contain turtle nesting grounds in front of impressive coral reefs, while shipwrecks teeming with marine life rest at the bottom of our waters. The largest sugar cane factory in the Americas was located in La Romana, until its owners branched out and founded the luxurious Casa de Campo resort in 1974, a celebrity favorite and popular destination thanks to its Pete Dye-designed golf courses. . Shortly after, it was followed by the beautiful replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village that is Altos de Chavón, built with a breathtaking view of the Chavón River, and packed with entertainment, including a Greek amphitheater where renowned Grammy Award-winning artists perform each year.

EXPERIENCES IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Beaches

Endless white sand beaches dotted with slender palm trees that caress the sky is what the Dominican Republic is known for. From south to east and north to south you can keep yourself busy looking for your favorite piece of sand along the 1,600 kilometers of sandy coastline. More than 200 beaches, many of which remain pristine, line the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts, from sparkling white sand beaches to a handful of black sand stretching to the southwest. Don’t miss Punta Cana’s famous 30-mile stretch of uninterrupted beach, but also consider visiting Samaná’s renowned beaches, such as Beaches Rincón. On the north coast, you can choose between the beaches of Cabarete, Beaches Grande, or Punta Rucia, or, if you dare, take a different path and visit Beaches El Valle, or Beaches Frontón, only reached by boat, they will leave you speechless! !

The beaches of our Caribbean coast are a safe destination throughout the year, while our north coast requires a little more attention to weather conditions before entering the sea. Sundays are family beach days for Dominicans, so you’ll find an atmosphere full of music and food.

NATIONAL PARKS + PROTECTED AREAS

The topographical and climatic diversity of the Dominican Republic combine to create the perfect environment for more than 6,000 species of flora and fauna, including a large number of endemic species. In Bayahíbe, the Cotubanamá National Park extends from land, where you can see the endemic national rose of Bayahíbe, to the Saona and Catalina Islands, marine jewels teeming with life. Jaragua National Park is the largest of all national parks and part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it includes beaches, lagoons, dry forests and keys. A few kilometers away, the Sierra de Bahoruco is the only cloud forest in the Caribbean. One of the most visited parks in the country is also one of the most impressive: Los Haitises National Park, in Samaná, which is traveled mostly by boat to see its towering Rocky Mountains that rise above the water. In one of the most remote and pristine areas of the country, Valle Nuevo National Park surprises its visitors with its dense pine forests and its frosty mornings. Whether for hiking, bird watching or flora expeditions, the protected areas of the Dominican Republic cannot be missing from your list.

ISLAS + CAYOS

In addition to the spectacular beaches on the mainland, the Dominican Republic has multiple offshore keys with an impressive marine and sandy environment. Get on a catamaran and sail to the paradisiacal Saona and Catalina Islands where you will find the longest natural pool in the Caribbean, and beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see with a backdrop of iridescent turquoise waters. Cayo Arena, far from the coast of Puerto Plata, is the ideal place for a snorkeling excursion. Off the coast of Samaná, Cayo Levantado is a perfect spot for lunch and swimming, often included in Los Haitises tours, but you can also spend the night at the luxurious resort located on the key. Off the coast of Montecristi are the most unusual keys, Los Siete Hermanos. Excursions to the various islands and cays are offered throughout the year and are especially enjoyable during the summer season when it is less crowded.

CULTURE

POINTS OF INTEREST IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic, known as the cradle of the Americas, is full of emblematic landscapes around all its cities and provinces. Visit its famous beaches, such as Beaches Rincón, in Samaná. Walk among the first buildings and monuments of the American continent that adorn the streets of the Colonial City of Santo Domingo. Explore the ruins of La Isabela, in the province of Puerto Plata, where, on a cliff overlooking the sea, Columbus built his first and only residence on the continent. Explore the only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the southwest of the Dominican Republic, with the greatest biodiversity in the country. Learn about the history of merengue in its place of origin, a small community in Puerto Plata. Visit cathedrals and religious sanctuaries, pillars of Dominican culture. Most of the landmarks are easily accessible from major tourist destinations and are open all year round.

CHURCHES

The majority of the population is Roman Catholic and other derivations of Christianity. This is why Dominican churches play an important role in the country’s culture and history, since the days of Spanish colonialism. Discover the most important church in the country in the Colonial City: The First Cathedral of America, the oldest church in the Americas, where national acts and festivals are held. The Colonial City is full of other impressive religious places that can be reached on foot, such as the church of Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes, one of the two representations of the patron saint of the country. Every January 21, Dominicans make pilgrimages to Higüey, specifically to the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of La Altagracia, the most important temple, dedicated to the patron saint of the country, the Virgin of La Altagracia. This visit is often included in tours from Punta Cana. Away from the most frequented places, it is worth visiting Santo Cerro and its church, the third holiest place in the country, just outside La Vega, where Dominicans make pilgrimages. on September 24, the day of the Lady of Mercedes. To ensure entry to these churches you must dress appropriately.

MUSEUMS

Museum lovers will find endless opportunities in the Dominican Republic. The Colonial City of Santo Domingo, the first urban settlement in the New World, has incredible museums that offer a glimpse into the Spanish colonial era, from the Alcázar de Colón to the Museo de las Casas Reales, where the royal court was located. The city also has a museum complex in the Plaza de la Cultura, where you can find museums of history and modern art, and the newest offer in the city: Dominican chocolate museums. In Puerto Plata, you can learn about national heroes and precious stones, while in Samaná you will find museums about humpback whales, and in Sosúa a fascinating Jewish museum. In La Romana is Altos de Chavón, where the Regional Museum of Archeology is located with the most complete collection on the Taínos. Whether covering history, geography, gemstones, chocolate, baseball, rum, family life in the Dominican Republic, or architecture, among other topics, there is a museum for all ages and interests.

SHOPPING SHOPPING IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic is the place par excellence for shopping in the Caribbean. You’ll find designer stores in Santo Domingo’s shopping malls, especially Blue Mall and Ágora, or you can shop in Dominican and international boutiques in Punta Cana and La Romana. Local art and crafts are everywhere, but you’ll find a great selection near the center of the cities, such as in the galleries of the Colonial City, near the Central Park in Puerto Plata, among others. Resorts and marinas offer even more options for those who are short on time. Along the way you will discover colorful markets, present in every town and overflowing with fruits and vegetables. Find amber and larimar jewelry, cigars, chocolate, coffee or a bottle of mamajuana. Stores are generally open from Monday to Saturday, and shopping malls are also open on Sundays but with limited hours.

RECREATIONAL PARKS

Locals and tourists enjoy the number of recreational parks in the country, designed to merge with the nature that surrounds them. Punta Cana hosts the largest selection, with an offer that ranges from climbing, ziplining and swimming in cenotes at Scape Park, to bungee jumping and Segway tours at Bávaro Adventure Park. In Puerto Plata, Ocean World Adventure Park is the ideal place for children, who enjoy getting close to dolphins, seals and jumping off trampolines into the pool, while Fun City is the place for go-karts. In Santo Domingo, Plaza Juan Barón offers go-karts for children and a playground on Playa Güibia. The recreational parks are open all year round and are ideal for entertaining the whole family in one place.

URBAN PARKS

The cities of the Dominican Republic have something in common: urban parks that become the center of social life, a meeting point where locals take a break from their day to talk, meet friends, play dominoes or have a cold drink, like fresh coconut or ice cream, from street vendors. The urban parks of Santo Domingo are among the most historic and beautiful, from Parque Colón, surrounded by colonial architecture, to Parque Duarte and Parque Independencia. Parque Central in Puerto Plata is worth strolling through, as are Parque Central in Santiago and La Romana, filled with life-size statues of baseball players. Both day and night, the parks of the Colonial City are a great way to experience the local culture.

ADVENTURES

GOLF IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Known for having the most impressive golf courses in the entire Caribbean and Latin American area, the Dominican Republic is the undisputed leading golf destination in the tropics. At least seven of the Dominican Republic’s golf courses have appeared more than once in Golf Week magazine’s Top 50 in the Caribbean and Mexico, including Punta Espada in the Top 10, Los Corales, where the 2018 PGA Tour was held , and Teeth of the Dog, in Casa de Campo. From La Romana to Punta Cana, Juan Dolio and Puerto Plata, the Dominican golf courses have 86 holes with sea views and 39 on the shore, offering the possibility of enjoying a tee time by the sea, or along leafy indoor courses designed by the most acclaimed golf course architects, including Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Price and Greg Norman. Whether you are a professional or an amateur player, you will undoubtedly enjoy testing your skills on our spectacular golf courses.

DIVING + SNORKELING

As well as discovering stunning beaches along the thousands of kilometers of the Dominican coastline, you’ll also find that the Dominican Republic’s underwater world, most of which is protected as national parks, is just as amazing. Coral reefs, underwater caves, remains of galleons, shipwrecks and a multicolored world of marine life are just some of the features that our waters have to offer. Explore 40-meter submerged cliffs on the Saona and Catalina Islands, dive with turtles and eagle rays on the remote Playa Frontón in Las Galeras, or snorkel with the colorful fish of Cayo Arena. Whether in the south, east or north, PADI certified dive shops will point you to the best underwater adventures. Although you can dive throughout the year, the best time is undoubtedly between June and September, when our waters are calm offering better visibility and optimal conditions for diving. Sea temperatures throughout the year range between 24°C and 29°C, which allows diving even in the middle of "winter", when temperatures are around 25°C.

LAND SAFARIS

From Puerto Plata to Punta Cana, signing up for an inland safari is an incredible way to get to know the Dominican countryside. The main tour operators offer a variety of excursions to the nearest towns where you will undoubtedly be the only foreigner as you go into the hills on ATVs, or on your own ATV, meeting the locals and enjoying the views. In Puerto Plata, excursions take you along the leafy hills of the north coast, you can also visit typical Dominican homes where you will be invited to enjoy freshly lying coconut to cool off. In Punta Cana, safaris will take you to towns like Otra Banda, where butcher shops hang their wares from windows. You’ll finish off your dose of sun and sand at Playa Macao!

GASTRONOMY IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC?

There is a wide variety of Dominican dishes, ranging from soups and stews to fried sandwiches and sweet coconut desserts. Beyond the classic Caribbean dish of rice and beans, there are other basic specialties unique to the Dominican Republic. Discover some of the basic Dominican products, to fully enjoy your culinary adventure throughout the country.

MAIN DISHES

The Dominican breakfast consists of a dish affectionately called “the three blows”: mangú, a typical Dominican dish made with mashed green plantain, and finished with red onion cooked in a vinegar sauce, cheese, and fried salami. You can also add eggs. Lunch is the main meal of the day. The typical dish is the Dominican flag: a huge plate with rice and beans (beans), with chicken or meat and accompanied by a salad, avocado and tostones (fried and crushed plantain). There are multiple variations of rice, moro con pigeon peas, locrio (a rice dish reminiscent of paella with seasoned rice, chicken, and other meats). Sancocho has an even more symbolic weight and is normally made for a special occasion, including New Year’s, and should be shared with family and loved ones. This thick tuber stew combines chicken, pork, yucca, yams, green plantains, and potatoes. Served with a bowl of white rice and avocado slices. Some say it cures hangovers. Another quintessential Dominican food is the sheet cakes. Often served at Christmas, these are the Dominican version of tamales, albeit made with plantain dough, stuffed with meat, and wrapped in a banana leaf. Mofongo, an original Puerto Rican dish, has its own Dominican version, with mashed plantains, garlic, and pork or shrimp. Each region has its own specialties influenced by the culture of the region. In Samaná, for example, seafood is often cooked with coconut, an Afro-American influence, as well as fish. In the northwest, goat meat is a staple, and in the central highlands you’ll find roadside barbecue restaurants. Seafood is, of course, a large part of the diet of this Caribbean country. You will find the freshest fish, direct from the sea to the table, in particular the chillo (red snapper), in coastal fishing towns and cities such as Bayahíbe, Sánchez, Sabana de la Mar, Samaná, Puerto Plata and other coastal areas. Going to the beach and ordering a fried fish with tostones, avocado and yaniqueque (a thin and crispy round fried Johnny cake) is the most Dominican thing there is. There are many more dishes to discover, be adventurous and try as many as you can.

SWEETS + DESSERTS

Dominicans are very sweet. They love desserts and sweets of all shapes and sizes. You will usually see queues outside patisseries, with customers who want to take something home, or stay to enjoy it on site if there is space. The most special Dominican dessert is habichuelas con dulce, a sweet bean-based dessert, consumed mostly during the Easter season, but can be found in different pastry shops throughout the year. The most popular desserts are coconut, milk or corn based. The coconete is a round and crunchy coconut cookie. Tres leches cake is a must, as is majarete, a sweet corn cake sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg. Caramelized fruits are also popular. You will see pieces of dried papaya bathed in sweet syrup. Due to the hot weather, some popular ways to cool down, aside from fruit juices, are chillies, shaved ice topped with a syrup in the flavor of your choice.

RON

Dominican rum is produced by several major brands, the two most popular being Brugal and Barceló. Bermúdez rum has its origins in the 19th century, with white and gold variations. The most recent Ron Macorix has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its bottles with flavors such as pineapple and coconut.

CIGARS

Cigar aficionados will find their niche in the Dominican Republic, as it is ranked as the number one exporter of premium cigars in the world. Tobacco farming dates back to the Taínos, and evolved with Cuban tobacco growers who settled in the Dominican Republic in the 20th century to escape the Castro regime. Along with the country’s fertile lands and favorable temperatures, particularly in the central Cibao valley, Dominican tobacco is today recognized as one of the best in the world. Popular brands include Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, and Romeo y Julieta. The various resorts in the country offer the possibility of visiting the most famous factories. Among the most prestigious are Tabacalera La Aurora and Tabacalera La Flor Dominicana in Santiago, and Tabacalera García in La Romana. Wherever you are in the Dominican Republic, you will find a cigar shop and a cigar bar to enjoy the best products made by hand and paired with rum.