| VITAL INFORMATION | |
| Population | 8,850,000 |
| Languages spoken | Spanish |
| Currency | Dominican Republic Peso (DOP); (appr.) 1 DOP = 0.0298 USD |
| Average temperature | Summer: 80°F; Winter: 75°F-77°F |
| High season | December to April (dry season) |
Note: All prices are in U.S. dollars.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean is the picturesque Dominican Republic. Sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic offers white-sand beaches, a long and vibrant history, local hospitality, and plenty of activities to satisfy any traveler seeking warm weather. As the most geographically diverse of the islands, the Dominican is the center of the all-inclusive resort industry in the Caribbean. It has choices to suit any traveler, including the history buff, the eco-tourist, the water sports enthusiast, and the sunseeker. Choices range from modest to luxury and can accommodate just about any budget.
Because of the great package deals that include airfare and accomodation at an all-inclusive resort, it is not usually cost-effective to organize a specialized trip prior to your arrival. Your best bet is a centrally located resort as your main focus, with separately planned side trips to various destinations and sights around the island. A rental car is a great option to get you from place to place and allows you to see the countryside at the same time; I recommend the popular roofless Jeep for cruising around the island and taking in the sights.
Day 1: Discovering the capital
The country itself is unique in the Caribbean, as it retains a much more Latin flavor than many of its neighbors that display strong British, French or Dutch influences. To fully experience the Latin heritage of the island, spend your first day in the capital city of Santo Domingo and soak in the rich local history.Situated at the mouth of the Ozama River where it meets the Caribbean Sea, Santo Domingo began as the major port for the Americas. Established in the late 15th century as the first permanently settled Spanish outpost, the entire city is dotted with landmarks of its formative years. The city is home to many firsts -- the first cathedral, university and hospital to be built in the Americas -- yet today it is a bustling metropolitan city that is home to over 2 million citizens.
In the heart of the city, in the Zona Colonial on the western side of the Ozama River, you will find Old World Spanish colonial architecture along cobblestone streets, complete with monuments commemorating various people and events that have contributed to the city's long history. As a major tourist destination, the area is also full of stores selling not only standard souvenirs, but also the arts and crafts that are indigenous to the area.
The entire Caribbean region is well-known for selling handcrafted jewelry, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. For a truly unique gift to bring home, visit one of the many jewelers to take a look at items made with larimar -- an extremely rare gemstone of stunning turquoise that can only be found in the mountainous interior of the island. Also called Atlantis Stone, it has long been associated with the lost land of Atlantis and the local belief that the Dominican Republic was part of the lost continent. If jewelry isn't on your shopping list, larimar is also popular in small carvings and decorative pieces.
After discovering the charms of the Zona Colonial and picking up some souvenirs, it’s time to venture further into the city. The fortified walls of the original city, the Francisco monastery and the palace of Diego Colon -- which dates all the way back to 1510 -- are must-see attractions that will take you all over the city. Even the town’s university, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, dates back to the early 16th century and is definitely worth a visit.
For lunch, try some local specialties. While there are plenty of restaurants in the area that cater to international tastes, diving into the local fare is an experience you won't regret. Vendors and cafes offer a variety of dishes made with indigenous ingredients and freshly caught seafood; these are very well-priced alternatives to the same old hamburger and fries. Every visit to the island should include a taste of the country's national dish, a hearty stew called sancocho, with a side of pastelitos, which are light pastries stuffed with meat or cheese. Once you are rejuvenated, browse the National Gallery of Art.
Dedicate the rest of your afternoon to the two specialty beverages of the island: coffee and rum. Both are extremely popular here and are great export items because of their quality and exceptionally low prices.
Coffee is grown in the Bani and Cibao Altura areas of the Dominican Republic; it is known for its rich flavor, low acidity and full body. Pick up a bag of the popular Santo Domingo brand at prices you won't see at home. As for rum, you can pick up a 24 oz bottle of one of the three finest local brands -- Brugal, Barceló or Bermudez -- for about $4. With more than 4 million cases produced in the Dominican Republic each year, you can be sure that the stuff will have you remembering your visit long after you go home.
Head out on the town to sample drinks in some local environments. Stop by any restaurant in town for the popular Cuba Libre (rum, Coke and lime juice) or a locally brewed Presidente beer, and to mingle with locals and tourists alike.
For your first night on the island, head to a club to get a taste of the local dance scene; the sounds of meringue and bachata flood the streets after the sun goes down, and any club is a good bet. For a once-in-a lifetime night, you have to stop by Guacara Taina, the only grotto club in the world. With seats for more than 3,000 people and standing room for many more, the Guacara Taina is a huge subterranean disco deep inside a real cave 60 feet below the earth's surface. The musical samplings are diverse depending on the night, and Fridays offer a spectacular Dominican merengue floorshow.
Day 2: Extreme outdoors
After soaking in the history in Santo Domingo, your second day in the Dominican Republic should be dedicated to the lush natural pleasures that await you just a short drive away. With over 800 miles of spectacular coastline and 27 national parks, the Dominican Republic is a nature lover's paradise. Hop in your Jeep and hit the road to explore the rest of the island.Your first stop outside of Santo Domingo is east, near Boca Chica, where scuba divers can visit the well-known wrecks, Hickory and El Limon, at La Caleta Underwater National Park. Cave diving is also available nearby at Cueva Taina, with a system of winding caves that stretch over 300 feet. If you're already certified, remember to bring proof or you may have to settle for snorkeling. If you aren't, classes are available daily and can get you up to speed in a few hours.
Carry on to the northern coast to visit the small but vibrant beach town of Cabarete, which is considered to have one of the best bays in the world for windsurfing; it has even played host to a number of international competitions for the sport. Cabarete is also the perfect place to enjoy the white-sand beaches and fantastic weather that are staple sights on the postcards you'll be sending home. Try your hand at windsurfing or the newer alternative of kiteboarding; clubs are located all over the area, and equipment rentals and lessons are available.
After a leisurely lunch, head over to one of the major eco-tourism companies, Iguana Mama, to decide on your next extreme adventure. As the home base for adventure traveling in the Caribbean, Cabarete’s options are limitless. You can try hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing or, for the truly extreme, canyoning -- a combination of rock climbing, hiking, rappelling, swimming, and abseiling waterfalls. It isn't for the faint of heart, but you will get the most diverse look at everything the Dominican Republic has to offer.
To best experience the extraordinary landscape, I recommend a one and a half day trek into the heart of the island to visit Pico Duarte, the highest summit in the Caribbean at over 10,000 feet. Its ascent, either by foot or by mule, has become one of the most popular journeys for local and foreign adventure seekers. As it is located in the heart of the Cordillera Central mountain range, you'll have to head north to Jarabacoa to access one of the many trails that will lead you to the summit.
Expect to stay at least one night on the mountain, either in your own tent or in one of the cabins set up along the way. Your tour guide can arrange everything you'll need, and will also be on hand to supervise your safety and your navigation. The hike is a long one, but the views are well worth it -- don't forget to take a picture at the top to prove that you made it!
Day 3: Back to sea level
You will most likely arrive back at Jarabacoa late in the afternoon, which leaves you just enough time to make your way back to Santo Domingo, with one important stop along the way. While in the area, you'll have to take a short drive to the city of Moca, the cigar-making capital of the Dominican Republic.The Dominican Republic is actually the largest cigar-producing country in the world with over 80 million rolled each year, although it's often overshadowed by Cuba. The cigars of the Dominican Republic are of superior quality and are often cited as being better than the over-hyped Cuban varieties; they are a great gift to bring home for friends or to keep for your own private stash. Stop by a specialty shop to pick up the freshest hand-rolled cigars available -- the popular brands are Montecristo, Cohiba and Juan Clemente.
The drive back to Santo Domingo will take you through small rural villages and will let you see how the locals live on this vibrant island. Stands selling everything under the sun are set up along this well-traveled route, so feel free to stop and pick up any last-minute items for the folks at home.
To end your stay on this wonderful island, head over to one of the many casinos in Santo Domingo to wager with whatever cash you have left. Most of the major hotels in the city, most notably the Sheraton, have gaming floors that give you a great excuse to dress up and test your luck. When you’ve had your fill, head over to the waterfront boardwalk known as the Malecon to join the boisterous, all-night festivities under the starlit sky.
tips for the trip
- Merchants expect you to haggle, so never accept the first price they offer you.
- Cab fare is negotiable, so don’t automatically pay the meter fare. If you prefer to agree on a flat rate beforehand, ask the driver.
the land of sun and sand
Visiting the Dominican Republic can give every traveler a different experience and a different set of stories to tell; some like to lay on a beach and some like to revel in the local spirits. However, this Caribbean jewel is home to incredible sporting opportunities and a long and colorful history, neither of which should be ignored.Resources:
hispaniola.com
activecabarete.com
lonelyplanet.com
experiencedominicanrepublic.com
thedominicanrepublic.net
cigaraficionado.com
Dominican Republic Travel Guide
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