Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a country of surprising contrasts and extraordinary variety. From the chilly peak of the Caribbean’s highest mountain to some of the region’s most delightful beaches, the country boasts lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and sun-baked deserts.

The past and present also blend in a fascinating mix of colonial buildings and modern hotels, sleepy rural villages and lively tourist resorts. The people, too, reflect a kaleidoscope of influences — Spanish, African, indigenous — creating a culture that emphasizes both creativity and fun in the fields of music, sport, and art.

Top 10 Must-See Sights

1. Santo Domingo: The Zona Colonial
The historic jewel in the capital’s crown, this district of restored colonial buildings and shady plazas is filled with well-preserved reminders of a bygone age.

2. Santo Domingo: The Modern City
The modern metropolis encompasses crowded downtown streets, charming suburbs, and relaxing parks, where art galleries rub shoulders with US-style shopping malls.

3. Constanza & “The Dominican Alps”
Only two hours from the capital, the rugged interior is a walker’s paradise of green meadows and clear rivers, surrounded by pine forests and mountains. Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean, lies here.

4. Santiago
The laid-back second city is different in ambience from bustling Santo Domingo. Its streets are filled with monuments to its past glories as a tobacco boom town.

5. Puerto Plata
Steeped in colonial history, the North Coast port is also the hub for the area’s thriving tourist complexes, offering a great combination of sightseeing and entertainment. Tourist attractions include the San Felipe Fortress, La Glorieta, and Museo del Ambar.

6. La Isabela Bay
The place where European colonization of the Americas really began, the beautiful bay reveals the story of Columbus’s first settlement. Other highlights include some wonderful beaches such as Playa Isabela and Punta Rucia Beach.

7. Las Terrenas
One of the coolest spots in the country, a once-tiny fishing village surrounded by idyllic beaches has become a magnet for independent travelers and sun-seekers.

8. Costa del Coco
The modern face of Dominican tourism, this long and idyllic coastline of white sand and swaying palms is home to a cluster of all-inclusive resorts. It’s a paradise for windsurfers and surfers alike.

9. La Romana
A town built on sugar now offers a different sweetness in the form of the country’s most luxurious resort, Casa de Campo, and an unforgettable transplant from Italy, Altos de Chavón.

10. Lago Enriquillo
An inland saltwater sea surrounded by cactus-studded wilderness, this natural wonder involves a boat trip and close encounters with crocodiles and tame giant iguanas.

Discover more to see and do in the Dominican Republic at www.traveldk.com/dominican-republic.

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