9 PLACES TO VISIT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
The Dominican Republic is one of the touristic destinations that have been gaining more and more popularity in recent years. If you’re looking for a tropical holiday in the Caribbean, this tiny country might be the right choice for you! The Dominican Republic offers many incredible places to visit. You’ll find beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, breathtaking waterfalls, and many fun activities such as surfing, kitesurfing, snorkeling, or even zip-lining at 350 feet above the ground. Another thing that makes the Dominican Republic such an interesting destination is its culture and its historical significance. A lot of people ignore the fact that the history of the Americas started on the island of Hispaniola, where Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492. The island of Hispaniola is now divided between the Dominican Republic and its neighboring country, Haiti.
In this article, we will share with you nine incredible places that you must visit in this tiny Caribbean country of rum, cigars, and bachata. We will also give you a few practical tips to help you prepare for your trip!
1. Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, its largest city, and the place where the history of the Americas began. It was founded in 1496 by the Columbus brothers and it was the first European settlement in the Americas. The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo is full of places of incredible historic value, such as the first cathedral in the Americas (Catedral Santa Maria la Menor), the first university in the Americas (Universidad de Santo Tomás de Aquino), the first castle in the Americas (Alcazar de Colón) and the first paved street in the Americas (Calle Las Damas). Visiting Santo Domingo is a must if you want to learn more about the Dominican culture, history, and way of life.
2. Punta Cana
Punta Cana is one of the most popular destinations in the Dominican Republic. It is a tourist hub full of five-star resorts, luxurious hotels, and clean beaches with excellent restaurants and bars. It is also home to Coco Bongo, Dominican Republic’s most famous nightclub. Punta Cana offers a range of fun activities to do during your holidays, such as swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, or speed board racing.
3. Cabarete
Cabarete is a tiny beach town located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic in the province of Puerto Plata. It is a popular touristic destination due to its laid-back, party town atmosphere. It is also known for its windy beaches, ideal for water sports! If you’re a fan of surfing or kitesurfing, Cabarete is the right place for you. If you’re planning on spending your time on the windy beaches of Cabarete, taking a sand-proof beach mat with you might come in handy!
4. Bahia de las Aguilas
Bahia de las Aguilas (Bay of Eagles) is undoubtedly the most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic. It is located on the southwestern coast of the country and it is part of the Jaragua National Park in the Pedernales Province. Its crystal clear, turquoise waters and white sand will take your breath away! Since Bahia de las Aguilas is the most isolated beach in the country, the only way to get there is by boat. There are no hotels in the vicinity, so you will need to go camping! If you do, bringing with you a comfortable sleeping bag is a must!
5. 27 charcos de Damajagua
The 27 waterfalls of the Damajagua River are one of the best-kept secrets of the Dominican Republic! Not many foreign tourists know about this place but it is one of the places where many local tourists come for a weekend adventure. The 27 waterfalls are just that: twenty-seven beautiful pools of crystal clear water, nestled between the rocks and hidden in the Dominican jungle. If you’re planning on hiking through the 27 waterfalls, make sure to prepare beforehand! Taking a waterproof dry bag, a pair of water shoes and a waterproof cell phone pouch is an absolute must on this adventure, as the trail leads through the water in many places.
6. Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is a tiny town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations, mainly among local tourists looking to escape from the chaos of the city during the weekend and holidays. It is also a popular destination among American, Canadian, and European expats who settle down in the Dominican Republic and spend their retirement in the Caribbean. Las Terrenas used to be a fishing village in the past. You will still see a lot of tiny boats and local men fishing in the sea. The beach in Las Terrenas is a tropical paradise, with white sand, turquoise water, and coconut palm trees. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the beach, make sure to take at least two bottles of sunscreen with you, as the Dominican sun knows no mercy!
7. Playa Rincon
Playa Rincon is a hidden gem that not many tourists who come to the Dominican Republic know about. It is said to be the place where Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492, thinking that he arrived in India! Playa Rincon is also said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Getting there is not easy: you will need to take a 20-minute boat ride from Las Galeras. If you’re planning on taking photo or video equipment with you on this trip, it is a good idea to take with you a waterproof dry bag. That way, you can keep your equipment safe during the boat ride.
8. Salto El Limón
Salto El Limón is the most beautiful waterfall in the Dominican Republic, located next to a small town called El Limón (The Lemon). To get there, you will need to hike through the Dominican jungle for about 40 minutes. The hiking trail to the waterfalls leads through the river. Make sure to take with you a waterproof dry bag, water shoes, and a waterproof cell phone pouch to protect your phone or your camera equipment from getting wet! Alternatively, you can also go up the trail on horseback.
9. Samaná Zipline
If you like adventure and spending your holiday actively, you must visit the Samaná Zipline. The Samaná Zipline is the biggest zipline in the country, with 12 lines and 13 stations at 350ft above the ground! Unless you’re afraid of heights, sliding down from the treetops like Tarzan will be the highlight of your trip to the Dominican Republic and an unforgettable experience you’ll remember forever! Don’t forget to take an action camera (such as the GoPro HERO 7) and an extendable selfie stick with you to make lasting memories from this incredible experience.
Conclusion
The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is between October to March. During this period, the temperatures, as well as the humidity levels, drop a little bit. You can also find many cheap flights from the US during the low season, mainly with Jet Blue or Spirit airlines. Overall, this tiny Caribbean is an incredible destination, full of breathtaking beaches and hidden gems. The Dominican Republic offers something for everyone, whether you want to rest in a luxurious, five-star resort or spend your time hiking through the Dominican jungle.
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