9 of the things to do in the Dominican Republic

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The very idea of the Caribbean conjures up photographs of stunning hotels, pristine beaches, character, and a perfectly laid-back lifestyle.

But even in a region blessed with likely ideal vacation destinations, the Dominican Republic stands out for its bustling cities, white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters, and plenty of luscious herbaceous landscapes.

Add to that a quintessentially Latin touch (from local cuisine to burgeoning merengue music), and you’ve got an authentic slice of South America in the Caribbean.

And the Dominican Republic offers much more than just a vacation. Away from the beaches and idyllic islands, cities like Punta Cana host raucous parties, while the capital is home to the island’s cultural and ancient highlights.

Inland, there are a plethora of herbaceous sights, from national parks to vast lakes, adding to the long list of things travelers shouldn’t miss in the Dominican Republic. Below, we’ve compiled a variety of some of the best.

Like many Latin and Caribbean capitals, Santo Domingo is a city whose character has been shaped through strong traditions, years of colonialism, and a series of post-independence developments. Its cobblestone streets are lined with heritage sites, bars, and a diversity of restaurants. options, and Dominicans today enjoy everything from colorful nightlife (most commonly concentrated on the Malecon boardwalk) to baseball games between the city’s two top teams.

As one of the first cities in the so-called New World, Santo Domingo has buildings dating back to the era of Columbus’ arrival on the island of Hispaniola. In the Zona Colonial, 15th-century landmarks include the Columbus Alcazar – once home to the explorer’s son, Diego – the Ozama Fortress and Primada Cathedral. Nowadays, the area is a popular spot for a walk in the park, cafe- or bar-hopping and enjoying weekend musical performances in the lively Plaza Espana.

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Samana Bay, located on the northeastern coast of the country, is a perfect place for whale watching in winter, as hordes of humpback whales choose those warm waters to mate and give birth between January and March. Scenic enough, a short boat will take you almost within arm’s reach, and some operators will also provide snorkeling and diving alongside these magnificent creatures.

The island’s most famous hotel is the Dominican Republic’s answer to Cancun and any hedonist’s dream destination. While it can’t possibly compete with its Mexican counterpart in terms of size, this eastern city has a similar energy, from its high-end hotels and casinos to the white sands and turquoise waters of its beaches.

There are plenty of activities you can try during daylight hours, in addition to scuba diving and day trips to nearby islands. The festivities also start early in the evening on the shores and end early in the morning in the city.

Known as Hoyo Azul, this sinkhole (or cenote) forms at the back of a 22-meter cave in the Cap Cana area, not far from Punta Cana. It is reached via a short hike through the rainforest, with the praise of a relaxing swim in the stunning 14-meter-deep blue waters.

Lago Enriquillo is a popular place to visit due to its abundant wildlife, ranging from flamingos to crocodiles and endangered iguanas. The largest lake in the Caribbean, it sits close to the border with Haiti and is part of the Lago Enriquillo and Isla Cabritos National Park (named after the lake and the island at its centre). Boat trips and wildlife spotting is popular, but as average temperatures here are around 35C in summer, it is best to plan your visit accordingly.

Visiting this idyllic island off the southern coast is one of the most popular days out for tourists, and is often done by catamaran during a journey that takes about forty-five minutes each way.

The island, which is part of a national park, is the quintessential symbol of the Caribbean: fine white sand, gently swaying palm trees, and stunningly blue waters. Many beach huts and resorts serve giant lunches and cocktails in specially landscaped spaces, with an environment created through Hispanic music and booming dance tunes, while the calm, shallow waters and pools are popular with swimmers, amateur divers, and snorkelers.

Pico Duarte, a component of the Cordillera Central, is the highest mountain in Hispaniola and even the highest peak in the Caribbean. With a height of 3,101 m, it can be climbed in 3 days with guided tours; The shortest direction is the Ciénaga, which covers about 23 km of walking. Trails start in or near the town of Jarabacoa, which in turn is close to natural sights, plus waterfalls and three other rivers.

One of the less touristy cities on the island, Puerto Plata – located in the far north, looking out towards the Turks and Caicos Islands – is a typically Caribbean city, from its colourful colonial architecture to its air of tranquility and its striking nearby beaches, including Playa Dorada and Cofresi Beach.

Once you’re done exploring the city’s architecture and Independence Park, take the cable car, known as a cable car, up Isabel de Torres Peak, a flat mountain that’s home to a botanical lawn and a smaller mountain. but still large, statue of Christ Redentor. Si you have more time, take a short excursion to the 27 Damajagua Falls, a domain of stunning waterfalls and placid ponds.

Cabarete sits on the northern coast of the country, surrounded by choppy waters that provide good year-round conditions for water sports including kite surfing, wind surfing, surfing and sailing. Self-styled as the ‘water sports capital of the world’, its waters rarely dip below 18C, with the best wind conditions between January-March and June to the end of September.

For surfers, Cabarete’s location on the Atlantic provides an ideal swell for year-round surfing, with the most productive surfing situations from September to the end of April. For those who are not so fond of water sports, a sunny beach will suffice; Playa Encuentro, Playa Preciosa and Kite Beach are all within a few minutes’ drive.

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