GETTING MARRIED
With its romantic scenery of uninterrupted white sand beaches, in addition to a plethora of resort offerings on multiple coastlines, the Dominican Republic is a popular pick for destination weddings. Hotels excel at providing wedding packages and services–including help with marriage certificates, hiring event planners and photographers, booking spa treatments, a personalized wedding cake, catering, music, and flower arrangements, among other details, leaving the bride and groom to focus on enjoying the journey.

NATIONAL PARKS + PROTECTED AREAS
The Dominican Republic’s diverse topography and varying climates combine to create the perfect environment for over 6,000 species of thriving flora and fauna, including a high number of endemic species. In Bayahíbe, Cotubanamá National Park stretches from land—where you can spot the national, endemic Bayahíbe Rose—to the marine jewels of Saona and Catalina islands offshore, teeming with marine life. The largest of all national parks, and part of the DR’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Jaragua National Park includes beach, lagoons, dry forests and cays. Nearby, the Sierra de Bahoruco is the only cloud forest in the Caribbean. Among the most visited parks in the country is also its most stunning: Los Haitises National Park, toured mainly by boat to view its towering rock mounts rising out of the water. In one of the most remote, pristine areas of the country, Valle Nuevo National Park astounds with its dense pine tree forests and frosty mornings.

Whether for hiking, bird watching, or on flora expeditions, the DR’s protected areas should feature on your vacation to do list.

MUSIC
Dominicans are renowned for their dancing talents–you will spot them spontaneously twirling at the park, on their house veranda, or pretty much anywhere they hear their music. The DR’s sounds and instruments are influenced by West African, Spanish, and European roots. Two principal genres dominate and are synonymous with the Dominican Republic, here and around the world: merengue, and bachata. But there’s also son and a multitude of folkloric dance and music. Wherever you end up in the Dominican Republic, experiencing our music and our rhythms is as easy as stepping outside.

MERENGUE
Merengue is the national music and dance of the Dominican Republic. In 2016, UNESCO proclaimed merengue as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Any Dominican will tell you that merengue is part and parcel of every Dominican’s essence. Its lyrics share the everyday life stories, and its instruments reflect the DR’s triple identity: the güira comes from the Taino–a long metal cylinder with holes, with a brush to run it up and down the cylinder–the tambora or drum from Africa, and the accordion from Spain.

Today’s merengue musicians are world renowned, including Joseíto Mateo, Juan Luis Guerra, Johnny Ventura, Milly Quezada, Wilfrido Vargas, Fernando Villalona, Los Hermanos Rosario, and Eddy Herrera, among others.

BACHATA
Bachata has quickly gained popularity in the DR and abroad. Originating as a string bolero, this slow, sensual music and dance was initially considered the music of the lower classes. It grew mainstream, however, and reached higher levels of sophistication in music and lyrics, thanks to Dominican celebrities like Juan Luis Guerra, and Víctor Víctor.

Among bachata’s earliest creators is José Manuel Calderón from the 1960s. Later came the singers Rafael Encarnación and Luis Segura, who popularized bachata among the masses, followed by Luis Vargas and Anthony Santos, who brought a new language to the rhythm. In the 1990s, the musical group Aventura, led by Brooklyn-born Dominican Romeo Santos, created a bachata fused with other musical styles, modernizing the genre and spreading it internationally.

SON
Son appeared around the northern cities of Puerto Plata and Montecristi between 1870 and 1890. A mix of Latin and African elements–one theory says that it derives from bolero–its creation is attributed to Cuban musician and composer Miguel Matamoros. Popular Dominican son artists include Sonia Cabral, known as the queen of son, El Grupo Maniel, Grupo Bonyé–who perform live every Sunday evening in the Colonial City of Santo Domingo–and Los Hermanos Heredia.

FOLKLORIC MUSIC
Richly influenced by the DR’s African heritage, folkloric music and dance are as alive as any of the DR’s modern beats. These traditional sounds can be experienced in various regions, or during carnival month in February.

In Santo Domingo, the Congos of Villa Mella–proclaimed a UNESCO Masterpiece of Intangible and Oral Heritage of Humanity in 2001–are known for their West African inspired spiritual chants and instruments, which include two double-headed drums, an idiophone, and maracas. The southeast of the country is home to the Afro-British influenced music and dance of the Guloyas and their Cocolo Dance Theater, also a UNESCO protected group, while the southwest is home to the Sarandunga music and dance of Baní, based on African drums, and performed as a religious celebration.

When in Santo Domingo, catch a weekly free performance by the Ministry of Tourism’s Folkloric Ballet every Friday and Saturday evening in the Colonial City, to glimpse the DR’s folkloric rhythms and dance, placed in historical context.

POPULAR MUSIC
Aside from the ever-popular Dominican genres of merengue, bachata, and son, are contemporary sounds you will hear around the DR. These include Dominican jazz, rock, and dembow, a form of Dominican dancehall music, among others.

BASEBALL
Baseball is the Dominican Republic’s favorite sport. For Dominicans, “pelota”–as we call it here–is more than a sport. It’s a limitless passion, a love for country and unity. For the young generation, baseball also symbolizes a dream and hope for a better future–with the possibility of becoming one of the world’s legendary Dominican baseball players. After all, it worked for Sammy Sosa, Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, Robinson Canó, José Reyes, Juan Marichal and Bartolo Colón, among numerous others.

Aside from tracking their favorite players during the Major League Baseball (MLB) games, each Dominican has a favorite team that he or she cheers on during the Dominican baseball season. Baseball season in the DR runs from mid-October through late January, featuring six teams competing at major professional baseball stadiums around the country. If you are visiting during these months, add this unique experience to your list–going to a Dominican “juego de pelota” is about the game, but it’s also a lively party.

CENOTES + SPRINGS
Tucked inside lush rainforests, cenotes and spring-fed pools are breathtaking in color—sparkling, clear turquoise and emerald—and offer refreshing, cold swims in nature. In Punta Cana, look out for Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul—or blue hole—or the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve, both offering easy rainforest hikes to reach the cenotes. Perhaps the most famous DR springs of all are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where you can leap or slide to your heart’s content into deep azure pools. You’ll find plenty more fresh water escapes, including Cabarete’s El Choco National Park, and along Barahona’s hiking trail toward Cueva de la Virgen.

With so many lush hills, you’re bound to find your favorite natural pool, available to enjoy any time of the year.

WATERFALLS
Abundant rivers lead to numerous waterfalls, some of which offer adrenaline-packed hiking adventures. Puerto Plata’s 27 Charcos de Damajagua waterfall park presents a series of cascades to conquer with jumps or slides, while Salto El Limón waterfall in Samaná is ranked among the highest, tumbling down 30 meters (100 feet). The heart of the DR, replete with mountains, is home to numerous freshwater cascades, and visiting them can easily fill your daily calendar, from Salto Baiguate to Salto Jimenoa I and II in Jarabacoa. Smaller cascades can be found tucked away in the hills all around the country, ready to be discovered.

Waterfall excursions are available from various points of the country—you could even design your trip according to the ones you wish to experience.

GEM HUNTING
The Dominican Republic is known for two major precious and semi-precious stones you will see polished and sold in jewelry stores around the country: amber and larimar. Dominican amber—which was first offered to Columbus on his arrival in 1492, and later made famous in Jurassic Park—is mined on the north coast, in the hills of La Cumbre, the only place where blue amber is found.

The hills of Bahoruco produce the larimar stone—a blue-colored, semi-precious stone found only in the southwest of the DR and nowhere else in the world. Hiking excursions to mining regions are offered year round. Explore the grounds while the men are at work, as they enter and exit the underground with raw stones they’ve just extracted. While on tour, you can purchase unpolished stones directly from one of the recommended miners.

For more history, visit the amber museums in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and La Romana.

WILDLIFE SPOTTING
If you love critters, then you’ll be happy to find a wide variety in the DR, across coastal and mountainous climates. Hop on whale-watching boat tours from Samaná during the mating season, and watch the world’s largest mammals mating and birthing in our bay. In the north, watch manatees surface at Estero Hondo Marine Reserve, or dolphins flipping in the bay waters of Los Haitises National Park. Birds are a big part of wildlife, with 32 endemic species—look out for the Ridgway’s Hawk—that you can spot on hiking excursions in national parks, but also in the hills, valleys, and on offshore islands of the DR. The Dominican southwest is for reptiles, ranging from the American crocodiles teeming inside Lago Enriquillo, and endangered iguanas that inhabit this cacti-lined, desert-like region.

Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or boating, excursions abound to get you close to the DR’s wildlife world.

PLANTATION TRAILS
Tucked in the Dominican Republic’s fertile hills are vast agricultural plantations. Take a tour from Punta Cana to the hills of the La Altagracia province, where you will taste chocolate and learn about Dominican coffee from bean to cup. Similar opportunities exist in Samaná’s El Limón plantations. In Puerto Plata’s hills, women-run cacao plantations such as Chocal offer full-day immersion into the world of chocolate, from hiking amid cacao trees to processing chocolate into bars. In the southwest, fruit trees help produce marmalade from mango, passion fruit, and guava.

Hiking our campo will almost always lead to sweet discoveries.

SANTO DOMINGO
The Dominican Republic’s capital city, Santo Domingo is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. La Capital—as it is affectionately called—epitomizes 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, an electric nightlife, and a booming gastronomy scene.

Exploring the Colonial City—the first European settlement of the Americas and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990—is a recommended experience for all travelers. This historic neighborhood consists of a pedestrian-friendly maze of narrow streets brimming with 16th to early 20th century architectural wonders. They lead toward colonial buildings turned museums, shops, hotels, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés. Hop on the Chu Chu Colonial train for a 45-minute tour of the area, hire a guide who will walk you down the first paved road of the Americas while sharing tales, or rent a bike and meander on your own. For a nature break, picnic on the lawns of the National Botanical Garden, the largest in the Caribbean, or stroll down the Malecón at sunset for sea views, roadside snacks, and people watching.

Beyond the sights, a cultural experience is never far in Santo Domingo’s eclectic neighborhoods. Shop at one of the exclusive malls or at an artisan gallery in the Colonial City—get a linen chacabana shirt, a leather handbag, or a ceramic faceless doll. Dine in style at brand hotels citywide where renowned chefs create twists on Dominican and international cuisine. Relax with a Dominican puro at one of the open terrace-bistros overlooking Plaza de España, or mingle at rooftop lounges on Gustavo Mejía Ricart Avenue. And when you’re ready for the beach, a forty-minute ride lands you onto Boca Chica’s soft, white sands facing a crystal clear Caribbean Sea, where seafood restaurants and entertainment await. Whichever your preferred beat, Santo Domingo has it.

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) is the main port of entry, half an hour east of the city center, while the cruise ship port sits just 10 minutes from the Colonial City.

PUNTA CANA
Blessed with one of the Caribbean region’s longest white sand coastlines–a whopping 48 kilometers (30 miles), punctuated with sky-reaching coconut palms–Punta Cana is the land of rest and relaxation by the sea. Here, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, from the northern tip at Uvero Alto to the southern at Cap Cana, all-inclusive resorts and boutique hideaways offer all the whims and comforts of modern beachfront living. Families enjoy miniature entertainment centers and water parks for children, while couples-only enclaves boast dream wedding locations, with secluded beachside lodging for an ultra-romantic stay. But it’s not only about fun in the sun, soft sand brushing against your toes, and iridescent, clear water to swim in, go fishing, or dive for underwater life and shipwrecks. Punta Cana is also a golfer’s destination, with 10 courses located all along the strip, a seaside escape with luxurious marinas and fine dining, and a wellness corner home to the country’s top spas, including the only Six Senses in the Caribbean.

Wherever you settle on this brilliant white Punta Cana coastline–counting 11 Blue Flag certified beaches in its inventory–go beach hopping to enjoy its full splendor. From scenic surf-hub Macao and Bávaro’s hipster beaches Corales and Cortecito–lined with shops, water sports, and beachfront bars–to secluded Juanillo, among others.

Spend a day away from the sand and you’ll find a myriad of inland adventures. Cool off in fresh water azure cenotes and lagoons tucked inside forests at Ojos Indígenas and Scape Park, where the family’s tweens can also enjoy ziplines and caving expeditions. Explore the lush Dominican countryside on an off-road safari, tumbling past roadside meat shops, and sugar cane plantations. Along the way, visit the country’s top pilgrimage site at the Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, and feel the DR’s deep spiritual roots.

If daytime activities are abundant, nights are no less vibrant. The young at heart can dance the evening away until their feet tire at the DR’s modern nightclubs, while classy evenings under the stars await at marinas and seaside lounges, with cocktails, bites, and hand-rolled cigars.

Punta Cana is the quintessential water, sun, and sand escape.

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the most-connected airport in the Caribbean and Central America, receiving flights from 26 countries and up to two million passengers a year. Since 2017, the area is also a cruise ship destination thanks to Marina Cap Cana, which now welcomes small luxury cruise ships. By land, the Oscar de la Renta highway, also known as Autopista del Coral, puts visitors less than an hour away from La Romana’s beaches and multiple attractions, and just two and a half hours from Santo Domingo and its Colonial City.

SAMANA
Jutting out of the DR’s northeastern shore and basking in the ocean, the nature haven that is the Samaná Peninsula is as coveted today as it was in the 16th century. Pirates hid in its lush, palm-filled forests, isolated beaches, and hidden caves, while European and Haitian troops competed over its deep water, protected bay. Today, Samaná–often abbreviated to refer to the entire peninsula–is well connected by land and air, yet it remains the DR’s secluded, paradisiacal escape of wild beaches, coconut plantations, and rainforests. Its rolling mountains and valleys form the crystalline rivers that feed into the Atlantic, as they cascade toward brilliant white sand beaches stretching hundreds of kilometers all around the peninsula’s rocky coastline. It’s as if the approximately 2,500 humpback whales that visit Samaná Bay every year appreciate this natural splendor as much as visitors do. The giant mammals return every year to this special corner of the DR to mate, birth, and bask in this glorious tropical scenery. Aside from seasonal whale watching boat excursions in Samaná’s scenic bay, more ecotourism adventures are a stone’s throw away: body-boarding and kitesurfing in Las Terrenas; trekking, birding, and caving in Los Haitises National Park; canyoning or horseback riding to reach El Limón waterfall; and boat-hopping to magnificent white sand beaches at the base of 90-meter (300-feet) cliffs, or to offshore Cayo Levantado island.

Samaná is also an independent traveler’s dream. Thousands of Europeans arrived as tourists and became residents, setting up businesses that give the area its unique cosmopolitan vibe. In Las Terrenas, French cafés and quaint guesthouses give way to Euro-chic boutiques, bistros, and beachfront lounges. But the peninsula retains its diverse cultural heritage. Croissants aside, you’ll find a cuisine rich in coconut flavors and seafood–an influence of early Canary Islands settlers, and descendants of 18th century African American immigrants who continue to thrive here. In Las Galeras, the fishing village life remains firm despite the large daytime tourist crowds who flock here to reach the renowned Playa Rincón.

Wherever you decide to stay on the peninsula, perched in treehouses in El Valle, tucked away in an eco-cabin in Las Galeras, or nestled in a beachfront suite, on glorious golden sands of Cosón: prepare for days surrounded by one of the Dominican Republic’s most magnificent beaches and rainforest escapes, where the echoes of merengue and bachata are never far away.

El Catey International Airport (AZS) is the gateway to the Samaná Peninsula. Cruises dock in Samaná in the winter season, near Cayo Levantado and the Bay of Samaná. Sailing enthusiasts will find full docking facilities and slips of up to 150 feet LOA at Puerto Bahía Marina, on the north end of Samaná Bay. By land, modern highways connect the peninsula to major points, including the Santo Domingo-Samaná Highway, or Route 7, and the Boulevard Turístico del Atlántico towards Las Terrenas, offering breathtaking, winding coastal views over the Bay of Cosón.

PUERTO PLATA
The birthplace of tourism in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata continues to pack a mighty punch. Its spectacular, sprawling landscape combines sea, mountains, lush valleys, rivers, and a multitude of beaches. Its fertile soil grows cacao and coffee trees, while underneath rests the world’s clearest amber.

Savvy explorer Christopher Columbus knew there was much to discover on this northern Atlantic coastline–eventually finding gold deposits–when he glimpsed it from his ship in 1492. Drawn by the sight of clouds shimmering over Mount Isabel de Torres and illuminating Puerto Plata’s vast blue shoreline, he named the area the “Silver Port” and settled at La Isabela with a mixed community of Tainos–original inhabitants of the area–and Spaniards, built the first church and his first home in the Americas. You can follow Columbus’s trail and tour these archeological ruins, now part of a national park.

Puerto Plata’s natural bounty continues to astound those who lay eyes on La Novia del Atlántico, or as locals call it, the Atlantic’s Darling. A bird’s eye view from the cable car–the only one in the Caribbean, taking passengers to Mount Isabel de Torres and its lush botanical gardens–reveals part of an Atlantic coastline with more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of beaches gracing multiple coastal villages, inland farming communities replete with rivers and falls, and hotels of all sizes to suit all tastes. To boot, Puerto Plata is home to colonial vestiges, including the largest collection of preserved 19th century Victorian-style houses in the Caribbean, the oldest amber fossils in the world on display at the Amber Museum, and one of the first colonial period fortresses in the region at Fortaleza San Felipe, dating back to 1577.

East and west along Puerto Plata’s coastline, steady trade winds, river systems, the vast Cordillera Septentrional mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean conspire to create a world of outdoor adventure, including beach towns renowned for water sports. Less than half an hour from the city, Sosúa was first settled by Jewish immigrants who fled Nazi Germany, boasting beautiful beaches where expats and locals coexist, and rich underwater sites. Nearby Cabarete is a world famous hub for windsurfing, surfing, and kiteboarding, and a favorite cosmopolitan hideout of snowbirds. Playa Dorada is for those who want to relax in style on golden stretches, with seaside activities near the city, from canyoning at 27 Charcos of Damajagua waterfalls to snorkeling at Cayo Arena, and relaxing at Ocean World Marina.

Nature aside, Puerto Plata’s multitude of vibrant villages translates into a host of cultural experiences. Home of community tourism, here is where you can hike family-owned cacao or coffee plantations, learn how to play and dance merengue from a family of musicians, or immerse in Dominican pelota at the Bartolo Colón stadium and museum. Along the way are a multitude of culinary experiences, from roadside snacks to beachside seafood, and gourmet international restaurants.

Puerto Plata’s main points of entry include the Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), located 15 minutes from the city center and Playa Dorada or Costa Dorada hotels, and the Amber Cove Cruise Center in Maimón.

LA ROMANA
Overflowing in natural riches—from a poster-worthy Caribbean coastline to world-class golf courses—La Romana is one of the country’s top destination picks. Fields of sugar cane lead to continuous white sand beaches from Dominicus to Bayahíbe. Cave-riddled forests inside Cotubanamá National Park are home to fresh water springs and Taino rock art. Offshore, the islands of Saona, Catalina, and Catalinita are lined with turtle nesting stretches facing pristine coral reefs, while shipwrecks teeming with marine life rest at shallow and extreme depths.

The largest sugar cane mill in the Americas was once headquartered in La Romana, until its owners diversified and ventured into tourism by opening the luxurious Casa de Campo Resort in 1974, a celebrity favorite and renowned destination for its award-winning Pete Dye golf courses. The adjacent 16th century Altos de Chavón followed—a stunning replica of a Mediterranean village towering over the Chavón River, and bustling with entertainment—including an outdoor Grecian amphitheater where Grammy-winning artists perform every year.

While visitors flock to La Romana for a luxurious seaside lifestyle of chasing tail, scuba diving, fine dining, and shopping, its fishing village charms along Bayahíbe and Dominicus win many more over. La Romana is the gateway to Saona and Catalina Islands, which are part of the Cotubanamá National Park, and the most visited natural attractions in the country.

One wouldn’t expect any less from the only location in the DR and the world where the rare Bayahíbe Rose originates—a soft pink-colored cactus-shrub named National Flower of the DR in 2011 and featured on the Dominican currency.

The main ports of entry to La Romana and Bayahíbe are La Romana International Airport (LRM) and Casa de Campo Tourist Port.

JARABACOA
Perched at an altitude of 529 meters (1,736 feet), this scenic mountain resort town is a favorite escape of Santiago and Santo Domingo city dwellers. They flock here in search of cool temperatures, fresh rivers, and sweeping green landscapes flanked by dense pine forests and coffee-producing mountains. An eco-tourism hub easily accessed via modern highways, Jarabacoa–meaning “place of waters” in Taino–boasts a variety of charming accommodations, from riverside ranches and eco-lodges to luxury vacation villas perched in the mountains.

Most adventurous travelers who reach this unique side of the country arrive on a quest to conquer the tallest peak in the Caribbean: Pico Duarte, standing 3,087 meters (10,125 feet) inside the Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez national parks, reigning over the Cordillera Central mountain range. From this mighty summit flows the Río Yaque del Norte, the longest river in the DR, running through the heart of this Cibao region like its lifeline. Along with at least six additional rivers sourced here, including their tributaries, this is a world of waterfalls and outdoor water adventures: go river rafting, tubing, canyoning and rappelling down Salto Baiguate, hiking to the Salto de Jimenoa falls, or swimming at La Cortina and La Confluencia, two recreational parks fed by fresh pools.

On land, horseback riding is part and parcel of Jarabacoan culture. You haven’t quite felt the magic of this valley-filled town until you’ve been galloping on horseback or riding freely on a scooter along verdant fields, fragrant with cilantro and tayota, past cows grazing along riverbanks and under mango trees, and wooden cabins tucked near mountain tops. Feeling the pulse of Jarabacoa also means exploring its surrounding villages in La Ciénaga and Manabao–preferably by mountain bike–offering even more breathtaking mountain views along narrow, winding roads, and coffee farms that this region is known for. You could also choose to get a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the area by paragliding in tandem over Jarabacoa’s peaks, valleys, and falls.

Downtown Jarabacoa, easily explored on foot, bustles with shoppers, diners, vendors, and a hint of nightlife after sundown. Because it’s as much a vacation escape for Dominicans as it is for visitors, Jarabacoa is blessed with affordably priced daily amenities, from well-stocked supermarkets to a bevvy of dining options. Snack on a delicious steak roadside at one of the area’s famous parilladas or grills or dine under the stars with panoramic views. On the outskirts of town, Café de Monte Alto factory produces the city’s prized blend–stop in for a coffee-making tour and plenty of tastings that are sure to keep you warm in this “city of eternal spring.”

To boot, Jarabacoa is the only town in the country with an annual flower festival, held in June, celebrating the mountain life culture with horseback parades, flower contests, and folkloric dancing. What’s not to love?

The Cibao International Airport (STI), located in Santiago, approximately an hour north from Jarabacoa and a half hour from La Vega city, is the closest gateway.

CONSTANZA
Boasting an average elevation of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet), Constanza is the highest altitude town in the Caribbean region. With those impressive heights come cool temperatures, rolling valleys blanketed in thick pine trees, cabins fitted with chimneys for the single digit night temperatures, and an agricultural landscape that reveals a surprising departure from the beach. Breadbasket of the country, Constanza’s vast fields of vegetables–potatoes, cabbage, corn, and carrots, among others–flowers, and even strawberries can be seen while driving around the province. Its mountainside villages boast magical views over these fields, earning Constanza nicknames like “the Switzerland of the Caribbean” and “Valle Encantado” or the Enchanted Valley.

Bordered by four large national parks, including two scientific reserves, this geographic center of the Dominican Republic is blessed with nature–from freshly harvested foods to fresh river sources, and multiple types of forests. Valle Nuevo National Park–the highest plateau in the region at approximately 1,900-2,100 meters (6,500-7,000 feet)–is home to major rivers supplying the country, not to mention ideal hiking trails amid cloud, criollo pine, and fern tree forests as well as highland plains. Over 70 species of birds thrive there, including the endangered golden swallow, and you’ll find plenty of reptiles, amphibians, and over 500 species of plants. At the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve, chilly but fresh pools await amid an environment of precious woods and over 80 species of orchids, giant tree frogs, and lizards.

On the weekends, Constanza’s small town center bustles with bars, gourmet restaurants–enjoy fresh vegetable pizzas or strawberry shakes–and a central park that fills up with weekend visitors from Jarabacoa, Santo Domingo, and Santiago.

Temperatures year round average between 5°C-25°C (41°F-77°F). From December to March, the air gets chillier, with temperatures dropping into single digits at night, yet warming up nicely during the days. Summertime temperatures are pleasant and mid-day hours are not too warm. Pick a local guesthouse or ecolodge, rent a car, and begin your exploration. Tour farms where you can purchase homemade fruit marmalades. Go birding at Valle Nuevo National Park, or hiking in the Tetero Valley. Hop on a horseback ride to El Divino Niño–Constanza’s beautiful version of a Christ the Redeemer statue. Mountain bike your way around farm roads. Venture to the highest altitude Aguas Blancas waterfall. Along the way, stand on any hilltop in Constanza to take in the magnificent mountain and farm scenery. You might just feel like you’re hearing the sound of music.

The Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago is the closest gateway to Constanza, located approximately two hours north.

SANTIAGO
Santiago de los Caballeros–named after the 30 Spanish aristocrats who followed Columbus and settled here in 1495–was the country’s first capital before it suffered an earthquake in 1562. Today, the Dominican Republic’s second largest city–affectionately dubbed “Ciudad Corazón” or the city in the heart of the Cibao Valley–is a modern and cosmopolitan center thriving in commerce, finance, education, and services, and pulsating with culture.

Towering over its sprawling urban streets, the Monumento a Los Héroes de la Restauración–affectionately called El Monumento–is the city’s chief landmark and social hub, where residents and visitors gather on its lawns, but also serves as a constant reminder of the men who regained the DR’s independence from Spain in 1865. Looming in the distance is the Cordillera Central mountain range, replete with hiking adventures. History, arts, and culture are never far in Santiago–Centro Cultural León offers a comprehensive display of the country’s rich heritage–and are part and parcel of this significant region as birthplace of the Mirabal Sisters, as well as several Dominican presidents. Home to universities, the area also brims with a dynamic population of millenials, amid professionals, all of whom enjoy the city’s vibrant entertainment and nightlife, boasting over 100 discos, bars, and lounges within the downtown area.

Despite the big city life, traditions run deep. Baseball passion thrives, as Santiago is home to the popular Aguilas Cibaeñas team, winners of three Caribbean Series and 22 national titles since 1952. In the city’s surrounding areas are some of the most talented artisans and painters in the DR, while Santiago Carnival ranks among the most revered in the country, with the most bejeweled handmade devil costumes after La Vega’s. To boot, nature has blessed the province with fertile soils that grow the world’s finest tobacco, home to 90 percent of the largest cigar plantations and factories and earning Santiago the nickname “Cigar Country.” Puro aficionados will also find all the premium brand factories near the city center at Tamboril, offering free daily tours and exclusive shopping opportunities.

Cultured, innovative, and fast-paced: that’s Santiago. Yet minutes outside city limits, the peaceful sight of mountains and cool air whisk you away from the hustle and bustle, plunging you into the stunning Cibao heartland.

The Cibao International Airport (STI) is conveniently located a half-hour from the city center.

MONTECRISTI
The jewel of the northwest, the border province of Montecristi presents a wild and striking landscape ripe for off-the-beaten-track adventures. Rice plantations, banana fields, goats and giant cacti stand sentry roadside, leading towards salt ponds and onto limestone cliffs hugging a wave-rich Atlantic Ocean. Around this part desert and part Mediterranean-like scenery, thick mangrove tunnels give way to fresh lagoons, while offshore cayes teem with migratory birds, and offer secluded white sand beaches.

Unpretentious, the town of San Fernando de Montecristi–founded by Nicolás de Ovando in 1501 and named after King Ferdinand of Spain–reveals a rich and inspiring legacy. It’s where Cuban José Martí and Dominican General Máximo Gómez planned for Cuba’s independence from Spain–you can view key documents on display at the Museo Máximo Gómez. Juan Isidro Jiménez, President of the Dominican Republic from 1899 to 1911, hailed from Montecristi, while immigrants flocked from Europe, the United States, and South America during this period to help export the region’s wood and agricultural products. The town was transformed into a major trading port. Few also know that Montecristi is where the Dominican Republic’s first aqueduct, railroad, and telephones were installed.

Sunsets grace the town’s small but beautiful boardwalk and beach, with multiple surrounding hotels and restaurants serving the area’s traditional spicy goat specialty. From your seafront table and from any point in town are unmistakable views of El Morro–the iconic mesa looming over Montecristi like its very own “Table Mountain,” at the foot of which sits a spectacular blond beach. Those who venture off the sand onto the Atlantic Ocean can kitesurf to their heart’s content, or go underwater to explore the coral barrier reef running parallel to El Morro and stretching all the way to Punta Rucia. It’s the largest and healthiest reef in the DR. In the distance, across the bay of Montecristi, the best snorkeling and diving adventures in the country lie off Cayo Siete Hermanos, a series of seven cayes doubling as a primary nesting site of brown boobies and migratory birds.

Last but not least, you’ll want to look out for shipwrecks–Montecristi’s waters are known as the “ship graveyard of the Caribbean,” with over 450 sunken galleons dating back to Columbus’s days, many of which await discovery and study from marine archeologists.

With a wild terrain that leads to inevitable outdoor surprises, Montecristi is where you can live out your own Pirates of the Caribbean adventure.

The main gateway to Montecristi is the Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago, followed by the Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP), in Puerto Plata.

JUAN DOLIO
Located an hour east of the capital city of Santo Domingo, and closer still to Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), the cosmopolitan beach town of Juan Dolio offers an easy and tranquil tropical escape near the capital city. A favorite of well-heeled urbanites who flock here on weekends, Juan Dolio’s 10-kilometer (six-mile) long, spacious and sparkling white sand beach is dotted with hotels, dive shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as a variety of vacation homes, upscale residential communities, and newly built condominiums.

Beyond days spent on Juan Dolio’s stunning beach, a host of nearby attractions awaits. The adjacent Guayacanes fishing village, with its canoe-punctuated white sand beach, offers a perfect day trip filled with local culture, while Playa Caribe’s azure waves attract surfers. Golfers will find their bliss at Juan Dolio’s Guavaberry and Los Marlins courses, teeing along verdant views, while hikers can head to the “cave of wonders,” revealing a wealth of Taino rock art.

Juan Dolio is also an ideal base for day trips to Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, or La Romana. These activity and shopping-packed cities are located within an hour’s reach heading east or west.

Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) is the ideal port of entry for overnight stays in Juan Dolio.

BARAHONA
The deep southwest of the Dominican Republic, dubbed “El Sur Profundo,” is geographically removed from the country’s primary tourist destinations – but those who get closer will find that remoteness has its perks: the most biodiverse reserve and parks in the country, surfing beaches drawing athletes in search of their next break, fresh water cascades turned natural recreational swimming parks, birding havens tucked amid mountain ranges, and plantations producing some of the country’s finest coffee. It’s no wonder this region has also earned the nickname “Pearl of the South” or “La Perla del Sur”.

Past Barahona’s eclectic local pulse, the province itself and its inland surrounding areas of Bahoruco and Independencia plunge you into a scenery of fishing villages with sand dotted by canoes, and sights of mountain ranges that seem to come down from the sky and fall into the iridescent turquoise Caribbean Sea as you drive along the scenic Barahona-Enriquillo Coastal Highway. Covering a surface of around 7,700 square kilometers (3,000 square miles), the Barahona province is a nature and wildlife-watching haven, with multiple attractions that could keep you occupied for days.

The Sierra de Bahoruco National Park, which makes up part of the country’s sole UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, reveals multiple ecosystems that range from dry forests to cloud–rising over 2,000 meters (7,500 feet) and where unique species make their home. These include at least 180 species of orchids, of which 32 are endemic, rhinoceros iguanas, and over 100 species of birds along marked trails. Complementing this wilderness are rivers cascading down to meet pebble stone beaches, towering bluffs with a coastal scenery unlike anywhere else in the DR, and caves tucked in thick fern forests leading you toward refreshing swims in blue sinkholes while hearing mystical tales.

When you’re not mountain biking, hiking in forests or chasing after gemstones at the larimar mines, catch an artisan marmalade making session with the local cooperative in La Ciénaga, or just relax at one of the village’s local bars.

Like a paint palette at your disposal, Barahona’s widespread outdoors and atypical sights allow for picking and blending your choice of scenery and adventures.

The best entry point for overnight stays in Barahona is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in the capital city of Santo Domingo, located approximately three hours west.

PEDERNALES
Tucked in the southwestern most corner of the Dominican Republic, bordering Haiti, the Pedernales province is as remote as it gets. Yet this distant, desert-like coastal landscape beckons the ultimate outdoor explorer–a place where giant cacti line the roads with intermittent views of iridescent turquoise shores, where cows and iguanas are a frequent sight, and where naturalists will find the country’s most significant reserves.

The majority of visitors head to Pedernales to reach Bahía de Las Águilas, the crown jewel of Dominican beaches, sitting below breathtaking karst cliffs and untouched since Pre-Columbian times. But those who stay overnight will find a province boasting some of the most unique geographical features and protected natural sights in the country. Parks, lagoons, and lakes that host endemic, endangered reptiles, birds, and wild flora. Ancient Taino caverns that reveal freshwater sinkholes, and rock art few have explored. And the Jaragua National Park, a jewel in the DR’s nature crown, part of a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, that is home to 400 species of flora, 130 species of birds–look for flamingos at Laguna de Oviedo–an abundant marine life with turtles nesting on its beaches, and sharks swimming off the islands of Beata and Alto Velo. You’ll find a haven of reptiles as well, including the Hispaniolan solenodon, and the Hispaniolan hutia. Nearby, American crocodiles breed and bask in hypersaline waters at Lago Enriquillo, the Caribbean’s largest lake, sitting 43 meters (140 feet) below sea level.

Head off the beach and forests, and swim in river fed pools amid caverns. Or drive up into the cool mountains at 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) above sea level, and witness rare Caribbean phenomena like the geological depression at Hoyo de Pelempito.

Pedernales’ attractions are often included in tours of the Barahona province, located approximately two hours away (135 kilometers or 84 miles). But you can escape the madding crowds and overnight near the country’s most pristine beach if you choose, and take in this nature province’s wild surroundings.

Pedernales’ best entry point is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ), located approximately four and a half hours west.

LA VEGA
La Vega has gained its place in the book of tourism for the colors and sights of its Sunday carnivals in February. It is the capital of the province where the mountain vacation destinations of Jarabacoa and Constanza are located. It is also center for the veneration of the patron virgin of the Dominican Republic, Our Lady of Mercedes. But before you head into the surrounding mountains, take time to get to experience this hospitable city.

The Cibao International Airport (STI) is the closest airport for those headed to La Vega.

BOCA CHICA
On weekends Boca Chica caters to Santo Domingo city residents who come for the shallow turquoise-colored waters. Boca Chica is the place to eat fried fish or seafood with a view at one of the many beachside restaurants. On weekdays, tourists can practically have the beach and town to themselves. There are three beach areas: Boca Chica (swimming, dining and night life), Andrés (sailors and sport fishers), La Caleta (divers).

Over the years singles tourism has settled in, but Boca Chica’s three all-inclusive resorts are heavily into conference and sports tourism. Tourists staying there get to enjoy a beach, proximity to Las Americas International Airport, are half an hour from the Colonial City, and are close enough to good golfing in Juan Dolio and La Romana.

Boca Chica is conveniently close to the Mirador del Este park sports venues, diving at La Caleta Underwater Park, sailing and fishing installations and the beach volleyball courts.

Boca Chica is a 10-minute drive from the Las Americas International Airport (SDQ).

BONAO
Midway between Santiago and Santo Domingo, Bonao is often considered just a stop for a meal but its natural beauty high in the hills and the local art make it more of a destination. The Blanco River ecotouristic trails and Jima waterfalls are easy to access. Its outstanding Cándido Bidó and Tiburcio museums are open all year round and visiting the Bonao Carnival during the month of February is particularly enticing.

The Dominican Republic is one of the most desired destinations for a combined business and leisure trip. Offering the most varied landscape in the Caribbean–from sea to mountain ranges, valleys, sand dunes, and signature continuous white sand beaches–along with a wide choice of accommodations, modern transportation and venue infrastructure, and a plethora of attractions, the DR blends work and play seamlessly. Its soaring visitor numbers–the highest in the region, currently over six million a year–reflect the destination’s efforts in continuously upgrading all aspects of the visitor experience, from lodging to highways, entertainment, historical and cultural preservation, and meeting and convention spaces.

Throw in eight international airports–making it the best-connected Caribbean destination–and a total hotel inventory of over 80,000 rooms: choosing the ideal DR region to fit your group or incentive trip becomes a simpler task.

For large events, the top choice remains Punta Cana, home to the country’s largest number and size of all-inclusive beachfront hotels, as well as the largest convention center space. But Santo Domingo, the capital city of the DR, holds its own. This first urban settlement in the Americas–its Colonial City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with historical stops–is home to leading international hotel brands with casinos, and the country’s gastronomy hub, making it the perfect base for culture, history, and nightlife. To the east, La Romana’s luxurious lodging and golf activities coupled with nearby Bayahíbe’s stunning beaches, a national park, and offshore islands attract small to medium events. Up north, Puerto Plata is an excellent choice for medium-sized meetings complemented with an adrenaline-packed outdoor and culture-filled itinerary for team building activities. Samaná’s boutique hotels and haven of secluded beaches and mountains, along with some of the best wildlife watching in the DR, is the go-to place for small groups.

Experienced meeting planners and sales teams, located all around the DR’s major destinations, are a phone call away to create your unforgettable experiences–coordinating the right venue, transportation, and staffing multilingual assistants for your group.

In between meetings, go beach hopping and sailing–choosing from our nearly 1,000 miles (1,576 kilometers) of coastline–play one or more of its 26 golf courses, go on adrenaline-packed hikes and ziplines, tour coffee or cacao plantations, cool off in freshwater lagoons and caves, snorkel off reefs and shipwrecks, explore our diverse gastronomy, and relax under the stars at one of our world-class marinas or beachfront resorts.

From south to north, or east, you’ll soon notice that balancing work and leisure is part and parcel of our Dominican culture. All you have to do to get started is pick one of the magical corners of our country.

SHOPPING
The Dominican Republic is the shopping giant of the Caribbean. Browse designer stores in Santo Domingo’s shopping malls, notably the Blue Mall and Ágora, or shop at a handful of Dominican and international boutiques in Punta Cana, and La Romana. Local arts and crafts are ubiquitous, but you will find the best selections near city centers such as in the Colonial City’s galleries, near Parque Central in Puerto Plata, among others. Resorts and marinas offer even more options for those with limited time. Along the way, meander in colorful produce markets, present in every town and brimming with abundant fruits and vegetables. Pick up amber or larimar jewelry, cigars, chocolate, coffee, or a flask of mamajuana.

Stores are generally open Monday through Saturday, with shopping malls also opening on Sunday with limited hours.

RECREATION PARKS
Locals and visitors enjoy a number of recreational parks around the country, designed to fit around natural surroundings. Punta Cana’s selection is the vastest, ranging from one-stop hiking, ziplining, and sinkhole swimming at Scape Park, to bungee jumping and Segway tours at Bávaro Adventure Park. In Puerto Plata, Ocean World Adventure Park is a hit with the children, who love getting up close with dolphins and seals or splash from the pool slide, while Fun City is for go-kart fun. In Santo Domingo, the waterfront Plaza Juan Barón offers go-karts for kids, and a full children’s playground at Playa Güibia.

Recreation parks are open year round, and are ideal to keep the family entertained in one spot.

URBAN PARKS
Dominican Republic’s cities have one thing in common: urban parks are the hub of social life, a central gathering point where locals take a break from their day to chat, meet with their loved ones, get a cold drink, a fresh coconut or ice cream from the mobile vendors, or throw down in a game of dominoes. Santo Domingo’s urban parks are among the most historic and scenic, from Parque Colón, surrounded in colonial architecture, to Parque Duarte, and Parque Independencia. Puerto Plata’s central square is worth a stroll, as is Santiago’s, and La Romana’s, filled with life-sized baseball statues.

Frequented at all times of the day, including at night in the Colonial City, city parks are a great way to experience the local culture.

MUSIC + NIGHTLIFE
Music and dancing are an integral part of everyday life in the DR. Whether you find yourself in Santo Domingo, the hub of nightlife and live performances, or in a small village in the center of the country, Dominican beats will echo from corner stores to local clubs, while people dance indoors or even outdoors in parks and public spaces. Experience folkloric music every Friday and Saturday night in Santo Domingo on Plaza de España, or dance the night away to a live son and merengue band on Sundays by the ruins of San Francisco. Bar hop and party in Santiago’s downtown, or discover the “drink” lounges of Puerto Plata, where merengue and bachata dominate. Beach nightlife takes on new meaning in Cabarete, where you can party the night away at a range of bars along the waterfront. Punta Cana’s glitzy nightclubs and marinas are equally popular, pumping house music or offering sophisticated wine bars.

It’s always a good season for live music and dancing in the DR.

CASINOS
If you love to bet or just soak in the casino atmosphere, head to Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Santiago, or Puerto Plata—the three best casino hubs of the DR. Lining the capital’s Malecón seafront boulevard, most of Santo Domingo’s brand hotels offer full service casinos. Try your hand at roulette, blackjack, or poker, among other options, while the drinks flow, often to live merengue music. In Puerto Plata, Ocean World’s casino doubles as a nighttime bar with cabaret-style shows. Punta Cana’s world-class resorts each offer casino entertainment on site, and remain open throughout the night. In Santiago, the city center lights up at night with casino signs.

Rolling the dice is a year round possibility in the DR. Place your bets!

MARINAS
Sailors aren’t the only ones who can enjoy the Dominican Republic’s multiple, full-service marinas. World-class facilities in Punta Cana and Cap Cana present a world of entertainment—from waterfront fine dining to shopping, fishing and diving excursions, movie theaters, and bars. The most prestigious Casa de Campo Marina offers an incredible view along the mouth of the Chavón River where it meets the Caribbean Sea, for its dockside restaurants and shopping plazas. Puerto Plata’s Ocean World Marina livens up with a casino and weekly dance show, while Puerto Blanco Marina in Luperón is popular for its Dominican-themed food and dancing nights. Samaná’s Puerto Bahía Marina is conveniently close to popular attractions, such as Cayo Levantado and Los Haitises National Park.

The DR’s marinas are a wonderful added perk for year-round entertainment.

ICONIC SIGHTS
Known as the cradle of the Americas, the Dominican Republic is full of iconic sights across its cities and provinces. Visit world-famous beaches—such as Playa Rincón, in Samaná. Walk through the first buildings and monuments in the Americas lining the streets of Santo Domingo’s Colonial City. Hike the ruins of La Isabela, in Puerto Plata province, where Columbus built his first and only home on land in the Americas, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Hike the DR’s sole UNESCO Biosphere in the southwest, the most biodiverse in the country. Hear the history of merengue in a small village in Puerto Plata, said to be its birthplace. Visit cathedrals and religious shrines, key in Dominican culture.

The majority of iconic sights are easily reached from the country’s main tourist destinations, and remain open year-round.

CHURCHES
A majority of the population is Roman Catholic, as well as other Christian denominations. As a result, Dominican churches play an important role in the culture and history of the country, dating back to the days of the Spanish colonialists. Tour the most significant church in the Colonial City: the Catedral Primada de América, the oldest in the Americas, where official national celebrations take place. The Colonial City is filled with many more breathtaking, important religious sites you can reach on foot, such as Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes, one of two representations of the country’s patron saint. Dominicans make a pilgrimage to Higüey every January 21, to the Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia, the country’s most important shrine dedicated to the DR’s patron saint, the Virgin Mary, and often included on tours from Punta Cana. Off the beaten track, a visit of the Holy Hill of Santo Cerro and adjoining church is worthwhile to see the third holiest site in the DR, just outside of La Vega, where Dominicans make a pilgrimage on September 24, Day of the Señora de Las Mercedes.

To ensure entry, dress appropriately when visiting any of these symbolic churches.

MUSEUMS
Museum buffs will find a bevy of opportunities around the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo’s Colonial City—the first urban settlement in the New World—houses excellent museums providing insight into the Spanish colonial days—from the Alcázar de Colón palace to the Museo de las Casas Reales, where the royal court was housed. The city also boasts a museum complex at Plaza de la Cultura, showcasing history and modern art, while the latest offering in the city is all about Dominican chocolate. In Puerto Plata, you can learn about national heroes and precious stones, while Samaná offers an insightful small museum on its humpback whales, and Sosúa has a fascinating Jewish Museum. La Romana’s Altos de Chavón is home to the most comprehensive display on the Taino at the Regional Museum of Archeology.

Whether covering history, geography, precious stones, chocolate, baseball, rum, family life in the DR, or architecture, among other topics, there’s a museum to fit all ages and interests.

THEATERS
Theater plays an important role in Dominican arts and culture. The DR is said to be the first destination in the Americas to offer drama entertainment, a direct result of the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The most prestigious theaters in the country include Eduardo Brito National Theater, with a capacity of 1,600–Palacio de Bellas Artes, and the Cibao Grand Theater. An annual theater festival is held in Santo Domingo—the heart of theater in the DR—but you can experience a play throughout the year at one of the many excellent facilities in the capital, and in Santiago, the second largest city in the DR.

Consult each theater’s calendar for current information on upcoming plays and performance dates.

RUM + CIGARS
Rum and cigars go hand in hand in the Dominican Republic, where the fertile soil produces some of the world’s best tobacco, and abundant sugar cane. Dominican premium tobacco brands are award winning, including La Aurora, Romeo y Julieta, and La Flor Dominicana. If you’re able, join the annual Pro-Cigar Festival to fully enjoy the breadth of the Dominican cigar, with entertainment along the way. But whether you’re visiting in the summer or winter season, there’s always an opportunity to tour one of the DR’s top cigar factories, in-city or on their plantations, from Punta Cana, La Romana, Santiago, or Puerto Plata, among other hubs. Along your explorations, particularly in Santo Domingo and Santiago, stop in at a cigar lounge, and kick back with your choice of dark or white rum, from Brugal to Barceló, Bermúdez, or Macorís brands.

For more history on Dominican rum and cigars, visit the Rum and Tobacco Museum in the Colonial City, and hop on a tour of the Brugal Rum Factory in Puerto Plata.

BASEBALL
Baseball is the Dominican Republic’s favorite sport. For Dominicans, “pelota”–as we call it here–is more than a sport. It’s a limitless passion, a love for country and unity. For the young generation, baseball also symbolizes a dream and hope for a better future–with the possibility of becoming one of the world’s legendary Dominican baseball players. After all, it worked for Sammy Sosa, Pedro Martínez, David Ortiz, Robinson Canó, José Reyes, Juan Marichal and Bartolo Colón, among numerous others.

Aside from tracking their favorite players during the Major League Baseball (MLB) games, each Dominican has a favorite team that he or she cheers on during the Dominican baseball season. Baseball season in the DR runs from mid-October through late January, featuring six teams competing at major professional baseball stadiums around the country. If you are visiting during these months, add this unique experience to your list–going to a Dominican “juego de pelota” is about the game, but it’s also a lively party.

BEACHES
White sand beaches that seem to endlessly run into the horizon, punctuated with slim coconut trees reaching the skies: it’s what the Dominican Republic is best known for. South to east, and north, you will keep busy finding your favorite plot of sand along our 1,600-kilometer (1,000-mile) sandy coastline. Over 200 beaches—many of which remain uncrowded and undeveloped—line the Caribbean and the Atlantic coastlines, ranging from a brilliant white to a handful of black sand stretching southwest. Visit Punta Cana’s world-renowned 48-kilometer (30-mile) stretch, but also consider Samaná’s world-ranked beaches such as Playa Rincón. On the north coast, you’ll be spoiled for choice, from Playa Cabarete to Playa Grande, or Playa Punta Rucia. Go off-the-beaten track to Playa El Valle, or Playa Frontón—reached by boat—sure to leave you speechless.

Caribbean-facing beaches are safe year round, while our northern coastline requires more attention to weather conditions before swimming. Sundays are family beach day for Dominicans, and you’ll find plenty of food and music.

NATIONAL PARKS + PROTECTED AREAS
The Dominican Republic’s diverse topography and varying climates combine to create the perfect environment for over 6,000 species of thriving flora and fauna, including a high number of endemic species. In Bayahíbe, Cotubanamá National Park stretches from land—where you can spot the national, endemic Bayahíbe Rose—to the marine jewels of Saona and Catalina islands offshore, teeming with marine life. The largest of all national parks, and part of the DR’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Jaragua National Park includes beach, lagoons, dry forests and cays. Nearby, the Sierra de Bahoruco is the only cloud forest in the Caribbean. Among the most visited parks in the country is also its most stunning: Los Haitises National Park, toured mainly by boat to view its towering rock mounts rising out of the water. In one of the most remote, pristine areas of the country, Valle Nuevo National Park astounds with its dense pine tree forests and frosty mornings.

Whether for hiking, bird watching, or on flora expeditions, the DR’s protected areas should feature on your vacation to do list.

ISLANDS + CAYES
In addition to the mainland’s sparkling beaches, the DR boasts multiple offshore cayes with an even more stunning sea and sand environment. Hop on a catamaran sail to breathtaking Saona or Catalina islands, home to the Caribbean’s longest natural pool, and beaches stretching as far as the eye can see against iridescent turquoise waters. Cayo Arena, off the coast of Puerto Plata, is ideal for a snorkeling trip. Off the coast of Samaná, Cayo Levantado is a perfect lunch and swim escape—often included in tours of Los Haitises, but you can also overnight at the on—site, luxury resort. Off the coast of Montecristi are the most off-the-beaten track cays of the Siete Hermanos.

Island excursions are offered year-round, and are particularly enjoyable during the summer season, when crowds are fewer.

RIVERS + LAKES
Taking a cold river dip, near or away from the beach, is part and parcel of DR culture. Locals love to swim in fresh water rivers, cooking along the banks, and resting in the shade. For more adventure, go river rafting in Jarabacoa and feel the rapids as you tumble over mini cascades past a rocky shore. Rent a kayak and glide along the majestic Chavón River, in La Romana, once featured in the movie Apocalypse Now. In the southwest, the rivers of Barahona—easily accessed as they tumble down to meet the sea—are so magnificent for a swim that they are natural attractions, combining food and drinks on site. Lakes are no less impressive—hop on a boat tour of Lago Enriquillo, sitting 30 meters (138 feet) below sea level at the lowest point in the Caribbean, and home to American crocodiles.

Rivers dips are ideal during the summer when temperatures are at their highest, but you can enjoy them year-round, while lakes are ideal for bird spotting.

CENOTES + SPRINGS
Tucked inside lush rainforests, cenotes and spring-fed pools are breathtaking in color—sparkling, clear turquoise and emerald—and offer refreshing, cold swims in nature. In Punta Cana, look out for Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul—or blue hole—or the Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve, both offering easy rainforest hikes to reach the cenotes. Perhaps the most famous DR springs of all are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where you can leap or slide to your heart’s content into deep azure pools. You’ll find plenty more fresh water escapes, including Cabarete’s El Choco National Park, and along Barahona’s hiking trail toward Cueva de la Virgen.

With so many lush hills, you’re bound to find your favorite natural pool, available to enjoy any time of the year.

WATERFALLS
Abundant rivers lead to numerous waterfalls, some of which offer adrenaline-packed hiking adventures. Puerto Plata’s 27 Charcos de Damajagua waterfall park presents a series of cascades to conquer with jumps or slides, while Salto El Limón waterfall in Samaná is ranked among the highest, tumbling down 30 meters (100 feet). The heart of the DR, replete with mountains, is home to numerous freshwater cascades, and visiting them can easily fill your daily calendar, from Salto Baiguate to Salto Jimenoa I and II in Jarabacoa. Smaller cascades can be found tucked away in the hills all around the country, ready to be discovered.

Waterfall excursions are available from various points of the country—you could even design your trip according to the ones you wish to experience.

GEM HUNTING
The Dominican Republic is known for two major precious and semi-precious stones you will see polished and sold in jewelry stores around the country: amber and larimar. Dominican amber—which was first offered to Columbus on his arrival in 1492, and later made famous in Jurassic Park—is mined on the north coast, in the hills of La Cumbre, the only place where blue amber is found.

The hills of Bahoruco produce the larimar stone—a blue-colored, semi-precious stone found only in the southwest of the DR and nowhere else in the world. Hiking excursions to mining regions are offered year round. Explore the grounds while the men are at work, as they enter and exit the underground with raw stones they’ve just extracted. While on tour, you can purchase unpolished stones directly from one of the recommended miners.

For more history, visit the amber museums in Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and La Romana.

WILDLIFE SPOTTING
If you love critters, then you’ll be happy to find a wide variety in the DR, across coastal and mountainous climates. Hop on whale-watching boat tours from Samaná during the mating season, and watch the world’s largest mammals mating and birthing in our bay. In the north, watch manatees surface at Estero Hondo Marine Reserve, or dolphins flipping in the bay waters of Los Haitises National Park. Birds are a big part of wildlife, with 32 endemic species—look out for the Ridgway’s Hawk—that you can spot on hiking excursions in national parks, but also in the hills, valleys, and on offshore islands of the DR. The Dominican southwest is for reptiles, ranging from the American crocodiles teeming inside Lago Enriquillo, and endangered iguanas that inhabit this cacti-lined, desert-like region.

Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or boating, excursions abound to get you close to the DR’s wildlife world.

PLANTATION TRAILS
Tucked in the Dominican Republic’s fertile hills are vast agricultural plantations. Take a tour from Punta Cana to the hills of the La Altagracia province, where you will taste chocolate and learn about Dominican coffee from bean to cup. Similar opportunities exist in Samaná’s El Limón plantations. In Puerto Plata’s hills, women-run cacao plantations such as Chocal offer full-day immersion into the world of chocolate, from hiking amid cacao trees to processing chocolate into bars. In the southwest, fruit trees help produce marmalade from mango, passion fruit, and guava.

Hiking our campo will almost always lead to sweet discoveries.

GOLF
Renowned for having the most magnificent golf courses in the Caribbean region, and Latin America, the Dominican Republic is the undisputed leader of golf in the tropics. At least seven of the DR’s courses have consistently topped Golf Week Magazine’s Top 50 courses in the Caribbean and Mexico, including Punta Espada in the top 10, Los Corales—where the 2018 PGA Tour will be held in the Dominican Republic—and Teeth of the Dog, at Casa de Campo, in the number one spot since 2009. From La Romana to Punta Cana, Juan Dolio, and Puerto Plata, the DR’s courses, counting 86 sea-facing holes and 39 ocean-side, offer you tee time by the sea, or along lush inland 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 champion or hobby player, you’ll enjoy trying your hand at our spectacular courses.

SURFING + KITESURFING
A top Caribbean destination for wind sports, the DR is ground zero for surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Whether novice or expert, there’s a Dominican coastline ideal for your preferred activity. Cabarete’s steady trade winds have earned the beach town its professional kitesurfing reputation, active with certified schools and instructors. Daytime surfing is followed by nightly entertainment to soothe the muscles. Kite Beach attracts the experts, who are a joy to watch. Surfers of all levels flock to Playa Encuentro for lessons from award winning surf instructors. On the Samaná Peninsula, Las Terrenas offers its fair share of kitesurfing at Punta Popy, and surfing at Playa Bonita. In Punta Cana, Macao is renowned for surfing, while Playa Blanca attracts kitesurfers.

Wherever you end up on our Atlantic shoreline or in the Caribbean Sea, you’ll enjoy our year-round Dominican winds and waves.

SCUBA DIVING + SNORKELING
In addition to discovering exceptional beaches along the DR’s thousand-mile long coastline, you’ll soon realize that the DR’s underwater world—a handful of which is protected as a national park—is equally fascinating, revealing features such as coral reefs, caves, remains of galleons, shipwrecks, and a world of multicolored marine life. Explore 40-meter (131-foot) wall dives off the islands of Catalina and Saona, spot turtles and eagle rays off the remote Playa Frontón in Las Galeras, or snorkel amid colorful fish at Cayo Arena. Whether south, east, or north, PADI-certified dive and snorkel shops know the best underwater adventures.

While you can dip in our waters year round, the best time to dive is between June and September, when the waters are calm and offer good visibility—optimal conditions for immersion. Year-round sea temperatures range between 24°C to 29°C (75°F and 84°F), allowing diving even in the middle of the North American “winter,” when temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F).

ZIP LINES
Gushing rivers, high altitudes, and tropical rainforests overlooking coastlines: ziplining takes on new meaning in the DR. At Samaná you’ll find the longest run in the country, with an integrated brake system—you can glide in pairs and flip upside-down at 122 meters (400 feet) above the verdant hills of El Valle. The beach is less than ten minutes away when you’re ready to cool down. Ziplining is all the rage in the hilly Puerto Plata province, from Megatrucks’ two-mile course on a private ranch, to the off-the-beaten track Yasica Adventures’ 10-platform run. Punta Cana’s adventure parks are no less adventurous—brace the longest zipline in that area at Scape Park, and take a dip in the fresh water blue hole afterwards.

Wherever you choose to stay, ziplining is a great way to take in a panoramic view of the DR’s splendid landscape.

FISHING
Recognized fishing destinations in the DR include Bayahíbe, a village founded by fishermen in the 19th century, as well as Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná, all of which offer sports fishing with the possibility of hooking marlin, barracuda, and dorado or mahi mahi, among others. Freshwater river fishing is popular in La Romana, and in Río San Juan, to catch snooker or wahoo. Reef trolling and deep sea fishing opportunities abound along the reefs of Cabarete and Sosúa.

Fishing tournaments are popular in the Punta Cana, La Romana and Bayahíbe areas, when it gets lively with beachside music, and plenty of fresh catch cooked on site. A great way to experience traditional fishing is to find the fishing cooperative in your chosen destination, and learn from the best.

HIKING
Being the second largest territory in the Caribbean, and the most diverse in topography, means a plethora of hiking opportunities. Our national parks offer the perfect setting to start. Hike the Cotubanamá National Park, and hear the history of the Tainos as you pass along their caves. Explore Los Haitises National Park on land, a rarely visited part of this natural gem. For more challenge, Jarabacoa is home to the roof of the DR and of the Caribbean region: 3,087-meter (10,128-ft) high Pico Duarte. Overnight expeditions lead to the peak at sunrise. Constanza offers a surprising side of the country few get to see, with breathtaking hikes through Valle Nuevo’s protected pine tree forests. Puerto Plata and Cabarete’s hills also offer plenty of organized hiking opportunities, through national parks, private ranches, and small villages such as Tubagua.

Hiking knows no season, although summer rains can make trails muddier but more adventurous.

INLAND SAFARIS
From Puerto Plata to Punta Cana, hopping on an inland safari is a great way to get a feel for the Dominican countryside. Major tour operators offer a variety of excursions into the nearest villages and towns, where you’ll be the only tourists, as you ride deep into the hills on all-terrain trucks, or drive in your own ATV or quad, taking in the scenery and meeting our locals along the way. In Puerto Plata, excursions take you along the north coast’s lush hills and into traditional homes where you’ll sip on freshly chopped coconut to cool off. In Punta Cana, safaris ride through towns like Otra Banda, where meat shops hang their produce outdoors, and end with sun and sand at Macao Beach.

Inland safaris, available from most tourist hubs, reveal the DR beyond the beach.

CAVING
The Dominican Republic’s first inhabitants left behind signs of their presence in numerous underground caverns found across the country, where they once took refuge or performed rituals. Today, hiking into these mysterious chambers, marked with petroglyphs and pictographs, is a thrilling experience. From easy entry to Indiana Jones-style expeditions, there’s a cave to suit everyone. Southeast, Cotubanamá National Park reveals caves punctuated with emerald freshwater lagoons. Just outside of Santo Domingo, Los Tres Ojos National Park is an easy walk into one of the largest underground caverns in the country, linked by a series of lagoons. Near La Romana, Cueva de Las Maravillas reveals hundreds of pictographs. Scape Park, in Cap Cana, takes you into the tunnels of Iguabonita Cave, with its impressive limestone formations. Los Haitises National Park is home to caves that are reached by boat, and boast a high number of pictographs. The most challenging and adventurous of all is Cueva Fun Fun, as the name suggests, not least because you’ll have no option but to rappel into its entrance. The least visited, yet most impressive caves are in the southwest, including El Pomier, and Las Caritas de los Indios.

There’s a cave to match every age and fitness level.

CANYONING + RAPPELLING
Rugged rainforests, hidden waterfalls, rocky hills covered in vegetation: you’re never far from a canyoning or rappelling experience in the DR. In fact, both are often combined for an adrenaline-packed adventure that will make you appreciate the grandeur of the DR’s landscape. Head to Puerto Plata, adventure capital of the country, where expert outfitters will take you into a river valley with 46meter (150 feet) rappelling and 18-meter (60-feet) jumps into crystal waters. In Jarabacoa, the scenery gets even more rugged as you go through the canyons of the Baiguate Falls.

Canyoning and rappelling adventures in these north and central regions are accessible from all beach towns, and available year round thanks to our moderate climate at these altitudes.

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Hilly towns, mountainous villages, and protected parks provide ample opportunity for mountain biking. In Cabarete, adventure outfitters can take riders on multiple trails of varying difficulty inside El Choco National Park, including an intense 50-meter (31-mile) endurance challenge. The central mountainous region’s winding, traffic-free roads line plantations–from Jarabacoa to Constanza–and are ideal to explore on mountain bike, with rivers and waterfalls for cooling off along the way. Bayahíbe’s Cotubanamá National Park, ideally close to the town’s white sand beaches, is as mystical as it gets, with paths leading towards spring water-filled caves.

Mountain bikes, with essential protective gear, are available year-round in the major resort towns, or through adventure tour operators.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Hilly towns, mountainous villages, and protected parks provide ample opportunity for mountain biking. In Cabarete, adventure outfitters can take riders on multiple trails of varying difficulty inside El Choco National Park, including an intense 50-meter (31-mile) endurance challenge. The central mountainous region’s winding, traffic-free roads line plantations–from Jarabacoa to Constanza–and are ideal to explore on mountain bike, with rivers and waterfalls for cooling off along the way. Bayahíbe’s Cotubanamá National Park, ideally close to the town’s white sand beaches, is as mystical as it gets, with paths leading towards spring water-filled caves.

Mountain bikes, with essential protective gear, are available year-round in the major resort towns, or through adventure tour operators.

PARAGLIDING
The Dominican Republic is blessed with the Caribbean’s highest mountain ranges, tucked in the heart of the country, where you’ll find the lushest landscapes and coolest temperatures. Hiking is a great way to explore these areas, but paragliding above the DR’s mountainous towns—Jarabacoa and Constanza—gives an unparalleled, magical viewpoint, with a Caribbean landscape you will only see in the DR. Certified paragliding instructors drive you to the lift-off point, where you’ll strap up into a harness in tandem with your guide, and safely step off into the open sky together. Fly over peaks, gushing waterfalls—Jarabacoa’s were once the site of Hollywood movies like Jurassic Park—verdant villages, and plantation fields. You’ll never see the DR the same way again.

Paragliding is available year-round, but the best time for a session is close to sunset, when the air is cooler and the spectacular scenery glows all around.

RAFTING
There aren’t many places to experience real river rafting in the Caribbean. But in the Dominican Republic, our high altitude mountain towns are blessed with fresh water rivers flowing down with sufficient force from high summits. A river rafting excursion along the Yaque del Norte—the longest river in the Caribbean—departing from Jarabacoa, is an unforgettable experience to be added to your bucket list of adventures around the country.

While available year round, rafting is best done during the summer months, when the water levels are sufficiently high for an authentic experience.

The Dominican Republic is known to have the most diverse topography for a single nation in the Caribbean region. You can go from a sandy beach to a cool, mountainous town over 500 meters (1,700 feet) above sea level in less than three hours. The country’s coastline is no secret–racking up over 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) in total, with hundreds of accessible, breathtaking beaches. More surprisingly, DR is flanked by a series of grand mountain ranges, the most important of which–the Cordillera Central–is home to the Caribbean’s highest peak: Pico Duarte, sitting at 3,087 meters (10,128 feet).

With 25% of the land consisting of protected areas, most of which are easily accessed, there are a myriad of reasons to venture off the beach. Explore lush valleys, cloud forests, national parks on and off shore, rivers leading to waterfalls, offshore cayes where turtles nest, ancient Taino caves shrouded in thick rainforest, or pine forests with near zero temperatures. Discover natural wonders like Lago Enriquillo, a saltwater lake so large it surpasses the size of Manhattan, home to American crocodiles and sitting at 40 meters (138 feet) below sea level, the lowest point in the Caribbean.

It won’t take long to find your favorite Dominican landscape, after the beach.

NATIONAL PARKS
The Dominican Republic is home to 29 national parks. Located all around the country–from the southwest to the north, east, and center–these lush areas are as much of a treasure as the DR’s multitude of sandy stretches. Thanks to the Ministry of Environment‘s active engagement in upgrading and preserving all national parks and natural resources, there’s never been a better time to explore one of our most stunning outdoors on an excursion.

Near the areas of Punta Cana, La Romana, and Bayahibe, visit the Cotubanamá National Park –or Parque Nacional del Este–home to impressive Taino caves, and fresh spring waters. The park includes the offshore islands of Saona, the most important turtle-nesting site in the DR, Catalina, and the sandbank of Catalinita, teeming with coral reefs and frigate bird colonies.

Off the coast of Samaná, Los Haitises National Park is one of the most breathtaking sights in the country. A series of giant rocks jut out of the sea, thick mangroves thrive in surrounding waters, and brown boobies and frigate colonies fill the skies. On land, large Taino caves reveal centuries-old petroglyphs and pictographs. The park can be reached by boat from Samaná or by road from Sabana de la Mar, which makes for an even more unique adventure.

Venturing northwest will lead you to the desert-like landscape of Montecristi National Park, home to El Morro, a limestone mesa towering over 200 meters (700-feet) over the Atlantic Ocean, and affectionately dubbed by the area’s residents as the DR’s “Table Mountain.” The park includes a set of seven offshore cayes that are among the most pristine and least visited in the DR.

Near Jarabacoa and Constanza, in the mountainous center of the country, the twin José Armando Bermúdez National Park and José del Carmen Ramirez National Park are home to the majestic roof of the DR and of the Caribbean: 3,087-meters (10,128-ft) tall Pico Duarte.

Those who venture southwest will have the reward of visiting Jaragua National Park, the largest of the DR’s national parks, boasting UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status for its multiple ecosystems ranging from dry forests to cacti, home to the rhinoceros and Ricord’s iguana, approximately 400 species of flora, 130 species of birds, turtle nesting beaches, and flamingos.

RIVERS & WATERFALLS
With a multitude of mountain ranges, multiple rivers flow down the DR’s plains. The most significant river is Yaque del Norte–born out of the Cordillera Central, it rises out of Pico Duarte and extends a whopping nearly 300 kilometers (185 miles). Besides providing freshwater for irrigation and farming, the river is also part of the Cibao Valley’s main attractions. Visitors go rafting down its rapids from the town of Jarabacoa. The second most significant river body is the Yuna–formed in the central Cibao Valley, and emptying in the Bay of Samaná.

One of the most beautiful waterways in the DR is undoubtedly the Río Chavón in La Romana–you can hop on boat rides to see its magnificence up close, or kayak your way around. Río Chavón’s claim to fame includes an appearance in the feature film Apocalypse Now.

If you’re heading southwest, you’ll be greeted with an array of choices. Rivers are a chief attraction in the Barahona province. Make stops off the main highway to enjoy the fresh, emerald pools and cascades at San Rafael and Los Patos rivers, natural recreational parks set where the rivers meet the sea.

Rivers lead to waterfalls, and in the DR, they are ubiquitous–whether well known or off the beaten track. The most visited waterfalls in the country are the 27 Charcos de Damajagua in the Puerto Plata province. This impressive series of cascades tumble over a rocky landscape, emptying into deep pools that travelers can brave with a jump or a slide on smoother surface, one after the next. You’ll find plenty of lesser-known falls in Puerto Plata’s lush hills.

El Limón waterfall in Samaná ranks among the most impressive in the DR, rising at 30 meters (100 feet), and reached after an intense hike or horseback ride through subtropical forest.

In Jarabacoa, waterfalls are a bona fide activity–with Salto Baiguate, and Salto Jimenoa, featured in the opening scene of the Hollywood motion picture Jurassic Park.

From any point on the southeast coast, there’s easy access to the Monte Plata province, less than a couple of hours by car, and its multiple waterfall parks. The most impressive is Salto Alto, tumbling from approximately 75 feet. The 65-feet tall emerald Salto de Socoa has its entrance conveniently located right off the highway along the Santo Domingo-Samaná Highway.

ISLANDS & CAYES
Postcard-perfect offshore islands lie off the coasts of the DR, whether it’s in the Caribbean Sea in the south, or in the Atlantic Ocean up north.

The most stunning of these are Saona and Catalina, two of three plots reached by boat from the eastern fishing village of Bayahibe, starting 19 kilometers (12 miles) offshore. Part of a protected national park, the partially-inhabited Isla Saona counts multiple white sand beaches, including La Palmilla, the largest natural pool in the Caribbean with shallow, crystal turquoise waters teeming with starfish, corals, and other tropical critters. The islands’ waters are popular with experienced divers, who come here to explore shipwrecks and caves.

Up north, Cayo Arena–or Paradise Island– is a tiny caye that resembles a sandbank, located 8 kilometers (five miles) off the shore of Punta Rucia. It attracts hundreds of day-trippers eager to spend the day out in the middle of an iridescent turquoise sea, and explore colorful fish and corals.

A set of seven off-the-beaten path isles–Cayos Siete Hermanos–are reached by boat from the shores of Montecristi, in the DR’s wild northwest. These protected plots are where colonies of egrets, pelicans, and frigate birds thrive, in addition to offering some of the most pristine snorkeling and diving locations in the DR.

DUNES
In the desert-like, dry southwest of the Dominican Republic is a surprising landscape of smooth sandy hills rising at 35 meters (114 feet). These are the sand dunes of Baní, a protected site located in the village of Las Calderas, just outside the town of Baní. Climb to the summit of the tallest dune, and the white sand Playa Las Salinas appears on one side–known for its powerful surf waves–while the other reveals the stunning Bay of Las Salinas.

LAKES & LAGOONS
There are intriguing lakes in the Dominican Republic. The most unexpected is Lago Enriquillo, stretching across two provinces in the southwest–Independencia and Bahoruco. This massive body of water is a mix of fresh and salt water, and sits 30 meters (138 feet) below sea level–the lowest point in the Caribbean. It is home to multiple bird species, as well as American crocodiles. Over the years, the lake’s water level has risen dramatically, but it makes for an unforgettable sight.

Laguna Gri Gri, on the north coast, is nearest the resort town of Cabarete, tucked in the heart of the fishing village of Río San Juan. Dense mangrove tunnels occupy its part fresh and part salty waters, while hundreds of black turkey vultures and great egrets are perched in the mangrove trees. The lagoon empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

There are also plenty of lagoons of the swimming kind to enjoy. In Punta Cana, Reserva Ecológica Ojos Indígenas–or Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve–is a 1,500-acre natural forest offering easy trails to a series of 12 freshwater lagoons. Laguna Dudú, in the northern town of Cabrera, consists of a series of cobalt blue and turquoise fresh water pools flowing from caves, and surrounded in tropical forest. The recreational park offers kayaking, swimming, or braving 25 foot leaps from a makeshift zipline into a giant lagoon–at your own risk.

MOUNTAIN RANGES
From north to south, the DR is flanked by five big mountain ranges– an inextricable part of its stunning scenery, providing sources of fresh water to the territory at large, and protection from major storms.

The largest and most important mountain range is often described as the DR’s spine: the Cordillera Central, stretching across the center of the country, from the border with Haiti onto Constanza, Jarabacoa, and the central region. It is home to Pico Duarte, as well as two additional summits that rank among the top five highest peaks in the Caribbean region. This is the most rugged and coldest mountain landscape you’ll find–we call it our “Dominican Alps.” The second largest range is the Sierra de Bahoruco , in the southwest region, running parallel at an elevation of about 1,500 meters (nearly 5,000 feet). Nearby, the Sierra de Neiba hides Taino Caves and freshwater springs.

In Puerto Plata, the Cordillera Septentrional stretches from Montecristi to Nagua, at over 500 meters (1,640 feet). Lastly, the Cordillera Oriental, on the eastern side of the DR, rises at under than 800 meters (2,625 feet).

Explore the Cordillera Central while in Santiago, Jarabacoa, or Constanza by going on a hike or climb, or take a drive through the hills of Puerto Plata–particularly along the Ruta Panorámica–for stunning views of the Cordillera Septentrional.

CAVES & CENOTES
CAVES
The country’s first inhabitants, the Taino, left behind numerous traces and signs of their presence. The majority of these are found in the areas where they once lived, near sources of water, and in caves where they performed rituals. Petroglyphs and pictographs can be observed in these caverns, located around the DR.

The Cotubanamá National Park, at the entrance from the village of Boca de Yuma–is home to some of the most impressive caves, including Cueva de Berna, where Taino faces are carved into the rocks. Nearby in the Punta Cana area, the recreational Scape Park was developed around a natural series of caves hugged by rainforest, one of which you can swim in.

The southwest of the DR is a cave enthusiast’s destination, with a handful of significant Taino chambers. El Pomier, in San Cristóbal, has an impressive 55 caves, not all accessible, with the highest number of petroglyphs. Las Caritas de Los Indios, in the Enriquillo area, reveals pictographs in a cave located above sea level. One of the most mystical is Cueva de la Virgen in Barahona, where the local legend says that a woman’s spirit inhabits the chambers, and can turn visitors into stone.

Up north, the province of Hato Mayor is home to the rugged Cueva Fun Fun, tucked deep in the rainforest–a partially wet underground cave, which you need to abseil into to begin exploring.

In the southeast, near Santo Domingo and La Romana, two of the DR’s most beautiful caves are easily accessed via footbridges: Tres Ojos National Park, with its iridescent blue lagoons, and Cuevas de Las Maravillas, an 800 meters (2,624 feet) cave system etched with pictographs.

CENOTES
Fans of easily reached and swimmable sinkholes will rejoice at Scape Park’s Hoyo Azul, convenient to the Punta Cana resort area. At nearly 15 meters (45 feet) deep, its blue, shaded pool makes for a refreshing swim surrounded with rainforest. Also on the grounds is Cenote Indígena Las Ondas, a deep pool enclosed in an underground cavern.

Puerto Plata’s vast hills lead to plenty of sinkholes to discover, from Charchos de Damajagua to the off-the-beaten path, hilly village of Tubagua, where the forests hide a series of iridescent turquoise, spring-fed pools.