The real Dominican Republic that lies beyond the beach resort compounds is one of the most varied and amazing places to discover. It is a world-class travel experienc, one that you don’t have to fly halfway around the globe for. What does that mean? Less time in airplanes —more time actually traveling — and more money to do it with! The DR is less than two hours direct flight from Miami and only three from New York. Canadian and European charter flights are flying in all the time.
This site does not provide exhaustive information on the Dominican Republic. We recommend you purchase a good guide book to do proper research, such as The Rough Guide or Fodor’s. But here is a quick overview of the different regions.
- Puerto Plata, north central region
- Historical location of Christopher Columbus’ first permanent settlement
- Historical location of an important World War II refuge for European Jews
- Fun cities, beach towns and party life to visit and hang out
- Location of one of the world’s best surfing beaches
- An interesting highway follows the coast through many different towns and past hidden beaches
- Small annual Latin jazz concert in October
- Santiago, Jarabacoa, the Central Mountain Region
- The “Dominican Alps” and location of the Caribbean’s highest mountain, Pico Duarte
- Rich agricultural region
- Adventure day trips and extreme sports opportunities such as trekking, abseiling, white water rafting
- Watch Dominican Winter League baseball November to January
- Fabulous carnival events in February
- Santo Domingo, south central
- The oldest city of the Americas, explore museums, galleries, enjoy dining and nightlife in a fascinating, cobblestone colonial zone
- Explore caves
- Samana, north eastern region
- A spectacular mountainous peninsula with wall to wall coconut palms
- Hidden beaches dotting the shore
- Important whale watching site January to March
- Montecristi, northwest region
- Arrid, flat terrain
- Beautiful undeveloped beaches
- Very little tourism
- Fascinating visits to Haitain market in Dajabon, trips to Cape Haitian and La Citadelle
- Barahona, southwest region
- Undeveloped, lush ecotourism region
- Location of Enriquillo Lake, an inland saltwater lake below sea level
