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You may only know the Dominican Republic as a destination for package tourists. Surprise yourself with the variety of the green island, which offers not only dream beaches, merengue, and rum but also exciting things for adventure tourists, intensive cultural experiences, and impressive natural scenery.
Say goodbye to the clichéd image of package tourism, for which the Dominican Republic likes to serve. If you want to stay fit and active under palm trees and with a Caribbean feeling, Hispaniola’s East has a lot to offer.
Climb in hiking boots through the tropical forest to the highest peak of the Caribbean or – on the contrary – into spectacular caves with rock paintings and lagoons underground. Get a little closer to the sky in the trade wind before Cabarete while kite surfing and dare to jump into picturesque waterfalls in the middle of the jungle. Exciting adventures await you.
At 3087 metres, the Pico Duarte between the two national parks Armando Bermúdez and José del Carmen Ramírez is the highest mountain in the Antilles. Among the inhabitants, it is considered a magical mountain steeped in legend.
If you love hiking The Pico Duarte is for you. In two or three day tours you can hike through dense rain forests and cloud forests, vast high plateaus and bizarre rock landscapes up to the fantastic summit panorama. Slip-proof mules to transport food and luggage and experienced guides accompany you on this adventure on request.
The Dominican Republic is a classic sun destination, but you’ll miss something if you ignore the underground attractions of the island state with the largest cave system in the Caribbean. Native people used the caves as shelters or for rituals, and even today, you can see numerous paintings and rock carvings.
From relaxed boat trips through the caves in Los Tres Ojos National Park, to diving excursions in emerald-green freshwater lagoons, and adventurous abseiling in the style of Indiana Jones into the Cueva Fun: there is something exciting to experience for every age and fitness level.
Sun on your skin, a fresh breeze in your hair and the waves under you: wind sports can be practised excellently both on the Atlantic coast and on the Caribbean Sea. Cabarete on the north coast is considered the Mecca of surfing and one of the best kitesurfing areas in the world. Many surf schools with renowned instructors are open to beginners as well as professionals, and the constant trade wind ensures that nobody has to take a break.
With the dream beach Playa Encuentro and beautiful deep sea and fishing areas nearby, Cabarete is an attractive holiday destination for active people.
You can expect pure thrills in the jungle of Damajagua, about an hour from Puerto Plata. Here nature has carved 27 spectacular, emerald-green waterfalls into a rocky forest landscape – this nature these can be visited in the appropriately named waterfall park 27 Charcos. However, only the physically fit have the chance to reach the 27th waterfall. Together with experienced guides and secured with harness and helmet, a guided tour through the park goes right through the waterfalls.
Green travel and ecotourism have also long been an issue in the Caribbean. Visitors and locals alike take responsibility for the protection of nature and culture. Find out more about the sustainable cultivation of cocoa or coffee by visiting plantations – and get in touch with your hosts during the subsequent tasting. Enjoy the cleanliness of sunbathing on one of the 29 Blue Flag beaches of the Dominican Republic and experience how, with official support from the government, the protection of whales is happening in an internationally awarded online marketing project.
At the foot of Pico Duarte in the picturesque highlands lies Jarabacoa, framed by water-rich rivers. Coffee beans have been grown and processed on the Hacienda Monte Alto since the 1940s. Today the coffee farmers are supported by the government and ecological initiatives, which want to avoid a renunciation of coffee cultivation because this would result in deforestation and soil erosion.
Palms and Caribbean flair – that’s what comes to mind when you think of the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean state has so much more to offer. Exciting cities are waiting to be explored and offer many other cultural highlights in addition to historical sights and exciting culinary delights. Let yourself be enchanted.
The capital of the Dominican Republic is one of the first cities of the New World and was founded by Christopher Columbus’ brother Bartholome in 1498. In Santo Domingo, guests experience a cultural journey through time as they enter the historic city centre with its 300 colonial buildings. The street Calle de las Damas with its landmark, the Catedral de Santa María Menor, is one of the most visited places in the city.
In the town of Montecristi, in the scenic northwest of the Dominican Republic, tourists are offered two new attractions. One is the Ruta de Casas (Houses Route), a walk through the picturesque historic centre of the city with its old wooden houses and other architectural highlights. On the other hand, the new salt centre attracts visitors.
Here the García family, the third generation to own and operate the local salt works, will be able to experience the production of sea salt in the old craft tradition.
A real experience is the carnival in La Vega. Here, every Sunday in February, tourists are offered a show that is second to none with the carnival processions between 12 and 17 o’clock. Oversized devil masks characterize the costumes of the Diablos Cojuelos. Anyone interested should not be squeamish, because ‘just watching’ is not enough here: the costumed actors involve the audience in their show.
The Barrio Chino neighborhood is located north of Santo Domingo and is separated from the rest of the city by two Chinese gates. Here you can discover a lot of Chinese culture as well as a variety of culinary places. Grocery stores are next to authentic Chinese restaurants – those who like to try new things and experiment will definitely get their money’s worth.
Paradise beaches and turquoise waters await you in the Dominican Republic. Discover the dream beaches of the Caribbean and decide which place to use as a scenery for your sun break. Can’t decide for one? Then simply visit them all.
Experience the real Bacardi feeling on the picturesque island of Cayo Levantado. Not only was the famous rum producer’s commercial shot here in 1970, but this beautiful spot is also only about 5 km from the bay of Samaná.
From the harbour, there are regular water taxis to the small island, which is only about two kilometres long and half a kilometre wide. Enjoy fresh fish in one of the restaurants, get active kayaking and stand-up paddling, or spend relaxing hours on the beach.
A bay like God created it: Bahía de las Águilas is an 8 km long natural beach where you can experience the true beauty of the Dominican Republic. Located in the National Park of Jaragua, there are neither hotels nor shops. From Cabo Rojo, you can reach Bahía de las Águilas by boat. Alternatively, you can make a detour to the beach by jeep on a tour of the national park.
The beach Playa Sosúa is known for its crystal clear water and its easily accessible dive sites near the coast. Explore the colourful underwater world with all its species. Whether you are diving or snorkeling, you will have an unforgettable underwater experience. After an exciting day in the water, the beach awaits you, from where you can watch the sunset with a refreshing drink in your hand.
Northwest of Puerto Plata lies the fishing village of Punta Rucia. From there you can easily reach the island Cayo Arena by boat. This place, called Paradise Island, lives up to its name: turquoise waters and white coral beaches await you here – the real paradise. While snorkeling in the shallow water, you will discover, among other things, doctor fish and reef perches at the corals.