Greatest Locations to Go to within the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic: you’ve most likely heard of it, possibly heard of the baseball gamers it has given Main League Baseball. Perhaps even been there already, however it doesn’t matter what you already know (or don’t), the Dominican Republic is a spot with somebody for everybody from solo vacationers to these with households. So whether or not you’re on the lookout for a calming seaside, an evening out within the metropolis or kite boarding in top-of-the-line locations on Earth, there are a lot of unimaginable locations to go to within the Dominican Republic.

Earlier than we delve into what you are able to do within the Dominican Republic, you first have to know when is the perfect time to go to. The Dominican Republic is a tropical island, situated simply south of the Tropic of Most cancers. This implies the summers may be heat and brutally humid, whereas the winters dip right down to the right, low-humidity temperatures for having fun with every thing it has to supply.

See additionally: Suggestions for Journey to the Dominican Republic

When to go to the Dominican Republic

Summers (verano e infierno – summer time and hell) within the Dominican Republic usually are not as heat as you would possibly count on, with averages reaching round 80-85˚ F (27-29˚ C), however the humidity can attain as a lot as 90-100% making being open air tough at occasions. Nevertheless, you must be aware that the majority locations to remain will supply air-con. As a nation within the Caribbean, the DR can also be beneath Hurricane Watch from June-November and whereas it has been spared from giant hurricanes in recent times, it’s one thing to bear in mind in your journey planning. All of that stated, the months of March – October are the off-season within the Dominican. Nevertheless, costs of lodging and airplane tickets drop off and it’s nonetheless an exquisite time to be within the nation!

Winters within the Dominican run from roughly November by way of March when humidity reaches way more manageable ranges, whereas temperatures stay within the low to mid 80’s. That is the best time to go to the Dominican, although be warned, it’s additionally “excessive” season when costs for lodging, airplane tickets and every thing else peak. But, you’ll nonetheless be capable to discover nice offers on locations to see and issues to do through the Dominican winter.

Getting across the Dominican Republic

Getting across the Dominican Republic is greatest completed by automobile. All the key automobile rental corporations are current within the DR and driving there, whereas intense, can typically be completed with ease. Whenever you’re driving within the Dominican, particularly in cities, you’ll want to concentrate to motos (folks on motorbikes) as they will take over the roadways, particularly exterior Santo Domingo. You may also should have a eager eye out for potholes. Go away a serious roadway and potholes may find yourself being the bane of your journey. There are pace limits, that are largely obeyed by different drivers as are cease lights and indicators. When you’re comfy driving usually, you’ll be lots comfy right here. 

Greatest locations to go to within the Dominican Republic

Though there are a lot of extra locations to go to within the Dominican Republic, a few of that are extra “off the crushed path”, we’re focusing right here on a few of the locations within the Dominican Republic which may be higher identified, or simpler to entry because of having worldwide airports, and supplying you with some choices of issues to do exterior of the standard seaside trip most individuals have a tendency to consider the Dominican Republic for. 

Let’s begin with Santo Domingo, the primary metropolis of the Americas, for these of you who suppose you possibly can’t see something “previous” on this facet of the world.

1. Santo Domingo

Attending to Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is simply second to Punta Cana in airline visitors. Relying on the place you’re, it might be roughly simple to discover a direct, inexpensive flight, however it’s actually not unimaginable. The airport code for Santo Domingo is SDQ. 

Flights to Santo Domingo sometimes come from the next locations: 

From North America

Lots of the largest cities on the East Coast of the US, resembling New York, Boston, Altanta, and Washington, D.C. supply nonstop flights to Santo Domingo. To get to Santo Domingo from the West Coast, you have to a layover someplace within the East to hop down. The three largest US-based airways (Delta, American, United) all supply nonstop flights to Santo Domingo from the East Coast, along with a few of the main lower-cost airways (Spirit, JetBlue). 

You too can fly nonstop to Santo Domingo from Toronto, Canada, and Mexico Metropolis, by way of their flagship airways.

From Central and South America

There are day by day nonstop flights from Bogota, Colombia, and Panama Metropolis, Panama. Panama can also be an incredible layover possibility for those who’re flying from the West Coast, because it’s solely a two hour flight to Santo Domingo from there. 

From Western Europe

You possibly can fly nonstop to Santo Domingo from Madrid, Paris, and Frankfurt. From Europe, nonetheless, you’ve gotten a a lot higher supply of flights for those who fly to Punta Cana as an alternative, which is a two and a half drive to Santo Domingo.  

You too can go to Santo Domingo as a part of a Caribbean cruise itinerary. Main cruise traces resembling Carnival, Ponant, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Seaborn are stopping on the Santo Domingo Port in a few of their itineraries, which permits you, normally, at the least sufficient time to go to the Colonial Metropolis. As the primary metropolis within the Americas, the Colonial Metropolis is the crown jewel of Santo Domingo. When you solely do one factor within the metropolis, do that.

The Spotlight of Santo Domingo: the Zona Colonial

Based in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher Columbus’ brother), Santo Domingo was the founding capital of the Spanish Empire within the Americas. As such, it boasts lots of “the firsts” of its type by way of authorities buildings and infrastructure, together with the primary fort, the primary courthouse, the primary hospital, and the primary cathedral. The entire Colonial Metropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1990. 

Simply walkable regardless of the cobblestone streets, the Zona Colonial options remarkably preserved examples of Gothic and Renaissance structure, most notably current within the Catedral Primada de America. 

Begin your journey on the Colonial Zone at Plaza España, an open sq. dealing with the port, which provides you entry to landmarks such because the Alcazar de Colon (the Palace of Diego Columbus), and the Calle Las Damas, the place many of those “first of the Americas” buildings are. Give your self at the least a morning to discover and luxuriate in one of many a number of cafes or eating places unfold throughout the totally different streets of the Zone.

A Seasonal Spotlight: Winter Baseball

Whereas many, if not most, folks don’t go to the Dominican Republic to observe baseball, it is without doubt one of the most enjoyable actions you are able to do whereas visiting. Baseball is the nation’s nationwide sport, one thing evident by the massive variety of Dominican gamers that find yourself taking part in professionally. Operating from late October to mid-January, the video games are held in venues across the nation. Tickets are extraordinarily inexpensive and also you’ll have the prospect to see some large names from the MLB come down and play winter baseball in addition to glimpse future up and coming stars. In contrast to video games within the US, baseball video games listed below are a bit wild with an unlimited array of drinks and cheerleaders. That’s proper, cheerleaders! All in all, Dominican video games are a spotlight when visiting the nation and for those who get the chance, it’s one you must take. Weekday video games are normally within the night and weekend video games begin within the late afternoon. 

2. Punta Cana

If you’re aware of the Dominican Republic, or have been earlier than, likelihood is you visited Punta Cana or that got here up as an possibility on your trip. And whereas Punta Cana is the prime vacation spot for resort holidays within the Dominican Republic, there’s extra to it.

Attending to Punta Cana

Punta Cana is definitely the Dominican’s prime vacation spot. With the island’s busiest airport (and 2nd busiest in all the Caribbean), getting there’s not tough. Punta Cana has year-round flights from in all places within the Western Hemisphere; you would possibly need to arrive from both japanese North America, South America, or Europe. With a brand new freeway constructed, Punta Cana can also be solely a brief 2.5 hour drive from the capital – Santo Domingo must you select to hire a automobile.

What to do in Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the Dominican’s prime vacation spot, boasting most of the greatest actions and lodging on all the island and presumably in all the Caribbean. Punta Cana boasts all-inclusive lodges in addition to themed lodges, such because the Nickelodeon Resort, the place every thing, from the rooms to the eating places and rides, is themed after a few of Nickelodeon’s hottest exhibits. You possibly can even keep in a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed pineapple suite, which is a townhouse formed like a pineapple on the surface. Or the Arduous Rock Lodge, which hosts a few of the prime live shows and exhibits within the nation, together with world-famous Cirque du Soleil in recent times. 

Punta Cana additionally boasts pristine, in depth seashores for each seaside style. Listed below are some examples: 

• Macao Seaside is the popular vacation spot for these on the lookout for journey in Punta Cana, with its buggy rides and surf-friendly waves. 

• Juanillo Seaside in Cap Cana, a postcard-perfect seaside of white sand sprinkled with palm timber, is ideal for swimming and water sports activities like kayaking and Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP), in addition to lounging beneath good blue, breezy skies. 

• Cabeza de Toro is a seaside space northeast of Punta Cana the place you possibly can exit fishing and snorkeling. This space of the nation typically sees aggressive fishing tournaments, so fishing is a few of the greatest you are able to do. You possibly can e book a fishing, snorkeling, or crusing tour by way of most lodges. 

Final however not least, the Ojos Indigenas Reserve in Punta Cana is a welcome respite from the beach-heavy atmosphere Punta Cana can carry throughout at occasions. The Ojos Indigenas Reserve contains 12 freshwater lagoons in 1500 acres of land. The reserve contains species endemic to the Dominican Republic and intends to protect the pure habitat of the world because it was skilled by the Taino folks, the indigenous inhabitants of the island. 

3. Dominican Republic’s North Coast

Subsequent, let’s speak concerning the authentic vacationer vacation spot of the Dominican Republic: the North Coast. The north coast is house to most of the hottest locations to go to within the Dominican Republic.

Attending to the Dominican Republic’s north coast

The North Coast of the Dominican Republic presents an exquisite reprieve from the resorts of Punta Cana and the enterprise of Santo Domingo.  Getting there’s as simple as flying into Puerto Plata’s Gregorio Luperón Airport with plenty of seasonal flights from the japanese US, Europe and Canada in addition to a number of 12 months spherical flights from the US East Coast and Canada. Puerto Plata is a couple of 10 minute drive from the airport, whereas Cabarete is a couple of 20 minute drive.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is the Dominican Republic’s largest metropolis within the north, with a inhabitants of round 330,000. Based in 1502, Puerto Plata presents an entire host of web sites to see and do. You possibly can go to Fort San Felipe (accomplished in 1577) as the principle colonial remnant on the North Coast of the DR.

You too can take a cable automobile up Mount Pico Isabel de Torres to see a smaller Christ the Redeemer Statue than Rio, however a taller mountain and absorb resplendent views of the town and ocean. If you’re there on the finish of February to early March, you may also take pleasure in Carnivál in Puerto Plata when Dominicans exit and have fun with masks, parades, and way more.

High attraction in Dominican Republic’s north coast: The 27 Waterfalls

One of many predominant points of interest within the space, nonetheless, are the Damajagua Falls or 27 Waterfalls (Veintisiete Charcos), however take note you’ll have to be 12 or older. If visiting within the winter when water ranges are increased, you possibly can go to this glorious pure surprise and luxuriate in a very expertise. You’ll have a guided tour and two choices to make your manner up. You hike (faster and simpler) or swim and climb up by way of deep, attractive caverns. You possibly can go as much as the primary stage (7 waterfalls), 2nd stage (12 waterfalls) or the third and most tough stage, all 27 waterfalls, however be warned it’s a tough swim up. Upon reaching your vacation spot, you’ll be capable to leap and slide your manner again down with falls touchdown from 5 ft as much as round 15-20 foot jumps. When you’re prepared and ready, the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua may be one of many highlights of your journey!

When planning, you’ll discover a host of lodging for everybody from boutique lodges to all-inclusive resorts. Choices inside the metropolis can be found for these on the lookout for a extra low-key, genuine Dominican keep, however all-inclusive resorts across the metropolis and surrounding space. When you’re unfamiliar, all-inclusives cost by individual (not room) and embody room, meals, and drink. We suggest doing all your analysis as a few of the all-inclusive have seen higher days.

4. Cabarete

A brief drive from Puerto Plata and about 20 minutes from the airport, yow will discover your self in Cabarete, a thriving seaside city the place many younger folks and snow-birds alike find yourself. Cabarete is without doubt one of the prime kiteboarding places on the planet and simply west of the city (1-2 miles) you’ll discover a whole bunch of surfers within the winter months.

Cabarete has many nice meals choices together with an entire slew of fantastic seaside bars. There are fewer resorts accessible right here, however loads of wonderful choices on the town and subsequent to the seaside. Many locations accessible to remain have full kitchens accessible as effectively and the grocery retailer is stocked effectively sufficient to fulfill all vacationers. Cabarete can also be one in all, if not the, greatest spot on the island to search out giant sweets for boogie boarding and browsing. Like in all places else within the Dominican Republic, Cabarete has one thing for everybody: seashores, out of doors actions, and nice food and drinks. 

5. Samaná Peninsula

Persevering with on the Atlantic coast, Samana is a particular change of tempo from what we see within the largest resort locations within the Dominican Republic.

Attending to Samaná Peninsula

Whereas one of the stunning components of the Dominican Republic, it may also be one of many harder to reach at Samaná does have an airport with a number of 12 months spherical flights (all from Canada – Toronto & Montreal and Europe – Madrid) with seasonal flights from these identical locations, however Miami within the US. As such, many vacationers hire a automobile and drive. From Santo Domingo it’s a 2.5 hour drive on simple going roads. There are a number of tolls alongside the best way, however the different route shouldn’t be value avoiding these prices because the roads are far worse and it takes far longer. 

Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas is one the principle locations you’ll need to go to on the Samaná Peninsula. With a inhabitants hovering round 15,000, it has turn into a go-to spot for expats, particularly from France, on the lookout for a extra relaxed life-style. Regardless of its dimension, nonetheless, Las Terrenas has lots to supply for everybody! Like many locations to go to within the Dominican Republic, Las Terrenas is surrounded by stunning seashores. When you’re staying within the metropolis, the seashores are only a quick stroll away. Playa Las Terrenas and Punta Pops are proper there and supply loads of shade with crystal clear blue waters. In contrast to different locations within the Dominican Republic, the seashores listed below are going to be far much less crowded as Las Terrenas supplies a quieter time (although nonetheless with an incredible nightlife, extra on that later!).

When you’re staying exterior the town, the seashores usually are not practically as huge, however are much more peaceable with loads of locations to loosen up and benefit from the heat waters, whether or not its Playa Carolina Portillo to the east or Playa Bonita to the west. Playa Cosón, a brief drive additional east from Playa Bonita, presents vast swaths of attractive golden sand seashores, with towering palms. It’s also as remoted a seaside as you might ever discover. 

Whereas Las Terrenas shouldn’t be as energetic as say Cabarete or Punta Cana, it nonetheless presents an thrilling nightlife. A row of eating places and bars alongside the waterfront in downtown Las Terrenas presents a slew of locations to go for households and singles alike. As with the seashores, simply exterior the town to the East and West, many small bars and eating places additionally exist, many as a part of lodges for these on the lookout for a quieter night time out.

Closing ideas

That is, certainly not, an exhaustive journey information on the Dominican Republic. Hopefully, it provides you some concepts on your subsequent trip. Due to its pure magnificence and wealthy historical past, the Dominican Republic is a main Caribbean vacation spot for all vacationers. Able to go?