|
|
Occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, the
Dominican Republic (or the DR, as it's often known)
is a hugely popular destination, thanks to the portion of
the country that most resembles the image of a Caribbean
play land: the crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches lined
with palm trees, of which the DR.Dominican Republic has
plenty. This vision of leisurely days spent by the sea and
romantic nights filled with merengue and dark rum is
supported by what turns out to be the largest all-inclusive
resort industry in the world.
Set on the most geographically diverse Caribbean island, the
DR also boasts virgin alpine wilderness, tropical
rainforests and mangrove swamps, cultivated savannas, vast
desert expanses and everything in between within its
relatively small confines - slightly smaller than the US
states of New Hampshire and Vermont combined - providing
staggering opportunities for ecotourism and
adventure traveling .
|
The DR also lays claim to some of the more intriguing
culture and history in the area, dating back to its early
cave-dwelling groups, the Taínos , who recorded much
of their activities in the form of rock art - it's quite
likely you'll find yourself clambering down a dark cave to
view some of these preserved paintings during your stay. In
addition, as Dominicans are often quick to point out, their
land was the setting for Christopher Columbus's first
colony, La Isabela, and Spain's first New World city,
Santo Domingo , at the end of the fifteenth century.
Though the island quickly lost this foothold, the events
that took place during its brief heyday did much to define
the Americas as we know them.
|
Dominican
Republic
travel guide
Dominican Republic
Where to go
 When
to go
Getting there
Entry requirements
Money and costs
Getting around
 Food
and drink
 Communications
Crime and safety
 Brief
history
Best of DR
Info and maps
 Diving,
surfing
 Festivals,
holidays
Explore
Dominican Republic
Barahona
Barahona
The City
East of Barahona
San
Cristóbal
San José de Ocóa
West of Barahona
Bayahibe
Bayahibe
Travel info
Boca Chica
Boca de Yuma
Cabarete
Cabarete
Windsurfing
Restaurants
Sports outfitters
Cibao
Cibao
Explore Cibao
Cordillera Central
Explore Cordillera Central
Jarabocoa
Jarabocoa
Arrival & accommodation
Restaurants,
tour operators
|
La Vega
La Vega
Pico Duarte, Cordillera
Central's Nat'l Parks
San José de las Matas
Santiago
Arrival and getting around
Places to eat
Nightlife
El Castillo and La Isabela
El Limón
Hato Mayor and
Sabana de la Mar
Juan
Dolio
La Romana and
Casa de Campo
Practicalities
Las Galeras
Eating options
|
