The City of Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas: founded by Bartolomé Colón, Columbus' brother, in 1496 on the shore of the Ozama river. Its current situation is not the original one, as it was moved by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502. There we can see the New World first street, the first cathedral, first university, first hospital... The so-called Colonial Zone is like traveling in time back to the 16th century.

If you want to know more about those times, don't miss the city's museums:

Museo de las Casas Reales
Calle Las Damas, Santo Domingo
Teléfono: (809) 682-4202
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily
The building ws the siege of the Supreme court in the 16th century. This museum illustrates the rich heritage of Santo Domingo with tapestries, maps and other objects dating back from 1492 to 1821.

Alcázar de Colón
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Teléfono: (809) 686-8657
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily
This palace was built in 1500 by Diego Colón, Columbus' son, and has object that belonged to the Dsicoverer. The square where it is located has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy the ambiance.

Other interesting museums are: the Museum of the Dominican Man (Plaza de la Cultura, Santo Domingo. Tel.: 809-686-2145, hosts an excellent collection of pre-Columbian art and also of African tradition with samples of voodoo elements and carnival costumes) and the National Museum of History and Geography (Plaza de la Cultura, Santo Domingo. Tel.: 809-686-2145, showing main features of the first inhabitants of the island, the American Occupation and relationship with Haiti).

But Santo Domingo is not just that: the modern part of the city, full of high-rise apartment towers and malls, is full of animation day and night.
The skyline of Santo Domingo, is dominated by the prominent silhouette of the 31-storey Malecón Center facing the seaside avenue of the same name; and in the outskirts of the city the Botanical Garden has an excellent collection of trees and plants, including some rare varieties that only grow in this island. Among the trees that can be seen there, the national tree: the flamboyán or framboyán.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is the main touristic hotspot in the Dominican Republic. Its miles and miles of beaches with the thinnest, whitest sand you can imagine, made it a first class tourist attractive, and all along the coastline dozens of resorts and hotels from the leading international hotel groups. Working usally with the "All Inclusive" formula, and ranging from luxury to more affordable ones, but always of great quality. In any travel agency, you are sure to find packages and flights to Punta Cana.


Celebrities such as Julio Iglesias and Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta made heavy investments in this area and are partners, among other projects, in the spectacular International Airport of Punta Cana, built completely in wood and with roofs made with palm leaves.

The name of the region is due to the promontory of the same name, around which lie the beaches of Playa Bávaro and others like Cortecito, Ubero Alto and Macao. The tropical climate in Punta Cana ofrecoffers constant temperatures, averaging 26 ºC, in a range of 12º from the 20 ºC in winter to a maximum of 32 ºC in summer.


Being so far away from every main city (200 miles away from Santo Domingo, and 40 miles from Higuey, the little capital of the province of La Altagracia, where it administratively belongs), Punta Cana is indeed a place to relax, practice water sports and enjoy the beach or the hotel's amenities. The only place of a certain arhitectonic interest is the Basilique of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, in Higüey.

The North Coast: Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete

Puerto Plata is one of the oldest cities in Dominican Republic, founded in 1496 by Bartolomé Colón, son of Christoper Columbus. The city spreads at the feet of the impressive mountain called Loma Isabel de Torres (where you can ride to the top on a cable car), and its recently restored malecón is a very pleasant place for a stroll by the sea. When in Puerto Plata, it is worthwile visiting the Amber Museum and the 16th century San Felipe Fortress, or maybe you prefer a trip to the Brugal distillery, where you´ll be offered the chance to taste their world class rhums.


The city has indeed a certain British colonial influence, and still preserves many of its old Victorian-style wooden houses. But it is probably better known in the world because of the nearby Playa Dorada beach tourist resort, which includes shops, restaurants and hotels all around a golf course.

Just a few miles away are the International Airport and the city of Sosua, which is also a tourist hotspot with a very peculiar history: During World War II, there was a thriving Jewish colony formed by refugees fleeing Nazi Germany, who were brought there by Dominican dictator Trujillo. There is still a synagogue, a Jewish museum and a flourishing food industry whose origins can be traced down to those determined and hardworking immigrants.

Near Sosua there is one of world's best spots for windsurf and kite surf, the miles long beach of Cabarete. Every year, a world contest of kitesurf and another one of windsurf are held here, and there are several schools where you can learn these sports.

Following the main seaside road towards the East we will arrive to Río San Juan, little coastal village that boasts one of the biggest and most famous beaches in the country: Playa Grande, together with other equally superbe but smaller and less known beaches. There are big hotels and agolf course in the area.

Río San Juan has yet another two natural wonders: the Gri-Gri lagoon. Its name is due to the mangroves that grow on its shores; and the Cabo Francés National Park.

If, instead of going East, we turn towards the West of Puerto Plata, following the coast line, we will se how the landscape changes, gradually becoming more arid and dry. The so called Línea Noroeste (northwest line), the area closest to the border with Haiti, is one of the hottest, driest regions of the country. Its capital, Montecristi is a tranquil provincian city, famous for its typical dish, the spicy goat stew called chivo liniero.

The South of the Dominican Republic

Southern Dominican Republic is the poorest and least known area of the country, but it boasts a wide range of natural riches that make the region have a lot of potential for ecologically friendly tourism.


One of the region's hidden gems is Bahía de las Águilas (Eagles Bay), a place of unique beauty. There are other gorgeous beaches, such as Barahona, center of a burgeoning touristic development, and an exotic lake situated under the sea level, Lake Enriquillo, where iguanas, pink flamingos and an endemic species of crocodile have their home.

Dominican Republic Climate and Geography

Geographi of the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is situated in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, geographically between 68° 19´ and 73° 31´ West and between 17° 36´ and 19° 59´ North. It shares with Haiti the island of Hispaniola or La Española, one of the Major Antilles, of which it takes approximately two thirds of the surface. Total country's extension is 48,670.82km², including small adjacent islands.

The country has a shore line of 1,576 Km. and 488 Km. of border with Haiti.

The country is mountainous in a 72%, as there are several ridges that cross the country from Northeast to Southwest: Central Ridge or Cordillera Central, the most important in the country and the Antilles, and which comprises the Pico Duarte, 3,175 m above sea level. The Northern Ridge or Cordillera Septentrional in the north, separates the atlantic coastal plains from the Cibao Valley. Its highest elevation is Pico Diego de Ocampo. In the south, the ridges of Neiba and Bahoruco. Finally, the Eastern Ridge or Cordillera Oriental, separates the Cibao Valley from the Caribbean coastal plains.




Main rivers are all born in the central Ridge: Yaque del Norte, Yuna, Artibonito and Yaque del Sur.

Between the ridges of Neiba and Bahoruco there is Lake Enriquillo, the biggest of the Antilles. 42 meters below sea level and with salty waters, it constitutes one of the strangest ecosysteme of the island. Iguanas, flamingos and caymans live in its shores.

Other important lakes are Laguna de Rincón, Laguna de Oviedo, Laguna Redonda and Laguna Limón.

Climate of the Dominican Republic

In spite of being a tropical country, climate is as varied as the island geography, varying from semiarid in the West and South of the country and extremely wet in the North and center: average rainfall goes from 350mm. and 2.743,mm. per year, depending on the area.
There are two rainy seasons: For the north coast the rainiest period comprises November to January. For the rest of the country, it is May to November, with an average rainfall of 2000 mm. March is the driest month in most of the country, with less than 500 mm. There are, however, plenty of regional microclimates.



Coasts have a tropical climate with average temperaturas betwen 18º C and 25º C, being January the coldest month and August the hottest.
Central mountains, where the weather is much cooler, can even see temeratures falling below freezing point in winter.
The hurricane season in the Caribbean begins on June 1st and lasts until November 30th.

Traveling to Dominican Republic

Indeed, the immense majority of people who travel to the Dominican Republic do it by plane: cruising industry is little developed although seaside cities such as Santo Domingo or Puerto Plata offer enough attractive and there are sea ports able to receive cruise lines: the tourist port of Sans Souci, Don Diego and the Cristobal Colón ferry terminal in Santo Domingo, where the ferries to the port of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico depart from. For timetables and schedules, please check the Ferries del Caribe company website.

La Romana has a marina and an international tourist port, and in Puerto Plata a modern port, that will be able to admit cruise boats is being built.


But there is little doubt that almost every one of the three million tourists who visit the country every year do it in the "All Inclusive" formula, buying a tourist pack that comprises flight and hotel. There are of course regular flights: Main airlines fly regularly to the Dominican Republic and have offices in the country:

Iberia
Ave. Lope de Vega
Tel : 508-0288

Air France
Máximo Gómez
Tel : 686-8432

American Airlines
Edif. In Tempo, W. Churchill
Tel : 542-5151

Lufthansa
George Washington # 353
Tel : 689-9625

Northwest
Gustavo Mejía Ricart # 54
Tel : 540-5343

Continental
Edif. In Tempo, W. Churchill
Tel : 562-6688

Main international airports are:
Las Américas International Airport, in Santo Domingo;
International Airport Gregorio Luperon in Puerto Plata;
Cibao International Airport in Santiago;
Maria Montes International Airport in Barahona (almost no commercial activity);
La Romana International Airport;
Punta Cana International Airport in Higüey.
Quite recwntly opened its doors the International Airport of El Catey, which services the Samaná peninsula.

Bringing Pets to Dominican Republic

Importation of animals into the country is controlled by the animal Health Department, which in turn depends on the Secretary of Agriculture
Admission of cats and dogs requires the owner to present a rabies vaccination certificate and an International Health Certificate (your veterinary should be able to provide one) obtained at the country of origin. Entry is tax free.

For other animals we reccomend you to ask at the Department of Agriculture and the National Zoo.

Travelling around Dominican Republic

Transport and infrastructures

Virtually all transport inside Dominican Republic is made by road: There are no operating train networks in the country. The state of the roads is on average better than in surrounding countries, although maintenance is often quite neglected. This, added to the facts that roads traverse every village and cars have to share them with all kind and vehicles, some of them very peculiar, makes time spent in travel quite longer that what you'd probably expect.

That makes it worth considering interior flights within the country: there are several domestic companies that fly from and to Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana and Samaná, such as Sapair, Caribair, Air Century or Aerodomca.



Busses are also a good choice for shorter distances: they are comfortable, air conditioned and reasonabily priced. There are two main companies: Metro and Caribe Tours. The first one only services the country's main corridor Santo Domingo - Santiago - Puerto Plata, while the second one has a bigger route map.

Shorter trips are serviced by an extensive network of guaguas or little vans, pretty much battered that, due to the crazy speeds that drivers reach, carry the well deserved nickname of
voladoras (flyers). Inside them, the conductor or pitcher will manage to pack as many people as one can possibly imagine (or maybe more) and won't depart until the guagua is full.

This is poor Dominicans' transport, so getting on a guagua is a good opportunity to get to know the real Dominican people. It is also a good way to travel for very little money... although comfort is a different issue.

Inside cities, taxis are a good choice, as there are many companies whose services can be requested over the phone and will very quickly send a taxi. Service is good, and price is reasonable. Here again, there is a popular option: the conchos or collective taxis, really shattered cars that run on fixed routes with up to 6 passengers plus the driver (on a normal 5-seat car). You wave at them to make the driver stop, get in and whey you are arriving to your destination, tell the driver to stop.

Little cities especially coastal resorts, have plenty of motoconchos, young men with a little motorbike that for a modest fare will transport you on short distances.



Of course, fully independent travel can only be attained when driving one's own vehicle. There are several rental car companies; some of them are branches of the best known multinationals, such as Avis or Hertz, while other are small independent companies that often offer better prices but the average age of their car fleet is bigger and maintenance can be somewhat dubious.

However, before jumping into the adventure that driving in Dominican Republic is, we reccommend you to observe during a few days the behavior of the average Dominican driver.

When you finally decide to have a go at diving, just forget about every rule and traffic signal you learnt: you will have to learn everything again and not really in a book. Meanwhile, drive deffensively and don't assume anything about other driver's behaviour, as this author has witnessed countless maneuvers that were not only dangerous and sudden, but whose purpose also defied any attempt of explanation.

Inland Dominican Republic: Cibao, Constanza and Jarabacoa

Dominican Republic is not just beaches: Its interior also contains other other surprises and interesting places:

For example, the Cibao Valley is an extraordinarily fertile valley that produces food for the whole country, and is also a center for tobacco and rhum production. Its capital is Santiago de los Caballeros, second city in importance in the country and first with that name in the Americas.



Situated in the geographical center of the country, there is the highest mountain of the Caribbean: the Duarte peak, which, boating its 3175 meters of height, dominates the Central Ridge and is so high that temperatures fall below freezing point in winter, in spite of being in a tropical latitude.

At the feet of the ridge lay the cities of Constanza and Jarabacoa, which enjoy an, unlikely for this region, cool climate in summer that turns definitely cold in winter. The region's landscape, covered by pine trees, gives the region the somewhat excessive name of "Dominican Alps".

Due to the beauty of their enviromnment, Constanza and Jarabacoa are two places where practice outdoor sports such as rafting, horse riding or canyoneering.

Samaná

The Samaná peninsula, at the northeastern end of the island, has always been a hidden diamond, because of its distance from main cities and the difficult communications. However, the brand new international airport has placed Samaná, for good and evil, at the reach of tour operators and tourist packages.


Those who have seen Samaná say that it is one of the most beautiful places in the island. Unlike other places like Boca Chica or Punta Cana, whose flat, dull geography has no other attractiveness than sandy beaches, Samaná's beautiful beaches, with thier white sand and turquoise water, contrast with the deep tropical green of the mountains that surround them.

Also in Samaná there is the beach of Playa Rincon, considereded one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and also a few other beaches that can be compared to it, such as Las Terrenas, famous because of the thriving colony of French (and other nationalities) expatriates.

For lovers of nature observation, Cayo Levantado is a privileged place to watch the passage of the humpback whales during their mating season, from January to March.

Juan Dolio and Boca Chica

Boca Chica is a long strip of beach along a shallow water bay, almost closed by a coral reef, whic virtually turns the bay into a natural swimming pool. Due to its proximity to Santo Domingo, it is considered "the Santo Domingo beach" where working class Dominicans go, although there are also several luxury hotels.



Going further East of Santo Domingo, we can find the beaches of Guayacanes and Juan Dolio. 40 Km. away from Santo Domingo, and about 20 from the international airport, they are an interesting choice for their quality and the infrastructure that links them to the counry and beyond.

La Romana and Bayahibe

Towards the East of Santo Domingo, and about two hours away on an almost deserted highway, one can find the city of La Romana, which is also a very important tourist pole.

The city has been prosperous for a long time. Initially, it was due to the sugar industry, where the Central Romana Company was the owner of the country's biggest sugar mill, and immense sugar cane fields. Later, during the 70s, part of the cultivated areas became one of the most luxurious residential and leisure resorts in the world: Casa de Campo, home of many celebrities such as singer Julio Iglesias and fashion designer Óscar de la Renta. There are a marina and sports harbor, several golf courses, luxury shops and private beaches.


On the top of a hill near Casa de Campo you can find a picturesque place, imitating a mediterranean village: it is called Altos de Chavón. It is actually both home and school of artists, and boasts an open air amphitheater for 4000 people, which has witnessed many international artists performing there: Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias, Juan Luis Guerra, Joaquín Sabina...


Bayahibe

Bayahibe is a little fishermen's village famous for its seaside views from the beach, although the beach itself is very small. Nearby Dominicus Beach, has a much better zoning and has long, beautiful beaches of soft, white sand.

Boats depart every day from Bayahibe with destination Saona island and Catalina island, two spectacular, "postcard" islands that are part of a National Park and where you can spend the day and swim or dive into their turquoise blue waters.