Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler. The most popular areas are the resort hubs of Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, which are lined with all-inclusive resorts on stunning stretches of beach. However, the country's appeal goes far beyond the resorts. The Samaná Peninsula offers a more ecotourism-focused experience, with pristine beaches, humpback whale watching, and lush national parks. The mountainous interior, including the "Dominican Alps," has the highest peaks in the Caribbean and offers opportunities for hiking and adventure.

The capital, Santo Domingo, has a beautifully preserved Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the Americas. With its vibrant Latin culture, merengue and bachata music, and incredible natural diversity, the Dominican Republic is a complete and captivating destination.

Reasons to Visit

• Beautiful Beaches: Relax on the stunning white-sand beaches of Punta Cana and other famous coastal areas.
• All-Inclusive Resorts: Enjoy a hassle-free vacation at one of the many world-class all-inclusive resorts.
• Historic Santo Domingo: Explore the cobblestone streets and colonial architecture of the first European city in the New World.
• Diverse Nature: Discover a country of incredible geographic diversity, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to towering mountains and arid deserts.

Things to Avoid

• Drinking the Tap Water: It is not safe to drink the tap water. All resorts provide purified water, and you should stick to bottled water elsewhere.
• Ignoring Safety Advice: While resorts are very safe, exercise caution if you travel independently. Avoid walking alone at night and be discreet with valuables.
• Eating Unwashed Produce: Be cautious with salads and unpeeled fruit outside of major resorts to avoid stomach issues.
• Being Unprepared for Mosquitoes: Protect yourself from mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk, to prevent illnesses like dengue fever.

Local Transportation Tips

For travel between major cities, modern, air-conditioned coach services like Caribe Tours and Metro are comfortable and reliable. For shorter distances, 'guaguas' (local buses or minivans) are the cheapest option but can be crowded. Within resort areas, hotel taxis or pre-booked transfers are the safest and easiest way to get around.

Travel Etiquette

• Greetings: A friendly "Buenos días" (Good morning) or "Hola" (Hello) is a polite way to greet people.
• Relaxed Pace: "Island time" is prevalent. A relaxed and patient attitude is key.
• Bargaining: In markets and with street vendors, friendly bargaining is expected.
• Appearance: Dominicans take pride in their appearance. While beachwear is fine for the beach, dress a little more smartly when visiting towns or restaurants.

Did You Know?

The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world with a picture of the Bible on its national flag.

Cool Dominican Republic Stats

• Oldest City: The capital, Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.
• Highest Peak: Pico Duarte, at 3,098 meters (10,164 ft), is the highest mountain peak in the entire Caribbean.
• A Baseball Factory: The Dominican Republic produces more Major League Baseball (MLB) players than any other country outside of the United States.

Recommended Age Group

The Dominican Republic is an excellent destination for all age groups, thanks to the wide variety of all-inclusive resorts that cater to different travelers.

• Babies (0-2 years): Highly Recommended. Many all-inclusive resorts are specifically designed for families and provide excellent facilities for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Highly Recommended. The kids' clubs, safe beaches, and swimming pools at the resorts make it a perfect family holiday destination.
• Teens (13-19 years): Highly Recommended. Teenagers will enjoy the water sports, activities, and social atmosphere of the major resorts.
• Adults (20-64 years): Highly Recommended. The country offers a huge variety, from lively party resorts and romantic adults-only hotels to historical exploration and adventure travel.
• Seniors (65+ years): Highly Recommended. The comfort and convenience of all-inclusive resorts make it a very popular and easy destination for seniors.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• The major all-inclusive resorts have excellent accessibility, but the rest of the country is challenging.
• The large, modern resorts in areas like Punta Cana are often fully accessible, with ramps, accessible rooms, and paved pathways.
• However, outside of these resort bubbles, public infrastructure, transportation, and sidewalks are not accessible.
• The historic Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo has cobblestones that are difficult for wheelchairs.