Introducing Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic (DR) is a land of contrasts – the physical kind, like the highest peak and the lowest point in the Caribbean, and the more metaphorical kind, like that between the urban street life of Santo Domingo and the rural villages only a short drive away. Santo Domingo, or ‘La Capital’ as it’s typically called, is to Dominicans what New York is to Americans, a collage of cultures; or what Havana is to Cubans, a vibrant beating heart that fuels the entire country. It’s also a living museum, offering the sight of New World firsts scattered around the charming cobblestone streets of the Zona Colonial.
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The DR is also famous for the large all-inclusive resorts that dominate much of the country’s prime beachfront real estate. However, the result is less like the high-rise congestion of Cancun or Miami and more like low-slung retirement communities, albeit ones populated by families, couples and singles of all ages looking for a hassle-free holiday. Beyond the gated luxury enclaves, the roads lead inland past vast sugar plantations and through small villages. To get away from the get-away, travelers head to the Península de Samaná, where the European vibe is as strong as an espresso, and where escape is the operative word. Cabarete on the North Coast has winds which draw adrenaline junkies from around the world. And for the anti-Caribbean experience head to the popular mountain retreats of Jarabacoa and Constanza – places where bathing suits are out and sweaters are in.
Last updated: Oct 20, 2009
Tips & articles
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Take the plunge: the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua
31 January 2012
Travelers routinely describe the tour of the 27 waterfalls at Damajagua as ‘the coolest thing I did in the DR.’...
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Top 10 Dominican Republic experiences
28 September 2011
Much more than beach resorts, the Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse countries, from stunning mountain...
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Dominican Republic & Haiti: travel books to read before you go
15 October 2010
This excerpt from Lonely Planet’s Dominican Republic & Haiti guide provides a selection of travel literature to get you in the...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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Any hotel recommendations for Punta Rucia on the north coast
by crenshore 13 September 2011
Hoping to visit the Dominican Republic in November and was reading about Punta Rucia on the north coast and the gorgeous beach there.…
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one week vacation rental in St. Thomas
by seatuner1 12 September 2011
Greetings All I'm traveling to St. Thomas Sept.25th thru Oct. 2nd with three friends. I've been looking online to try to find a…
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RE: Dental tourism...
by Domton 08 September 2011
The Dominican Republic specifically Santo Domingo/Santiago has some good private dental practices, You could post a question on the forums…
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Dominican Republic
Things to do
- All things to do (264)
- Activities (70)
- Entertainment (45)
- Restaurants (66)
- Shopping (33)
- Sights (50)
- Tours (0)
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Our Top Picks For Dominican Republic
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1 La Vega
Put on your glad rags and dancing shoes to enjoy one of the DR's liveliest, most popular Carnival parties
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2 Cabarete
Catch the breeze or just play in the shallows at the country's top windsurfing and kitesurfing destination
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3 Whale-Watching along Península de Samaná
Look for a bigger splash from the mighty humpback whales gathering for their annual mating season
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4 Playa Frontón
Dive into a quiet underwater world amid these spectacular tropical reefs
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5 Playa Limón
Get away from everything along the near-deserted beaches and lagoons of Playa Limón
Fast Facts about Dominican Republic
- Visa
Issued on arrival
- Official name
República Dominicana
- Departure tax
Air: up to US$20 depending on length of stay; land: US$20
- Area
48,717 sq km
- Population
9 million
- Famous for
Baseball, cockfighting, merengue, cigars, Columbus landing here first
- Country code
809
- Language
Spanish
- Capital
Santo Domingo de Guzmán
- Phrase
Siempre a su orden (you’re welcome); gua-gua (bus)
- People
Dominicans
Our favourite Dominican Republic Blogs (beta)
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To Kiva Fellow or not to Kiva Fellow. Eso e’ la pregunta.
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 21 November 2011
By Robert Gradoville, KF16, Peru Should I become a Kiva Fellow? I imagine a lot of the Stories From The Field blog followers have considered applying to the Fellowship, or have wondered what the comparison is between the Kiva Fellows Program to similar volunteer or development programs abroad. This may include the Peace Corps, overseas research grants, overseas workshops on topics in development, Fulbright Fellowships, Rotary Scholarships, and possibly service-learning trips if you are currently students. The list goes on and on.
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Things to do in the Dominican Republic
Blog: Pommie Travels - 4 November 2011
Several years ago I went to the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean on a cheap all-inclusive package deal. It [...]
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The Pros and Cons of Microfinance – A View From The Field (Part 2)
Blog: Kiva Stories from the Field - 24 May 2011
This is the second of a three-part article on ‘The Pros and Cons of Microfinance - A View From The Field’. The first part concentrated on the pros. The second will focus on the cons. Most of the cons described below demonstrate one thing; microfinance assists on a micro level but is unable to affect macro-level influences. The latter are the main reason that people are impoverished in the first place.
