Must-See Places In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a pretty big reputation amongst travellers, and not just for the beach resorts! One of the most diverse islands in the Caribbean, this country never runs out of things to show you. From the buzzing cities to the tranquil countryside, you’ll have all kinds of memories after your trip to the Dominican Republic. Here are a few places you might want to visit.
There are several intriguing cities in the Dominican Republic. Even so, Santo Domingo is one which is truly unique. Many people plan out holidays in Dominican Republic simply for the sea and sand. However, this is definitely a spot for travellers who are into the historical side of things. Santo Domingo is one of the oldest colonial settlements in the world, as you’ll be able to tell as soon as you arrive. The city’s landmark area, Zona Colonial, is a UNESCO world heritage site, and has some real historical gems. This was the seat of the Spanish empire when it first reached America. It’s home to the oldest standing cathedral anywhere in the Americas. Another interesting site is the Museum of the Royal Houses. Wandering around the cobbled streets and ancient buildings, you’ll have a hard time sating your curiosity!
Image from Wikimedia
If you’re going to the Dominican Republic simply for an island paradise, then you’ll probably want to check out Eastern National Park. This is another world heritage site, and the home to all manner of natural beauty. 112 species of bird make their home here, along with four species of sea turtle, bottle-nose dolphins and manatees. Among the wildlife, the park also boasts a population of the endangered Rhinoceros Iguana. Eastern National Park also has one of the largest marine parks in the whole of the Caribbean, and that’s saying something! If you want to get up close with all the diverse marine life, you can go diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. Alternatively, you can just relax on one of the park’s secluded beaches.
Image from Wikimedia
You might be one of those travellers who wants to soak in the natural beauty, but doesn’t want to get caught up in crowds of tourists. If so, I recommend planning a trip to Jarabacoa. This is what some would call an “eco-tourism” destination, located deep in the Central Mountains, or Cordillera Central. This is a large area of dense, sloping pine forests, carved up by rivers and punctuated by dazzling waterfalls. The slightly cooler temperatures and exquisite natural beauty makes simply walking through Jarabacoa magical. If you’re after something a little more fast-paced, don’t worry. The Río Yaque del Norte river offers great conditions for white-water rafters. Aside from this, there are some amazing spots for rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking.
There you have a mere handful of the incredible experiences which the Dominican Republic has to offer. However, even if you saw all three, you’d merely be skimming the surface. There are countless other places where a tourist can soak in the unique beauty of the country. My advice is to dive right in!
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