Things To Do In The Dominican Republic

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The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country which occupies two thirds of the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola, and is a marker that divides the ocean, with the Caribbean Sea to the south and the North Atlantic to the north of the island. This was one of the first areas of the Caribbean to be discovered and settled in the fifteenth century, and this can be seen in some of the historic settlements on the island. However, the real attraction of the Dominican Republic for most visitors is the spectacular range of beaches and the lovely hotels that have been opened in order to serve the tourist industry.

• Relax On The Beach

The beaches of the country feature heavily in most of the promotional material that promotes the country, and there is no doubt that most people will want to spend some of their time relaxing on the beach. There are some truly remarkable beaches located around the island, and if you are staying in one of the Cap Cana hotels the beautiful Juanillo beach is a lovely place to spend the day. If you are based in Santo Domingo the Playa Boca Chica beach is busy but exceptionally beautiful, while Playa Rincon is a remarkable beach that is set against large cliffs and provides a wonderful backdrop for snorkeling and swimming.

• Enjoy The Food And Drink

One of the great attractions of visiting the Dominican Republic is the chance to enjoy the local cuisine, and the range of tropical fruits on offer are well worth trying. Traditional staples such as rice and beans are well presented, while there is also plenty of locally caught seafood. Rum is probably the most famous alcohol brewed on the island, while Mama Juana is an interesting blend of rum, red wine and honey that has been used to steep herbs and bark. If you are lucky enough to be staying in one of the All-Inclusive Dominican Republic hotels, you will have plenty of opportunities to indulge yourself!

• Explore The Old City Of Santo Domingo

The only UNESCO World Heritage site in the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo is still the capital of the country, and the Colonial Zone is one of the most impressive in the Caribbean. There are a series of old churches and convents that are kept in good repair, while the Calle Las Damas was the first European style street to be built in the Caribbean. The Ozama Fort and the Cathedral both date from the period shortly after the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

• Climb The Pico Duarte

If you are feeling adventurous having spent some time relaxing in your hotel, this inland mountain is the highest peak in the Caribbean with the peak situated at 3,098 meters above sea level. This is a genuine adventure and will usually require at least one night staying in one of the shelters along the route, as the climb from the trail head at La Cienaga is nearly fifteen miles with an elevation change of just under 2,000 meters. The trails are well maintained, and many tour operators will be able to offer transport to and from the trail head.