🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

Discover the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is the Caribbean's most visited destination, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. Known for pristine beaches, world-class all-inclusive resorts, rich history, and vibrant culture, the DR offers something for every traveler. From the colonial charm of Santo Domingo (the oldest European city in the Americas) to the white-sand beaches of Punta Cana, this diverse nation delivers authentic Caribbean experiences.

Beyond beach resorts, the Dominican Republic features dramatic mountain ranges (including the Caribbean's highest peak), lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, world-class golf courses, and adventure activities from zip-lining to whale watching. With warm, welcoming people, merengue music, flavorful cuisine, and year-round sunshine, the DR embodies the heart and soul of Caribbean culture.

Award-Winning Excellence

Notable Award-Winning Properties & Services

• Amanera - Caribbean's Leading Beach Resort 2025
• Casa de Campo Resort & Villas - Dominican Republic's Leading Resort 2025
• Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo - Dominican Republic's Leading Hotel 2025
• Club Med Punta Cana - Dominican Republic's Leading Family Resort 2025
• Casas del XVI (Royal Suite) - Dominican Republic's Leading Hotel Suite 2025
• Casa Hemingway - Dominican Republic's Leading Boutique Hotel 2025
• Colonial Tour and Travel - Dominican Republic's Leading Tour Operator 2025
• Amstar DMC - Dominican Republic's Leading Destination Management Company 2025
• Avis - Dominican Republic's Leading Car Rental Company 2025

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• Zona Colonial (Santo Domingo) - UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and the oldest cathedral in the Americas
• Punta Cana Beaches - World-famous white-sand beaches with turquoise waters, all-inclusive resorts, and water sports
• Samaná Peninsula - Humpback whale watching (January-March), pristine beaches, waterfalls, and Los Haitises National Park
• 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua - Adventure tour sliding, jumping, and swimming through cascading waterfalls
• Pico Duarte - Highest peak in the Caribbean (10,164 feet) accessible via multi-day hiking trek
• Isla Saona - Picture-perfect island with pristine beaches, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters (day trip from Punta Cana)
• Los Tres Ojos - Stunning limestone caves with three turquoise lagoons near Santo Domingo
• Altos de Chavón - Replica 16th-century Mediterranean village at Casa de Campo with amphitheater and artisan workshops
• Playa Rincón - Remote, pristine beach consistently ranked among the world's best
• Cayo Arena (Paradise Island) - Tiny sandbar with exceptional snorkeling in shallow coral reefs
• Jarabacoa - Mountain town perfect for eco-adventures, white-water rafting, canyoning, and waterfall visits
• Ocean World Adventure Park - Marine park with dolphin encounters, sea lion shows, and tropical reef snorkeling

Regional Highlights

Activities & Adventures

The Dominican Republic offers endless activities beyond beaches. Play championship golf at Puntacana Resort or Casa de Campo. Go whale watching in Samaná Bay (January-March peak season). Explore underwater wonders at dive sites throughout the country. Try kitesurfing in Cabarete, known as the adventure sports capital.

Adventure seekers can zip-line through rainforest canopies, horseback ride to beaches, ATV through countryside, or white-water raft in Jarabacoa. Cultural experiences include cigar factory tours, rum distillery visits, coffee plantation tours in the mountains, and merengue dancing lessons.

Dominican Culture & Cuisine

Dominican culture centers around music, dance, and family. Merengue and bachata rhythms fill the streets, while baseball is the national passion. Dominicans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and love of celebration. Spanish is the primary language, though English is common in tourist areas.

The cuisine blends Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. Must-try dishes include la bandera (rice, beans, meat—the flag), mofongo (mashed plantains), sancocho (hearty stew), tostones, fresh seafood, and pastelitos. Don't miss locally grown coffee, Mama Juana (herbal drink), and world-class cigars and rum.

Travel Tips

• Entry Requirements: US citizens need valid passport and tourist card ($10, often included in airfare)
• Getting There: Major airports in Punta Cana (PUJ), Santo Domingo (SDQ), Puerto Plata (POP), and Santiago (STI)
• Getting Around: Rental cars available (drive on right). Taxis, hotel shuttles common. Público (shared taxis) for local transport
• Currency: Dominican Peso (DOP). US dollars widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards common at resorts
• Best Time to Visit: December to April for perfect weather. Hurricane season June-November. Year-round warm temperatures
• Resort Areas: All-inclusive resorts dominate Punta Cana, Puerto Plata. Boutique hotels in Santo Domingo, Samaná
• Language: Spanish essential outside resorts. Basic phrases helpful. English common in tourist zones
• What to Pack: Light clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable shoes, beach gear, light jacket for mountains
• Safety: Tourist areas very safe. Use caution outside resorts. Avoid unlicensed taxis. Don't display valuables
• Tipping: 10% service charge often included. Additional 10% tip appreciated. Tip bellhops, housekeeping separately