Curator’s statement
The Dominican Republic holds a special place in my heart. Not just because of its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, but because it’s where my partner, a proud Dominican, was born and raised. He introduced me to the hidden gems of this incredible country beyond the well-known beaches of Punta Cana. From the historic streets of Santo Domingo to the lush, untouched beauty of Samaná, and the lively rhythms of Santiago, I’ve experienced the soul of this island through local eyes.
This guide is an invitation to venture beyond the obvious. There’s a depth to the Dominican Republic that reveals itself in its smaller towns, mountain ranges and coastal villages. Each place holds a story, and through this guide, I hope you’ll discover the magic of this beautiful country, just as I did, one adventure at a time!
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Things to do in Dominican Republic
Whale watching in Samaná: It is one of the best places to witness humpback whales! It is incredible to see them up-close by boat, breaching and playing in the warm waters. Tip: The best time to go is January to March when they migrate to the Samaná bay!
Explore La Zona Colonial in the country's capital of Santo Domingo: Mix up your beach schedule by taking in this historical neighborhood! Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the Americas. You can not go wrong by taking a simple walking tour to see the rich cultural history and colonial ruins.
Windsurf in Cabarete: Ranked among the top ten places in the world for windsurfing, Cabarete is a paradise for both seasoned pros and adventurous beginners. With its consistent conditions, there is no "off" season. The coastline is dotted with rental shops and windsurfing schools, making it easy for anyone to check windsurfing off their bucket list!
Ride the Teleferico Cable Car in Puerto Plata: Located on the Ysabel de Torres Mountain. All you need is $10 (cash per person, round-trip) to take the 10-minute ride up to the top and take in the incredible scenery and panoramic views. Surrounded by mountain trees, you'll see the city below and the expansive beaches and Atlantic Ocean. You will also get access to the Botanical Gardens, nature reserve and the miniature Christ the Redeemer. Tip: Earlier the better! Beat crowds and the afternoon fog!
Take a refreshing swim at Salto El Limón in Las Terrenas: 30 minutes from the city. You can choose between guided tours by horseback (or ATV) or independent hikes through scenic paths. Either way, you will be surrounded by a rich biodiversity of plants and birds. Leading to a 50-meter waterfall cascading down into a crystal clear pool that you can't resist taking a dip in! Tip: Wear sturdy shoes regardless of what route you take. All three will require some walking on uneven terrain!
Visit Altos de Chavón in La Romana: This recreated 16th-century Mediterranean Village is nestled in the countryside and is truly breathtaking. Within the village, they have multiple art studios, St. Stanislaus Church, a 5,000-seat amphitheater and sweeping views of the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea.
Sail on a Catamaran Boat to Isla Soana: This island is a lush nature reserve known for its serene beaches & coral reefs and only reachable by boat. This is the perfect day tour to explore a new area. Tours are typically around 6–8 hours from Bayahibe and give you the opportunity to snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the Dominican Republic. Fun Fact: Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed here!
Dance the night away in Santiago de los Caballeros: Take a salsa or bachata class to immerse yourself in the local dance culture. Relax with a drink at trendy lounges in the historic district or hit the local clubs that offer live merengue music or multi-level dance clubs! Santiago has a very rich musical heritage, so you can't go wrong with whatever you choose!
Places to eat & drink in Dominican Republic
Specialties
Mofongo: A beloved Dominican dish made with mashed plantains, chicharrón and garlic. It is the perfect blend of flavors and textures and is best enjoyed in local spots where tradition runs deep.
Sancocho: The truest form of Dominican comfort food. It is a rich, flavorful stew often made with a mix of meats (beef, chicken, pork) and a variety of root vegetables like yucca, plantains and potatoes.
Tostones: Crispy, twice-fried plantains, lightly salted and served with a tangy dipping sauce, the perfect snack
Drinks
Presidente: The Dominican Republic’s signature beer. It is a light and crisp pilsner that’s perfect for cooling off in the Caribbean heat.
Cuba Libre: A classic blend of rum, cola and a splash of lime, but here they will use one of the local three "Bs" for their rum: Brugal, Barceló and Bermúdez.
Mamajuana: A drink unlike any other. It is a specialty made by infusing rum, red wine and honey with tree bark, herbs and spices. Often spoken about for its health benefits, this unique concoction is both strong and flavorful and is usually given as an after-meal digestif.
Travel Advisor
Taylor French
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Dominican Republic. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Oluwaseyi Aladeselu's guide, A Guide to a Relaxing Holiday in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic