5 Hidden Gems in the Dominican Republic You Need to Know About

1. Jarabacoa

Cool mountain air. Roaring rivers. Waterfalls you can feel in your chest.

Jarabacoa is a total surprise to anyone who thinks the Dominican Republic is just about beaches. Tucked into the lush Cordillera Central mountains, it’s often called the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its year-round fresh climate. You’re surrounded by pine forests, coffee farms, and wild rivers—and it smells like green things growing.

This is the place for true adventure: whitewater rafting down the Yaque del Norte, hiking to towering waterfalls like Salto de Jimenoa, or just sipping Dominican hot chocolate as clouds roll through the valleys below. Aroma de la Montaña, a restaurant that slowly rotates 360 degrees, gives you a panoramic view of it all while you dine—yes, it really moves.

Don’t miss:

• Rafting, canyoning, or tubing through the mountain rivers

• Lunch or sunset cocktails at Jamaca de Dios with views that go on forever

• Trying the grilled trout and rich hot chocolate—it’s a mountain must

2. Bahía de las Águilas

No roads. No noise. No one around. Just you and the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean.

If you’re willing to go off the grid, Bahía de las Águilas will reward you with absolute serenity. Located in the far southwestern corner of the island, inside Jaragua National Park, this beach is only reachable by boat or a very bumpy drive. But when you arrive—wow. It’s like the Caribbean 100 years ago.

I remember stepping off the boat and feeling like I’d landed on another planet. The sand is powdery white, the water is glass-clear, and there are zero buildings in sight. You can bring a picnic, spend the entire day swimming and sunbathing, and never hear anything but the breeze and the waves. It’s a place that stays with you.

Don’t miss:

• Arranging a local boat ride from La Cueva—it’s the only way in

• A stop in Cabo Rojo for a cliffside lunch and fiery sunset

• Bringing everything you need—no shops, no vendors, no distractions

3. Constanza

Cooler temps, strawberry fields, pine forests, and cozy mountain cafés.

Nestled high in the mountains, Constanza is one of the most unique places on the island. Known as the “Alps of the Caribbean,” it’s a total contrast to the coast. The air is crisp and clean, and the surrounding hills are filled with flower farms, strawberry fields, and winding roads that feel more like the countryside in Europe than the Caribbean.

It’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect—with nature, with food, and with local life. You’ll find small farmstands, scenic parks, and places like Mi Corazón, a sweet café where you can enjoy local coffee, fresh juice, and pastries that taste like home. The rhythm here is slow and grounding.

Don’t miss:

• Hiking or birdwatching in Valle Nuevo National Park

• Sampling fresh-picked strawberries from roadside stands

• Dinner at La Esquina Gastrobar, where the vibe is as good as the food

4. Cabrera

Coastal cliffs, crystal cenotes, and a quiet that feels sacred.

Cabrera is where you go to get away from everything. It’s raw and dramatic in the best way—green hills tumbling into the ocean, jungle paths leading to hidden swimming spots, and clifftop cafés where the world slows down. It’s not overdeveloped, and that’s exactly what makes it feel like a secret.

You can swim in Laguna Dudu, a freshwater cenote so clear it glows, or zipline directly into the water if you're feeling brave. Then head to Playa Grande, one of the most photogenic beaches I’ve ever seen, followed by a relaxed afternoon at MiraMar Café, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.

Don’t miss:

• Swimming or zip-lining at Laguna Dudu

• Playa Grande for wide sands, big waves, and grilled fish from beach shacks

• Watching the sun drop into the Atlantic with a mojito at MiraMar

5. San Juan de la Maguana

A sacred sense of place, rich with history and stories.

For those who want to understand the Dominican Republic on a deeper level, San Juan de la Maguana offers something you won’t find anywhere else. This inland city is rich with Taíno history, spiritual traditions, and a fierce pride in its past. It’s quieter, more grounded, and full of meaning.

Here, you can visit ceremonial grounds, walk in the footsteps of Anacaona (a legendary Taíno queen), and eat dishes that have been passed down for generations. This is where the island’s soul lives—away from the beach parties and deep in its cultural roots.

Don’t miss:

• The Anacaona Monument and surrounding archaeological sites

• Traditional dishes like chenchén and stewed goat (a must-try)

• Local music or festivals that turn the whole town into a celebration

Traveling to these hidden corners of the Dominican Republic is incredibly rewarding—but it’s a different experience than staying in a beachfront resort. In many of these areas, infrastructure is limited, so it’s important to plan ahead. Roads can be rough (especially to places like Bahía de las Águilas or parts of Constanza), so I always recommend renting a 4x4 vehicle or hiring a local driver who knows the terrain. You’ll also want to bring cash, as many smaller towns and local eateries don’t accept cards.

Spanish is the main language in these regions, and while you may find some English spoken, knowing a few key phrases—or traveling with a guide—can really enhance your experience. People here are incredibly warm and welcoming, especially when you show interest in their culture.

Pack for variety: you’ll want sturdy shoes for hiking, a jacket or sweater for the cooler mountain areas like Constanza and Jarabacoa, and sun protection for the coastal regions. And most importantly—bring an open mind. These destinations aren’t about luxury in the traditional sense—they’re about connection, discovery, and feeling something real.

If you want to make the most of your trip, I always recommend slowing down your pace. These places are meant to be savored. Let the rhythm of the island guide you—and trust me, you’ll leave with stories no resort stay could ever give you.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Dominican Republic page.