The Dominican Republic is truly a beautiful and diverse Caribbean island nation. From Pico Duarte, the highest mountain range, over 10,000 feet in elevation, to the Puerto Plata coastal area where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, this is truly a visitor's paradise.
Those interested in history will not be disappointed. Columbus' visit to this island on his first and subsequent voyages left an incredible Spanish heritage unsurpassed in the New World. In Santo Domingo, the first capital of the New World, we find the first Cathedral in the Americas. Columbus' remains are memorialized in the stunning Columbus Lighthouse, which also serves as a museum, built by the different nations of the Americas. |
In historic La Vega one finds the remains of the first officially recognized municipality in the New World, along with part of the first fortress built to safeguard the settlers. Not far from this location is the site of the first Christian altar built in the New World, Santo Cerro. A Cathedral sits on this spot atop a beautiful hill overlooking the Cibao Valley (the largest and most fertile valley in the country.)
Not far from this site are the mountains of Jarabacoa with various waterfalls that draw tourists from all parts of the island. Here, high above a rushing river bed, you can walk along a set of suspension bridges that will carry you to the beautiful Jimenoa waterfall. Or you may mount some trail horses that will carry you to the Baiguate falls, a good spot to bathe in cool refreshing mountain-fed springs. |
You have never gone souvenir hunting until you have shopped at the outdoor tourist huts at Sosua Beach. There is almost a full mile of shops to hunt treasures in. Not to mention the international and Dominican cuisine served in this area. If you haven't brought your snorkeling equipment, you can rent snorkels and fins for under $10 an hour to explore the reefs at Sosua Beach. Your group may be interested in renting a glass-bottomed boat, or riding the surf on a banana boat. Don't miss the pineapple-coconut drink served in a fresh pineapple. Other fun activities in the area are the Columbus Waterpark, and Fun City, where you can ride go-carts all day for under $10. You can be sure there is plenty to see and do in your free time. |
