The Dominican Republic is one of the main destinations in the Caribbean. This country, which shares an island with Haiti, is known for its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters. But the Dominican Republic has much more to see, many places that are worth discovering by its visitors.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: 5 PLACES YOU CAN’T MISS
We want to bring you a little piece of this corner of the Caribbean and that you travel worry-free with your travel insurance. Get to know the 5 places to see in the Dominican Republic!
Santo Domingo
Many vacation packages offer only sun, beach and a resort. And yes, it is the main attraction of the island, but there is life beyond the hotel pool or the sun lounger. One of the best places to see in the Dominican Republic is the capital of the country. Santo Domingo was the first city founded by the Spanish in America. This legacy is still preserved in the buildings of its oldest part, the one known as “Colonial City”.
Its pedestrian streets invite you to explore the area enjoying every step. The area is full of cafes, bars and restaurants, so it is a good occasion to savor the cuisine of the island. Among the most emblematic buildings you will find the Alcázar de Colón, which was once the residence of the viceroy Diego Colón, son of the discoverer. You can also visit the Primate Cathedral of America , the oldest on the continent, since it was consecrated to Pope Julius II in 1504.
Another of the places that you cannot skip on your walk is the Monastery of San Francisco, which dates from 1508, making it the first monastery on the new continent. Visit the Ozama Fortress, the first defensive construction in the New World, and be sure to pass by the Puerta de la Misericordia, one of the city’s still-preserved gateways. The complex is declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, so take a visit with ease. Enjoy every historical place and let the calm rhythm of this part of the city seduce you. Here you will find one of the best places to see in the Dominican Republic.
Pedernales Peninsula
It is one of the most impressive places in the Dominican Republic, and yet tourism is not as intense as in other places on the island. It is located almost on the border with Haiti, and getting here is not easy. In the Pedernales Peninsula, you can enjoy the best of Dominican nature, with all the tranquillity in the world.
We recommend that you visit the Bahía de Águilas , where one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic and in the world is located. Crystal clear waters, white sand, few visitors and nature at the foot of the sandbank. Those are the credentials for this place.
During your visit to the area, you can take advantage of discovering such incredible places as the Jaragua National Park , the Cachoté cloud forest , the Laguna salty Oviedo and the Bahoruco National Park , where you can contemplate the local birds. It is worth visiting any of these destinations, also, since the trip to the peninsula is not short, better to take advantage of the investment of time and money.
Pico Duarte
If you go hiking, other things to do in the Dominican Republic is the ascent to Pico Duarte. It is the highest peak in the Antilles, and from its 3,087 meters high you can enjoy unique views of the Cordillera Central, the mountainous region that runs through the country.
The route to the peak lasts three days, so you should be physically fit and have a good team. The climb begins about 20 km from San Juan de la Managuana, specifically at the Sabaneta dam. After a day of walking, the Alto de la Rosa refuge will wait for you for the night.
The next morning, after leaving the cultivation fields that populate the path up to approximately 1,500 meters, you will stop at the Macutico refuge. The last stage passes between dense extensions of Creole pine. At the top, you can rest in the refuge of La Comparición.
Catalina Island
It is the second-largest island in the country, and it is one of the amazing places to see in the Dominican Republic. Unlike Isla Saona, it is not so touristically exploited, so it offers its natural charms in a more relaxed way.
It is located a few kilometres from La Romana, in the southeast of the country. On the island, you will find three spectacular beaches: East, West and North. Any of them deserves to be among your top 10 best beaches, but if you want more tranquillity, avoid West Beach, it is the most crowded of all.
The island is part of the National Park of the East, and its waters are perfect for diving or snorkeling. Dive into crystal clear waters full of colorful fish and enjoy an experience you will never forget.
The three eyes (Los Tres Ojos)
In general, this place does not appear in the most tourist packages on the island, so it is still safe from overcrowding. However, it is one of the best places to see in the Dominican Republic, one of those natural treasures that the island keeps.
Los Tres Ojos is a cave that owes its name to the three underground lagoons that it houses inside: Lago de Azufre, Lago de las Damas, and La Nevera. This last lake connects with a fourth lake, the Zaramagullones, forming a spectacle worth admiring.
The place is located in the middle of a jungle area, so nature invades everything. You will feel like a real Indiana Jones in one of his adventures. The best time to visit the cave is early in the morning, around 8, since it is when the sun best illuminates each of the lakes.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
As you can see, the Dominican Republic offers unique places beyond those that we always see in tourist brochures. If you are thinking of visiting any of them, we recommend that you do so with travel insurance. Health in the country is not as developed as in other places, and quality health is expensive. With our travel insurance, you can forget about these concerns because travel insurance covers medical care anywhere in the world.