REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA
Dominican Republic is a wonderful tropical paradise located on the island of Haiti. It shares it with the state of the same name, occupying most of the area. From the north, the Dominican Republic is washed by the Atlantic Ocean, from the south – by the Caribbean Sea. Most people associate the country with beautiful palm trees, warm waters of the sea and ocean, white sand and exotic vacation in general. But the Dominican Republic is not only beautiful beaches. In addition to beaches, sea and palm trees, there are magnificent national parks teeming with vegetation, many places for water sports, attractions, significant historical sites.
The Dominican Republic also has its own culture and traditions. Local residents are hospitable people, ready to treat foreign tourists with the most delicious dishes. Dominican cuisine is a separate topic of conversation. Finally, one cannot fail to note the architecture of the cities. It combines classic island traditions and austere European style. Tourists should definitely visit the Dominican Republic in order not only to relax and have fun on its beaches, but also to get acquainted with the traditions, history and culture of this state, as well as to visit one of the many national holidays.
Despite the fact that the Dominican Republic is a small state in terms of area, it is divided into 31 regions. The capital, Santo Domingo, is home to over 1.5 million people. The main settlement of the Dominican Republic is located in the very south of the country and has access to the Caribbean Sea. The largest province in terms of area is San Juan. It is located in the east of the island state, has no outlet to the sea, and most of the territory is occupied by hills. Therefore, the population of all cities in the province is about 300 thousand people, five times less than in one capital.
Half of the Dominican Republic’s population lives in the Cibao Valley. It stretches for 250 kilometers: from the Bay of Manzanillo (directly on the border with Haiti in the west) to the Bay of Samana, located in the east. The Cibao Valley is an incredibly fertile and beautiful place surrounded by vegetation. Many people live in the province of Santiago de los Treinta Caballeros, whose cities are landlocked. This is the only region, apart from Santo Domingo Este, where the capital is located, which has a population of more than a million.
History
Until the end of the 15th century, Indian tribes lived in the territory of the modern Dominican Republic. At first, the territory belonged to the Arawaks who moved here from the mainland. But in the 6-7 century they were subdued by the Taino Indians. By the way, the rock paintings left by this people can be seen in caves near the resort towns of the republic. The Tainos did not live in tranquility on the island, as before the arrival of the Spaniards they were systematically raided by the Caribbeans.
The hegemony of the Indians was finished at the end of 1492, when Columbus landed on the island with his crew. The legendary navigator gave the island the name “Hispaniola”. At first, the leader of the Indians and Columbus entered into an agreement. He gave Columbus the right to build a fort without hindrance, confirming that only Spain claims to the island. The Taino Indians believed that the Europeans were some kind of supernatural creatures, so they treated them with honor. Then the Spaniards began to use the local population as slaves, because of which bloody uprisings broke out.
At the end of the 18th century, the island came under the control of the French. For a long time they owned only its western part (Haiti), but then they managed to overcome the resistance of the Spaniards. When the famous Haitian Revolution took place, the island became known as the Haitian Republic. The first half of the 19th century was marked by a series of riots. Finally, in 1844, local residents managed to defend their right of independence, and the Dominican Republic appeared. February 27 is considered the most significant day in the calendar for the inhabitants of the island. The celebration of independence is accompanied by carnivals, which are definitely worth a visit for tourists.
Until 1966, the island nation was constantly undergoing intervention. First, the Spaniards once again subjugated the Dominican Republic, and in the 20th century it was the turn of the Americans to land their troops on the island. In 1966, a bloody event took place – a civil war. It was from this time that democracy reigned in the country. Dictators have given way to legally elected presidents.
Resorts of the Dominican Republic
South, east and north are resort areas. All along the coast there are resorts with wonderful beaches where you can have a good time with friends or with your family. Large towns are full of hotels, here you can also find interesting excursions and discover the most beautiful places of the island. Couples, families, or people traveling for business will all be able to find something that fits their needs. And not just the type of resort, but also the surrounding area. If you’re looking for warm, sunny beaches and miles of uninterrupted ocean outside your front door, you’ll certainly find it here. But, on the other hand, if you’re seeking a little adventure, you won’t have to look far for a resort settled in the mountains, or surrounded by lush forests with zipline tours just around the next tree.
Punta Cana
The resort is famous for its coconut trees. White beaches are located in the very east of the country. In addition to relaxing on the sand, you can enjoy water activities. There are many centers for diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing on the territory of Punta Cana. Entertainment and recreation are available to everyone. There are also offers for VIP clients. For example, the hotels of Punta Cana organize full-fledged show programs for adults, there are huge gambling establishments. Those who come to this city should definitely visit Manati Park. On the territory of the picturesque park there are shops, restaurants, cafes and bars, as well as all kinds of entertainment centers.
Puerto Plata
The Black Amber Coast and the huge botanical garden attract hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. But the unusual beaches and nature are not the only reason to visit Puerto Plata. At diving centers, you can book a dive in the places with the remains of a Columbus’ ship. In Puerto Plata, you should definitely visit the museum dedicated to the Taino Indians. The guide will tell you about the life of the ancient tribes, about how their relations with the Spanish conquerors developed. Also, tourists will see items that were used by the Indians many centuries ago.
Bayahibe
Bayahibe is located about 10 miles east of La Romana at the southern-most tip of the Dominican Republic, encompassing the National Park of the East and beautiful Saona Island. Bayahibe is the ideal spot to relax, unwind, enjoy nature, and feast on fresh seafood delivered from the ocean to your plate. You can simply relax and soak up the sun, go on a guided kayaking or Stand-up Paddling excursion, or go diving or snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the National Park of the East and around Saona Island, where critically endangered sea turtles come to nest. Guided walks in the park will lead you to several historic sites, including a cave containing petroglyphs created by ancient Tainos tribes.
Boca Chica
Located on the south coast of the island near Santo Domingo, the town of Boca Chica lies on the largest reef-protected bay in the Caribbean. The beach town is famous for its white sand and clear sheltered waters that offer a plethora of water sports. You can try jet-skiing, water skiing, kayaking, sailing, wind-surfing and banana boats or opt to explore the underwater wonders of the reef on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion. Land-based activities include horse-riding, cycling, motor biking, and golf, and there are several venues where you can dine on freshly caught seafood right on the edge of the water. The town is known for its lively “party” vibe, and the pedestrian-only main street is lined with clubs and pubs where you can mix with the locals and learn to dance the Merengue.
Samaná
Each winter, from December through March, thousands of humpback whales enter Samaná Bay to mate and give birth, making this one of the best places to see these beautiful giants in the wild. The city of Samaná, on the Samaná Peninsula, is the main departure point for Whale Watching trips. The city itself holds little else for travelers, but the whales are such a popular tourist attraction, many companies offer day trips here from various destinations around the island. If you are passing through on your way to Las Galeras, of if you are based in nearby Las Terrenas, less than an hour away, you can stop in Samaná and sign up for a half-day whale watching trip with a marine biologist. You can also do a 12-hour whale watching day trip from Punta Cana, which involves a short flight and a shuttle bus to the boat.
La Romana
Not far from Punta Cana, La Romana is one of the Dominican’s resort destinations. This area has a number of large resorts, some of which are geared towards more independent travelers looking to self-cater. However, the number of resorts here is not nearly on the same scale as Punta Cana. Beautiful beaches in the area are the main draw. One of the most popular things to do here is visit the Altos de Chavón, where you can shop for crafters and souvenirs in a replica of a 16th-century artisan’s village. The village is set off on its own, but you can join an organized shopping trip if you don’t have your own transportation.
Natural beauties of the Dominican Republic
The nature of the Dominican Republic is so multifaceted that it is impossible to fully study it in 10-15 days of vacation. But tourists should definitely visit the most iconic places:
- Armando Bermúdez. The park is located in the Santiago region. There are beautiful picturesque gorges, many lawns and rivers. The park is also home to some unique bird species. And from here you can climb the highest point in the country – Peak Duarte.
- Indigenous Eyes. Ecological Park with a poetic name is famous for its huge size flowers that come in a variety of colors. Immediately it is impossible to believe that plants can have such original shades.
- Los Haitises. This park is the hallmark of the Samaná Peninsula. There are mangrove swamps, caves, inside of which you can see drawings left by ancient tribes. In the park you can find impenetrable thickets of palms and cotton. Those who want to see nature in all its splendor should visit Los Haitises.
- Alto Velo and Beata. There are few virgin beaches in the Dominican Republic. Therefore, people who want to see wild sandy areas, groves with majestic palm trees grow and all kinds of thorns, should visit these islands.
- El Choco. This park is famous for its caves. Large-scale excursions are organized. Inside the caves, tourists spend several hours exploring the labyrinths created by both man and nature.
Carnivals, holidays and festivals
If you are planning a vacation in the Dominican Republic, try to arrive during one of the local holidays. For example, for Easter or New Year. Here are some notable holidays in the country:
- Independence Day Carnival. It traditionally takes place on February 27th. The streets of the cities are filled with people in costumes. They sing, dance and have fun. The celebrations last for several days.
- “Runaway Slave” Carnival. is held on Thursday of Easter week. True, the holiday does not affect all cities. It is celebrated on a grand scale in Elias Pigna, Cabral, San Juan. The event lasts several days and ends on Sunday. Locals visit cemeteries and burn effigies there, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
- Merengue festival. It is held for two weeks in the capital. The promenade turns into a place where people dance merengue to the fiery Spanish music.
- Crafts festival is held in the early days of October in Puerto Plata. Tourists can watch how original and beautiful souvenirs are created from seemingly ordinary things. Craftsmen sell them locally.
- Latin music festival. For three days, the capital of the country becomes a place where the best hits of Latin music are performed. For the performance of Spanish artists, it is worth visiting the Dominican Republic in early June.
It is impossible to tell about the beauties of the Dominican Republic even in a thousand books; you can see and immerse yourself in this beauty on your own. And with knowledge of the Spanish language it will be even more exciting and interesting. Learn Spanish! And Maestro24 will help you!
Have you ever been to the Dominican Republic? What exactly did you like? Write in the comments!
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