The Dominican Republic is the site of the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, its capital Santo Domingo, which was also the first colonial capital in the Americas. This is a destination like no other - a sensual feast of dazzling landscapes, exotic cuisine, and a remarkable variety of arts and entertainment options. The pulse-pounding thrill of the merengue, intriguing relics from centuries past, premium cigars, and even world-class baseball await you.
The Dominican Republic is a surprising place that will delight even the most experienced traveler. Year-round sports, effervescent nightlife, distinctive souvenir shopping, magnificent national parks, and world class gambling make for a jam-packed vacation to do list. But when you see the spectacular beaches, you might just want to pull up a chair and relax.
Diverse terrain and extraordinary natural beauty is a hallmark of the Dominican Republic's six regions. Our fantastic combination of environments will capture your imagination and refresh your soul. Rolling mountains, lush jungles, pine forest, coral reefs, unspoiled beaches, and arid desert coexist side-by-side in this magical land. The magnificence of nature sets the scene for quaint villages, charming cities, and first class accommodations for visitors.
The East Coast region contains the most popular and fastest growing tourist area in the country - Punta Cana/Bavaro. One look at the surroundings and there is no question as to why. This is the place to be if tourists are seeking an all-inclusive style vacation set on one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
Another popular East Coast destination is La Romana a quaint area rich in history. While luxurious resorts frequented by many celebrities are a top attraction, the city of La Romana is historically important, especially for baseball fans, and worth a visit.
It seems that each of the Dominican Republic's major regions has a nickname and the North Coast is no different. Featuring the popular towns of Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Sosua, the north coast has been referred to as the Amber Coast. Regardless of what visitors call it, the north coast brings together some of the country's best features - lush jungle forests, rolling mountain ranges, ethereal blue waters and golden sand beaches. And it is because of these characteristics that this area is today considered the country's most versatile playground. Here vacationers can jump river beds on a mountain bike, fight the waves on a kiteboard, test their strength on a rock face or rub elbows with the rich and famous who come for the north coast's luxurious new accommodations. No matter what activity visitors choose to partake in, however, they'll find that everything here is done with legendary Dominican flair.
The Dominican Republic really does offer something for everyone. For those who dream of a one-on-one with Mother Nature, a visit to the Samana peninsula on the Northeast Coast is like pulling up a chair on her front porch. Samana's beauty lies in her simplicity. Here, unspoiled beaches serve as a threshold to vibrant coral reefs while mountain waterfalls intersect lush rain forests. But while Samana is a top destination for eco-tourists and naturalists, some come to this off the beaten path peninsula to interact with humpback whales. After all, Samana is home to one of the largest and best breeding grounds in the world for this elusive mammal.
But while Samana's beauty is the stuff of legends, its history is fodder fit for a fairytale. All this history and meshing of cultures has left Samana as one of the most impressive melting pots in the Dominican Republic. Americanos, descendents of the African-American inhabitants, mix with Europeans from France, Spain and Italy. Not only do people here look different from their Dominican brethren, but the food and even the language has a twist all its own. Because of this heritage, the town holds a series of annual harvest festivals, a tradition dating back to the Yam and Rice festivals of West Africa. These lively events are held on Fridays from late August through the end of October at Samana churches.
Essential Facts:
Language: Spanish
Capital: Santo Domingo
Population: 8,950,034 (as of July, 2005)
Currency: Dominican peso
Entry Requirements: U.S., Canadian, U.K. and passport holders of other European Union countries nationals require proof of citizenship--a valid passport. Other nationalities should contact the nearest tourist office for entry requirements.
Departure Tax: US$20 pp airport departure tax
Climate: The Dominican Republic is hot and tropical, with little seasonal variation in temperatures, which average about 77°F (25°C). Seasons can, however, be determined by rainfall, with October to April being the rainy season on the north coast, while May to November is the wettest month in the south of the country. The driest area is the west. Cooler temperatures and less humidity are generally experienced between November and April, while the mountainous interior is always cooler than the rest of the country.
Electricity: 220/110 volts AC, 60 Hz. American-style 2-pin plugs. Some hotels also have outlets for 240 volts AC; in this case European-style 2-pin plugs are used.
Phone Code: The Dominican Republic has a well developed telecommunications infrastructure, the International access/area code is 809
What to Bring: For these tropical climates, lightweight cottons or linen are recommended, with rainwear needed from September to December. Dress is informal unless formal dress is specifically requested. As a gesture towards the islanders themselves, it is preferable not to wear scanty clothing or beachwear in towns or villages.
Religion Official: Roman Catholic (95%)
Other - Protestant, Seventh Day Adventist, Baptist, and Mormon
Government type: Representative Democracy
Literacy rate: definition: age 15 and over can read and write - total population: 87%
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