Ecotourism

Spanish
Santo Domingo is the model for an ecologically sensitive modern ciy. A "green belt" has been established around the area to keep industrialization within specified limits, leaving the rest of the region basically unblemished. Many visitors to Santo Domingo say that it has more trees than any other city, no wonder it's called "the most arborized capital city in the world." Dominican Republic boasts 22 national parks and reserves, from the mountainous Parque Nacional Armando Bermudez to islands sitting off the coast. Ecotourism, which offers nature itself as the product, is an ideal way for visitors to get to know the natural wonders of Santo Domingo and Dominicana. Several ecotours are available throughout the country such as the following three offered by ecotourism specialists, Ecoturisa. The Route of the Sea Gull passes through Santo Domingo and spans the southern coastal region, bringing tourists in touch with a variety of flora, fauna and people while The Route of the Noblemen and Galleons leaves from Puerto Plata and arrives at the central mountain range, with stops at the island's first cities. The Green Roads of Qpusqueya, a complete ecological tour of the country, begins in Santo Domingo and incorporates all of the above and more.

The following trips are available from various tour operators. Whale Watching trips from Puerto Plata and Samana also are available. Silver Bank Sancalaty, a popular site located off the coast of Cabrera, attracts thousands of humpback whales from late December to early March. Samana Peninsula and Bay are on the northeastern corner of Dominican Republic. The peninsula extends out into the Atlantic and overlooks a bay with several tiny islands and pretty beaches.

Untouched and isolated, Los Haitises National Park, on the south side of Samana Bay, offers about 100 miles of formations, mangrove estuaries, small limestone knolls and valleys covered with trees.

Mountain tours are available of the towns Jarabacoa and Constanza, as well as Pico Duarte, which at 10,000 feet, is the highest peak in the Caribbean.

The spectacular Jimenoa Waterfall, on the river of the same name, drops more than 100 feet into a pool. The pristine beaches in the far eastern region of Punta Cana and Bavaro stretch for more than 20 miles, and the neighboring islands of Catalina and Saona make for great day trips.

The rugged and dramatic coastal road to the southwest leads to the newest area of development ideal for adventure travelers: Barahona and beyond. Nearby Lago Enriquillo is the largest saltwater lake inhabited by crocodiles in the region; Isla Cabritos is home to pink flamingos, pelicans and other exotic wildllife, and Jaragua National Park is a paradise.

The northern coast of Puerto Plata heads east to Sosua, the windsurfing haven of Cabarete, Playa Grande and the Gri Gri Lagoon, while the western road leads to La Isabela and the archaeological remains of the first Spanish setllement in the New World.

Following is a partial list of tour operators. The area code is (809).

Arbaje Tours 5354941 Fax 532 3521
Dorado Travel 686 1067 Fax 686 3353
Ecoturisa 2214104 Fax 685 1544
Emely Tours 687 7114 Fax686 0275
Fantasy Tours 565 5014 Fax 565 5042
Metro Tours 54g5014 Fax 541 9454
Prieto Tours 685 0102 Fax 685 0457
Turinter 686 4020 Fax 688 3890

Contactarnos ....   (212) 768-2480  / Fax:  (212)  768-2677

Copyright � 2000. Consulado General de la Rep�blica Dominicana en NY�

Ultima actualizaci�n: 04-Jun-2004 08:55:34 AM

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