Some of the more popular vacation destinations...
The north coast of the Dominican
Republic is endowed with the world's richest deposits of amber, a precious gem
that is cherished because of its unique translucent qualities. But the north (or
amber) coast is also endowed with enough natural beauty to earn it the title of
the fastest growing tourism area in the Caribbean. During your visit we highly
recommend a stop in Puerto Plata, the historic, cultural and political center of
the north coast. In fact, now you can fly directly to Puerto Plata's new
international airport and stay in one of the city's modern luxury hotels. While
there, you can visit the Fort of San Felipe (built in 1540), examine amazing
examples of centuries-old Victorian architecture, or even take a ride up a cable
car to the summit of Isabel de Torres. If you're in the mood for the unexpected,
plan on a visit to Sosua, a very unique city. Settled in the thirties, Sosua was
founded as a model community by European Jewish Refugees. Those traditions
continue today, but more than that, Sosua is a place where old meets new like
never before. Sosua�s beautiful sandy cove is the site of two modern resorts,
Sosua Mar and Los Charamicos. To the east are more beautiful beaches than you
could see in a lifetime. Exotic beaches. Secluded beaches. Beaches with names
like Playa Grande, Cabarete La Preciosa and Diamante, that will tempt you to
experience their virgin white sands and cool waters. The peninsula of Samana is
another site of dramatic tourism growth, boasting beautiful new luxury hotels on
the mainland, and the one-of-a-kind fantasy island of Cavo Levantado. Samana. a
thriving fishing port, was settled by Americans in 1826, so don�t be surprised
if you hear local inhabitants greet you speaking English that compares with your
own. There�s much, much more we could say about the North coast of the Dominican
Republic, but the only way you�ll truly understand the beauty, diversity and
excitement is to come see for yourself.
The central region of the
Dominican Republic is the Caribbean like you've never seen it before. Huge green
mountains stretch for the sky as mist-veiled rivers flow toward the sea. Pico
Duarte, the tallest peak in all of the West Indies, 3,175 meters high, soars
before you as you wind your way up the mountain highway. Nestled in the valleys
are Jarabacoa and Constanza, two resort towns that offer both native Dominican
hospitality and vistas that can't be matched anywhere else on earth.
Further north, you'll discover Santiago, the home of world-famous merengue
music. Surrounded by the sugarcane and tobacco fields of the Cibao agricultural
region, Santiago is a unique city that has served as a focal point for centuries
of Dominican traditions. Historical landmarks, colorful native handicrafts, fine
hotels, restaurants and nightspots all combine to ensure that your stay in
Santiago will be one to remember for years to come.
Visit the Central Highlands region, and you'll see why many people return
there year after year. There's so much to see, so much to do and experience,
that one visit is never enough.
The Southwest Region is the
less tourist developed area of the island but with an extraordinary potential.
It covers all of the southern part of the island including the Peninsula of
Barahona, a zone of great contrasts which shelters, among other attractions, the
Enriquillo Lake, the largest in the Caribbean, whose water, as a curiosity,
holds three times more salinity than that of the ocean, and where the largest
american crocodile colony of the NewWorld exists. Three little islands raise
from its waters, the largest, Isla Cabritos, whose hot and warm sand serves as
an incubator for the crocodrile eggs, allowing at times, the witnessing of their
birth. Its surroundings are rich in large and attractive wells of sulfured
waters which form a fascinating oasis within an area that is 42, meters below
sea level. The region's coast again hosts outstanding beaches with impressive
marine views, where cristal clear river waters end their journey. The mountains,
only a few kilometers away from the beaches, form a valid alternative to escape
from the days warmth to its fresh, almost springlike temperatures. An
International airport, which completes the services surrounding the magnetic
hill, allows the arrival of regular flights on the peninsula. This region offers
300 hotel rooms.
Travel east from the capital city of
Santo Domingo and get ready for a few surprises. Just a few miles away is Los
Tres Ojos de Agua (the Three Eyes of Water), a huge open cave that contains
three crystal-clear, spring-fed lagoons. But that's just the beginning. Keep
driving, and watch as the rugged coastline melts into secluded palm-fringed
beaches. Tropical flowers, lush green farmland and picturesque new hotels
surround you in this unique area of the Dominican Republic.
La Romana is the next stop as you travel east along the "Costa Sur." A
typical Dominican town, La Romana is the home of the largest privately owned
sugar mill in the world. Take a tour of the mill or stroll through streets that
will take you back in history to an era long gone by. Either way, your time will
be well spent.
Next, right in the middle of one of the world's most tranquil areas, is Casa
de Campo. Action and excitement are the key words for this jetsetter's dream of
a resort. Any and every sport or activity your heart desires can be found at
Casa de Campo. Golf. Tennis. Swimming. Sailing. Horseback riding. Even polo.
Much too much to list here. For complete information about this amazing, one-of-
a-kind resort, we suggest you see your travel agent or contact a Dominican
Republic Tourist Office.
Santo Domingo, port of the
island of Hispaniola, besides being the capital city of the Dominican Republic,
boasts its heritage as the Craddle of America, the oldest City of the New World
and was recently recgonized as Patrimony of Humanity. The Columbus brothers
founded Santo Domingo in 1498, on the eastern bank of the Ozama River, since
then this city became the most important city on the island and the New World,
playing a leading roll in the history of America. It was the first settlement
raised to the status of city in 1503 through the Papal bull of Pope Julius lll.
It was on its streets, lanes, and palace where the future conquerors of
Continental America discussed and planned their discoveries. The daily life of a
newly born city registered the American primacies: the first Cathedral, the
first University, Santo Thomas de Aquino (1538), the first Hospital, San Nicolas
de Bari, the Monastery of San Francisco, the Ozama Fortress, the first poetry,
among other firsts. Colonial Santo Domingo is definitely the most historically
significant part of the capital. Major restoration work was completed to
preserve its 16th century character. Other sights of historical significance
include El Alcazar, the palace of Columbus� son; and Calle Las Damas, the oldest
street in the New World. This and much more is what the City of Santo Domingo.
the port of the Hispaniola, the only Gothic style city in America has to offer.
The Cultural Athens of the New World today boasts the largest open air
discotheque in the world, along its seashore drive called �Malec�n� where the
warmth of its people vibrates every night, as do its night clubs and restaurants
which are truly gourmet shrines. Its caverns, and its flora have given the city
a new title: the Garden City of the Caribbean. The capital is a treasure trove
for visitors, shoppers can find spectacular bargains on leather goods, jewelry,
pottery, rum and cigars in the many markets available. Santo Domingo has
excellent and modern hotel installations with approximately 3,498 rooms most of
them serviced by casinos, night clubs and restaurants, awating the visitor who
is looking to obtain the perfect match between history, fun, and an
unforgettable vacation. Santo Domingo.
The Cibao Valley has been characterized by
the production of fine tobacco, and the city of Santiago De Los Caballeros has a
long tradition associated with the planting , harvesting, manufacture and
commerce of this product, of great importance to the region and coutnry.
This coast covers most of the
north western and eastwestern seashore of the island and has the charming city
of Puerto Plata as its development center. This is the area with the biggest
tourism development in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata is a mixture of
antillian victorian style with spanish colonial reminiscense, at the turn of the
century, Puerto Plata was a prosperous port with a large European population
Today, with the tourist boom, the city charms visitors with its fabulous
beaches, gardens, shopping and dining. It is a modern city which hosts the most
attractive tourist spots of the country. Besides its gold sand beaches on which
very important tourist complexes, like Playa Dorada and Costambar have been
developed, Puerto Plata offers natural attractions like the Isabel de Torres
mountain whose top is reached through a cable car and a historical arquitecture
which goes back to 1503 when it was founded by Governor Frey Nicolas de Ovando,
making it one of the island's oldest cities. Other sights to see include the
Amber Museum and San Felipe, a 16th century fort. It also has excellent
restaurants, casinos, and night clubs, as well as an international airport which
is served by a good number of airlines. 10,000 hotel rooms of all kind of
categories service the area. Puerto Plata.
led here as the result of the committment made
by the Dominican Republic at the International Conference on European Refugees,
held in France in 1938. Unlike other immigrants who settled in Puerto Plata at
the end of last century who were mainly maritime workers, these immigrants
consituted a group of professionals, artists and executives who were able to
notably influence the lifestyle and socio-economic development of the community.
Upon entering the peninsula of Samana, your
first contact is with the old community of Sanchez, located on the extreme
northeast of the bay, constituting the most extraordinary geographical relief of
our country's coastline.
Samana is a peninsula located on the
northeastern coast of the island which is a gem of the national geography. Due
to its priviliged position on the map of America it has been one of the most
disputed territories by the main world powers. It was the scenery of the first
battle between the discoverers and the primitive inhabitants of America. More
than its incredible and beautiful beaches, Samana offers its visitors its own
culture which is a product of the mixture of the North American negroes, who
established themselves here during the last century, Italians, Germans, French
and Spaniards. Remote Samana is an excellent location for diving, sailing,
windsurfing and deep sea fishing. Located in Samana are small inns, as well as
the new luxury Gran Bahia and the first class Cayacoa Resort, located in Cayo
Levantado, a small island considered by many to be a minuscule replica of
paradise. Close by the coast of Samana bay is Los Haitises National Park where
hikers can observe Taino cave drawings. Nearby Samana are the beach resort areas
of El Portillo and Las Terrenas, which offer beautiful beaches, quaint towns and
a variety of small beachfront properties and top resorts. From Las Terrenas it
is possible to observe yearly from November to March, the spectacle of the
humpbacked whales which leave the artic regions, fleeing the cold, to come and
give birth on the Silver Banks. On the bottom of its deep waters rest the
remains of the galeons and Spanish vessels which were sunk close to its 60
kilometers of white sand beaches and cocunut trees, its seaports and
international airport. Saman� relies 1,200 hotel rooms for complete year round
tourist service.
The first Constitution of the
Dominican Republic was signed in this city on November 6, 1844. It was foudned
on the right bank of the Nigua river and near the Fortress of San Cristobal,
built by Christopher Columbus.
This hardworking community is located 40
miles from Santo Domingo. maximo Gomez, the Dominican most admired for having
carried out the cause of Cuban Independence, was born here - you can visit the
plot of land where his house once stood. International fishing tournaments are
held yearly at Palmar de Ocoa.
Azua De Compostela
Founded in 1504 by Diego Valazquez
(who later conquered Cuba), it is located 75 miles west of Santo Domingo. The
natives of Azua have the well-deserved fame of being valiant gentlemen.
Barahona is situated 204 km west of Santo
Domingo. This is where the female chieftain Anacona ruled, and where the legend
of the untamable Enriquillo lives on as a symbol of the rebellion of teh Indian
against the injustice of the white man. The Barahona beaches and Beata Island
served as the setting for the adventures of the audacious pirate Cofresi during
the last century, a legendary figure. It is said that in Punta Iglesia there are
buried earthen jars containing Cofresi's treasure.
Founded in the early days
of teh past century by German, Arab, Spanish, French and Italian immigrants
along with native inhabitants, it was raised to the status of a Province on June
23, 1882. The sugar mills around it made it a prosperous and elegant city with
palatial homes and princely mansions denoting the cultural refinement of its
first immigrants and of the natives of Macoris who built them. Together, they
created a beautiful Neoclassical and Victorian city, combined with a vernacular
architecture.
At less than a thirty minutes drive
from Santo Domingo and less than five minutes away from the las Americas
International Airport, an excelent white sand beach, with transparent still
waters eagerly awaits your arrival: Boca Chica, the great natural swimming pool
offering a vast choice o hotel options from small inns to the most luxurious
resorts adding up to over 1,500 comfortable rooms. The Boca Chica zone has
turned into the point of destiny for those who are looking for the difference
Coconut trees, gold
sanded beaches and a sea which surprises the eyes with contrasting colors, is
what you are to expect on the Coast Caribe which comprises the former
fishermen�s villages of Juan Dolio and Guayacanes, one of the most succesful
tourist development projects of this country. The Caribe Coast has more than ten
kilometers of uninterrupted beach line, serviced by some first class hotel
rooms, it is only a short thirty minutes drive from the Las Americas Airport and
less than one hour from Santo Domingo This area offers the most varied options
for the practice of water sports, casino gambling, gourmet restaurants and much
more.
A cattle and sugar cane producing
zone, since the 1970 decade, La Romana and its surroundings have also become one
of the most famous tourists spots of the island, without loosing its essence.
Located at some two and half hours from the city of Santo Domingo, la Romana has
its own International Airport (Cajuiles), as well as magnificent and
breathtaking beaches, where excellent hotel compounds have been built, among
which, what many consider to be the most complete resort in the Caribbean: Casa
de Campo. Privacy and luxury reign throughout the resort�s 7,000 tropical acres
where the calming ambiance come from the stylish eye of famed Dominican designer
Oscar de la Renta. Casa de Campo is a paradise for both sun worshipers and
sports enthusiasts. The resort offers three magnificent Golf Courses (among
them, Teeth of the Dog named by Golf Magazine as one of the best) as well as
tennis courts, polo flelds, horse ranch, shooting camp, etc. as well as
convention halls and the main atraction of the zone: AItos de Chav�n, the city
of the artists. Among its beautiful beaches it is a must to pinpoint those of
Bayahibe, Puerto Laguna and Dominicus, classified by the World Tourist
Organization as one of the five best beaches in the world. Completing the charms
of this zone are the Saona and Catalina Islands, which are part of the Eastern
National Park. The first one has wild beauty and serves as sanctuary for several
migratory birds species. Its caves witness the previous presence of the Tainos
(the primitive inhabitants of the island), excellent fishing, magnificent white
sand beaches washed by cristal clear coral rich water, which complements its
attactive tropical vegetation. The second island, Catalina, was once used as a
zoo and you may occasionally find wild birds and monkeys along its virgin
beaches. Both islands are located at an hour boat trip from La Romana or
Bayahibe This zone offers 1,500 confortable rooms.
Founded by Juan de Esquivel, Conquerer of
Jamaica in 1494. It is the site of yearly pilgrimmages to Our Lady of
Altagracia. On January 21, they come to the temple that honors the Madonna in
search of health and physical and spiritual well-being.
About ten minutes from Sos�a and fifteen
minutes from the international airport of Puerto Plata you will run into the
village of Cabarete, a breathtaking beach under the sun where nature has managed
to impose itself, making this place one of the most enchanting tourist
developments of the island. Cabarete, with its twelve kilometers of outstanding
beach, is considered among the world's firsts for Windsurfing. Its caverns with
underground lakes and ponds, a huge lagoon which serves as habitat to the
richest faunas of the country complement its main attraction: tranquility and
"Windsurfing ".
More than thirty five
uninterrupted kilometers of fine white sand beaches, shadowed by coconut trees
and splashed by turquoise colored waters, which go from Cabo Enga�o (the
northeast coast of the southern part of the island), constitute what has been
named as Costa del Coco (The Coconut Coast), where the island�s most
extraordinary tourist development program of the last few years is taking place.
Magnificent hotel installations in front of beaches whose primitive names have
trespassed the national borders to compete with other international destinations
are wainting for you to discover or enjoy: Bavaro, Punta Cana, Macao, El
Cortesito. Approximately a three-hour drive from Santo Domingo, Punta Cana has
been transformed into a seclusive tourist enclave featuring deluxe chain hotels,
golf , casino, meeting rooms and varied dining options. Ecologically minded,
development in this area reflects low density, low rise resorts (no higher than
three stories) and preservation of its 300,00 coconut trees that grace the far
eastern region. The zone enjoys the services of the Punta Cana International
Airport as well as 7,000 comfortable hotel rooms.
There are spots on the
island that are presently being developed as Mountain Destinies. The first is
San Jos� de las Matas on the Central Mountain range, which offers 700 hotel
rooms and is only thirty minutes away from Santiago, the country's second
largest city.
Jarabacoa, some 530 metres above
sea level with an eternal spring type temperature of 5 to 12 degrees Celsius all
year round, also located on the Central Mountain range. A few kilometers up to
the road, reaching the hight of 1.164 meters above sea level is the third
mountain destiny: Constanza, with a year round average temperature of 8 degrees
Celsius. 350 hotel rooms cover the needs of these destinies, of which Jarabacoa
has the largest share. If, on the other hand, you are really looking for
history, than there is no other place in America where you can find such a
complete resumee of 500 years under one sky. This is the birthplace of America
and the land Columbus loved best.
This still virgin land awaiting for
the adventurer to discover Playa Grande and the beautiful Playa Calet�n and
others. This is the place to get away from it all.
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Contactarnos ....
(212) 768-2480 / Fax: (212) 768-2677
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Copyright � 2000. Consulado General
de la Rep�blica Dominicana en NY�
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Ultima actualizaci�n:
04-Jun-2004 09:04:41 AM
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