Dominican Republic：A Country of Stunning Mountains and Pristine Beaches with a Distinct Rural Culture

Dominican Republic is an island-country located in the Caribbean. It is a popular sightseeing destination. Dominican Republic is full of fantastic nature with reefs for snorkeling and diving, towering mountains for great hiking opportunities and forests for seeing wildlife and Dominican Republic also has historic cities with impressive architecture and well-developed tourist infrastructure. In this article we are going to tell you the top ten destinations to sightsee in the beautiful Dominican Republic.

1. Zona Colonial (Santo Domingo)

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Santo Domingo is the capital city of Dominican Republic and Zona Colonial, also called Ciudad Colonial is the historic center of the city. Zona Colonial has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its rich history. Zona Colonial dates to 1498 and its site was chosen by Christopher Columbus. Zona Colonial is the first permanently established European city in the Americas. Notable buildings to sightsee while in Zona Colonial include the Saint Thomas Aquinas University, the cathedral of Saint Mary of the Incarnation and the city walls with forts that encircle Zona Colonial.

2. Constanza

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Constanza is a scenic mountain range in the center of the Dominican Republic. There are four picturesque national parks around Constanza. There are many ways tourist can sightsee Constanza and enjoy its stunning views, such as on a bicycle tour, by paragliding or going on a hiking tour. Constanza is also a renowned wine-producing region in Dominican Republic. Tourists interested in sightseeing a vineyard can visit the Ocoa Bay resort in Constanza, which offers tours and stays at a working winery. For those tourists interested in sightseeing historic sights, we recommend a visit to Las Piramides, which as ancient ruins in Constanza. The best time to go sightsee in Constanza is between April and November, when the weather is pleasantly warm.

3. La Romana

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La Romana is a city on the south-east coast of Dominican Republic, located about 120 kilometers from Santo Domingo. La Romana attracts tourists with its resorts and beautiful reefs. There’s a 16th Century ship wreck on the reef that divers can sightsee. The city of La Romana has well preserved colonial buildings worth sightseeing. While sightseeing La Romana visit Altos de Chavón which is a craft market selling traditional Dominican artisan products. La Romana is a popular destination for golfers as it is the home to Dominican Republic’s best golf course called Teeth of the Dog.

4. Punta Cana

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Punta Cana is a coast full of beaches in the east of Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is considered by many as one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Punta Cana is often called Costa del Coco, of the Coco Coast after its many tall palm trees. The water is turquoise and clear, and the sand is smooth and white. Punta Cana is a popular destination for surfing aficionados. The best time to visit Punta Cana in Dominican Republic for sightseeing is between November and May, out of hurricane season.

5. Puerto Plata

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Puerto Plata is a city on the northern coast of Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata offers many affordable all-inclusive resorts and is a hub for water sports. It is a great destination for tourists who want to try out kite-surfing or snorkeling. Beautiful beaches and great water sports are not the only attractions Puerto Plata has on offer. We recommend taking Teleferico Puerto Plata Cable Car up the Isabel de Torres mountain and enjoy a panoramic view of the city and all-surrounding Dominican nature. More adventurous tourists may enjoy a guided hike up to see the 27 Waterfalls which includes swimming and sliding at the waterfalls.

6. National Park of the East (Bayahibe Province)

National Park of the East (Parque Nacional del Este) is in the south-east of Dominican Republic, close to La Romana. National Park of the East has craggy hills covered in subtropical forest. We recommend sightseeing the National Park of the East for its astounding natural qualities. There are over 540 species of flowers present in the National Park. Tourists can also admire the vast variety of Dominican tropical birds that live in the National Park. Boating is a popular activity and we recommend it as a leisurely way to sightsee the park. The National Park of the Eat is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM and entrance tickets are only $2.20.

7. Historical La Isabela (Puerto Plata)

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Historical La Isabela is Christopher Columbus’s abandoned colony in Dominican Republic dating to 1494 and preceding even Santo Domingo. It is in the North-West corner of Dominican Republic. Although a long drive is required to visit Historical La Isabela, it is a highly recommended sightseeing spot, well-worth the journey. Sightseeing tourists can roam around La Isabela on their own. We recommend taking a guided tour while sightseeing La Isabela to learn more about its intriguing history. Tourists who are interested in Historical La Isabela are also advised to sightsee Museum of la Isabela where they can learn more about Dominican Republic’s first colony.

8. Las Terrenas (Samaná)

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Las Terrenas is a town with a collection of beautiful, palm-clad beaches located in the North-Eastern part of Dominican Republic. Las Terrenas is famous for its restaurants serving excellent, fresh seafood and traditional Dominican dishes. There are many deep-sea fishing tours organised for interested tourists from Las Terrenas’s beaches. For tourists who prefer sightseeing, there are dolphin and whale watching tours available. We recommend tourists to try diving while sightseeing Las Terrenas, as there are many underwater caves and other interesting features to explore and the ocean water is nice and warm here.

9. Los Haitises National Park (Samaná)

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Los Haitises National Park is in the north of Dominican Republic. It is a mangrove forests that we recommend sightseeing not only for its natural beauty, but also for its ancient history. Tourists can visit caves and sightsee prehistoric petroglyphs. A pleasant way to sightsee Los Haitises National Park is to rent out a kayak and take it around the mangroves. Tourist will be able to sightsee spectacular nature and abundant birds, including pelicans, and other wildlife while in Los Haitises National Park. A local guide will take sightseeing tourists around the park and explain its history and nature. Trips usually take around 3 hours.

10. Santiago de los Caballeros (Santiago Province)

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Santiago de los Caballeros is the second biggest city in Dominican Republic and it is also one of the county’s oldest cities. Santiago de los Caballeros is a cosmopolitan city with a beautiful old center, Centro Historico, with fantastic architecture and many impressive buildings. Sightsee San Luis Fort which is now also a museum and the imposing Cathedral of Santiago el Mayor. When sightseeing, make sure to also check out Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, a beautiful, white structure worth taking a photo of. The city has its own international airport and is well-connected to the rest of Dominican Republic by roads.

◎ Closing

As you can see Dominican Republic has so much to offer for tourists: beautiful beaches, fantastic national forests and alluring cities with some of the oldest European buildings in the Americas. Yet, even though there is lots to see and do in Dominican Republic, it remains one of the most affordable sightseeing destinations in the Caribbean. If you would love to visit the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a fantastic place to choose for your holiday.

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