Dominican Republic : DK Travel

The Dominican Republic is a country of surprising contrasts and extraordinary variety. From the chilly peak of the Caribbean’s highest mountain to some of the region’s most delightful beaches, the country boasts lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and sun-baked deserts. The past and present also blend in a fascinating mix of colonial buildings and modern hotels, sleepy rural villages and lively tourist resorts. The people, too, reflect a kaleidoscope of influences — Spanish, African, indigenous — creating a culture that emphasizes both creativity and fun in the fields of music, sport, and art.

Canyoning

Jimenoa is the place for this energetic and alarming sport, which involves holding onto a rope and jumping down a sheer rock face into the water below.
Capilla de la Virgen del Rosario, Santo Domingo

Marooned on the industrial eastern side of the Ozama River, this tiny chapel is a reminder of the country’s original capital. The existing church is a simple whitewashed structure, with three brick portals, and dates from the 19th century, but the first wooden chapel was built in 1498.
Capitán Cook

A restaurant set on the sand in a shady spot under trees. Very popular for lobster (sold by weight), fish, paella and a jug of sangría, for a Spanish touch (see Capitán Cook, Bávaro).
Capitán Cook, Bávaro

Choose your own freshly caught lobster or fish at this lively restaurant.
Carnival

Every Dominican village, town, and city organizes some sort of event in the last week of February. La Vega is famous for its devil-like Carnival masks, while the northern city of Monte Cristi (see Parque Nacional Monte Cristi) witnesses boisterous street battles between rival factions.
Carnival

Carnival is a countrywide affair in February, bringing out the most gregarious side of the Dominican character with days of merengue music and rum. Some of the traditional rituals can be rather boisterous and onlookers are likely to be squirted with water, but the emphasis is very much on fun.
Carnival Masks

The best known are the multicolored papier-mâché devil masks from La Vega, available in Santo Domingo.
Carretera 12

The winding but well-maintained road leading up from Bonao to the Constanza Valley is one of the country’s most fabulous. It meanders through pine forests and over rushing streams. As the temperature drops, there are superb views of the mountain range and the valley.
Casa Boga

Located in Pueblo de los Pescadores on the beach, with the best fish and seafood in town. Everything’s fresh and cooked Basque style (see Casa Boga, Las Terrenas).
Casa Boga, Las Terrenas

Located in a former fishing village, and serving delicious Basque fish and seafood dishes.

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