DK Travel : Dominican Republic

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.

Casa Bonita

Eat al fresco in a lovely setting on a hillside. The restaurant is open all day and is very busy during Dominican holidays (see Casa Bonita, Barahona).
Casa Bonita, Barahona

The rooms in these bungalows come with fans and air conditioning but no TV or phone. The restaurant is good but rather expensive.
Casa de los Jesuitas (1508)

The building, with a fine courtyard, housed a Jesuit-run school of rhetoric.
Casa de Ponce de León

The squat, fortified stone house, built in 1505, belonged to Ponce de León, founder of Puerto Rico and Florida.
Casa del Pescador

In a lovely position on the beach with waves lapping close by. Fish and seafood are the speciality, and the paella is also delicious.
Casabe

Passed down by the indigenous Tainos, the making of cassava flour involves an intricate process of removing toxic cyanide residues by grating and drying the starch-filled tubers. The flour is then used to make a bread with a hard biscuit-like texture that can be eaten as a side dish or snack.
Cascading

In this variant on canyoning, the participant jumps through a waterfall into the pool at the bottom. The Salto de Jimenoa is a recommended spot.
Cassava

A mainstay of the pre-Columbian diet, this root is poisonous unless properly prepared into flour.
Catamaran Trips

A pleasure ride on a catamaran is a favorite and is on offer at every beach hotel. It normally involves a couple of hours at sea, followed by a stop at a cove where drinks and lunch are served. El Caballo can organize such trips.
Catedral de Santiago Apóstol, Santiago

Look out for the fine carvings on the 1895 cathedral’s mahogany doors, showing biblical scenes associated with St. James. Although it’s often closed, the three-aisled interior is worth a visit for the marble tomb of Ulíses Heureaux (see Ulíses Heureaux (1845–1899)), and its modern windows by contemporary artist Rincón Mora.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal and a beer for one including tax and service.
- under $10
- $10–$20
- $20–$30
- $30–$40
- over $40
Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$50
- $50–$100
- $100–$150
- over $150