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.

Catedral San Felipe, Puerto Plata

A symmetrical blend of old and new, the recently renovated cathedral dominates the historic center of town, with its two whitewashed, reinforced-concrete towers visible from afar (see San Felipe Cathedral).
Catedral Santa María de la Encarnación, Santo Domingo

The oldest cathedral in the Americas, this imposing building is a treasure trove of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, with a mahogany altar, elaborate friezes and sculptures, and stained-glass windows. There are 14 separate chapels inside, one of which housed the remains of Columbus.
Cattle Egret

The heron-like white bird can be seen in almost every field, and especially around flea-ridden cattle.
Cavern Diving

The country’s rugged limestone terrain is riddled with underwater caves and canyons which can be explored by experienced divers. You can swim through some tunnels, and examine the huge sponges and other sea creatures that live in the half-light of this submarine world. Caradonna can plan your diving tours.
Cayo Arena, Monte Cristi

A small complex of two-bedroom apartments on the seashore. The kitchens and bathrooms are basic but adequate. The complex has a small pool and a bar.
Cayo Levantado

A stunningly pretty desert island, Cayo Levantado lies a couple of miles offshore from Samaná and is easily reached by regular boat services from the Malecón. Such is the tropical charm of this Robinson Crusoe-style cay that it’s said that the world-famous Bacardi commercial, featuring white sands and a particularly pretty palm tree, was filmed here. Nowadays, it’s advisable to arrive early or visit later in the day, as the island can be very crowded with excursion-ists around lunchtime. The beaches to the island’s south are slightly less busy, but you are unlikely to escape fellow sight-seers altogether.
Cayos de los Siete Hermanos

The “Seven Brothers” are a cluster of tiny islets or cays, flat and dry, lying within the Parque Nacional Monte Cristi. Almost entirely devoid of vegetation, these arid sand spits are surrounded by some of the most pristine reefs in the Caribbean, rarely visited by divers. The islands are a haven for seabirds and turtles, which have always used them as egg-laying territory, but it is reported that poaching is now a major problem. Excursions by boat to the cays can be organized, either from a hotel or from the beach of Playa Juan de Bolaños.
CDs

The choice of merengue and bachata albums is bewildering. Ask the shop assistant to play a few.
Chez Denise

Colorful decor and friendly service makes this a popular stop for snacks as well as meals. Don’t miss the delicious crêpes with a variety of fillings, the tasty shrimps, or the salads.
Chicharones

Deep-fried pieces of crunchy pork rind or crackling, sometimes chicken pieces are also used.

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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