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.

Haitian Art

Though much of it is mass-produced kitsch, you are likely to fall for a resplendent country scene.
Hamaca Coral by Hilton

At this venue, the music’s mostly Latin. American and English numbers are played occasionally. A well-equipped casino with tables and slot machines awaits those who enjoy gambling.
Hammock

The Taino hamaca was the favored sleeping arrangement, raising its occupants above rats and other pests.
Hemingway’s Café, Puerto Plaza

The bar is decorated along the theme of Ernest Hemingway, with nautical and sportfishing paraphernalia around the walls. On weekends there’s live music and some karaoke, otherwise a DJ plays rock, Latin electronic, and house music. It’s popular with visitors, and tourists from the resorts who want a change of scenery.
High Caribbean

This popular disco was renovated in 2004. Unusually, it has small indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a terrace.
Higüey

The sprawling modern city is nothing special, but the basilica (see Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, Higüey), built to replace the much older Iglesia San Dionisio, is certainly impressive.
Higüey (Aug 14)

The cowboy country lets its hair down with a rustic Festival of the Bulls.
Hiking

The Dominican Alps (see Constanza & “The Dominican Alps”, are the perfect place for walking, whether short strolls or hikes. Most hotels can recommend a specialist operator for the more ambitious.
Hispaniolan Emerald Hummingbird

Found in the mountainous interior, the female species is lighter in hue than the black-breasted male.
Hispaniolan Parakeet

Though an endangered species, it is instantly recognizable from its bright green feathers with red patches.