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Also a common female name in the Dominican Republic, the mop-headed hortensia is a very popular plant, having been imported from Japan. Such is the quantity of these flowers growing around the central town of Bonao that it is widely known as the Villa de las Hortensias.

The Americas’ first hospital, now in ruins, was built in the shape of a cross.

This colonial mansion, dating back to 1502, is now a small, charming inn belonging to the Nader family, who also own several art galleries. The walls are hung with modern art and all the furnishings and decorations are artistic and stylish. Live music can often be heard at weekends.

The menu features home-reared geese, guinea fowl, rabbits, and turkeys, and fresh fruits.

The hotel lies within walking distance of dive shops and places to eat as well as the beach. Most rooms can sleep four and are equipped with one or two beds, a TV, fridge, kitchenette, air conditioning or fan, and a balcony. There is Internet access in the lobby.

Overlooking the Jimenoa River, the hotel offers pleasant outdoor seating. The menu features local meats. Dominican families come here for lunch at weekends.

Rancho Constanza has a modern Alpine-style block with rooms and basic cabins for families. There is a restaurant, a playground, and volleyball and basketball courts. The staff can arrange mountain sports.

Huracán was an awe-inspiring god, symbolizing the terrifying power and violence of the natural world.

Almost unknown, and Dominicans do not like pushy foreigners who do not know how to relax.

Another shy mammal, the endemic hutia looks rather like a rat, but it’s actually a rabbitsized herbivore that seeks refuge either in caves or in trees. Increasingly endangered by deforestation, it lives in the more remote and forested districts of the Parque Nacional del Este and the Parque Nacional Los Haitises.