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Named after a Puerto Plata tobacco magnate, military leader, and president, this small town is typical of the Northwest. It offers little in the way of conventional tourist attractions, but boasts rural atmosphere. The Parque Central is the focal point, with most of the local fish restaurants and bars. Luperón’s main claim to fame, however, is its natural bay, which is a favorite with the yachting fraternity. The all-inclusive Luperón Beach Resort is the town’s premier hotel.

Eat indoors, or on the pavement outside for fine views of the harbor. This grill and bar serves excellent steaks.

Totally ingrained among most men, who like to flirt but want their women to stay safely at home.

This valuable, hard, red-brown wood has been logged and exported ever since the Spanish first established a colony here. It is quite rare in most parts, but you can still see plenty of caoba trees, some up to 60-ft (18-m) high, in the Cordillera Central.

During weekends and fiestas this waterside boulevard springs into action at night, when bars and stalls serving beer and rum appear along its length.

The brown-skinned mamey-apple has orange, red, or reddish-brown flesh that makes an amazingly appetizing batida .

The rare and protected sea cow is the gentle giant of the ocean. Shy and vegetarian, it can reach 12 ft (3.6 m) in length, and rises to the sea’s surface every five minutes to breathe air. It’s hard to believe that this bulbous and whiskery creature was once mistaken for a mermaid.

Apart from the performing dolphins and horses, this park is a big hit with kids as it encourages them, under supervision, to hold non-poisonous snakes, as well as getting into a pool with dolphins. The emphasis is more on fun than education, and there are also several fast-food outlets.

The gnarled thickets of vegetation, their roots emerging from mudflats, estuaries, and lagoons, are a unique ecosystem, providing food and shelter to a huge spectrum of birds, fish, and crustaceans.

A wholesome and extremely satisfying breakfast staple, this has nothing to do with mangoes but is a very filling plate of mashed plantain, drizzled with olive oil and sometimes seasoned with fried onions or cheese. A welcome break from imitation American breakfasts, this will match the largest of morning appetites.