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.

Manzanillo

The border town and port of Manzanillo, also known since the 1930s as Pepillo Salcedo, is as isolated a spot as you’re likely to find in the Dominican Republic. But it’s interesting because of its proximity to Haiti and its history as a major banana-exporting center and dock. Nowadays, the port looks very run-down, but there are plans afoot to erect a new industrial complex. From the town itself, you can look over the Massacre River into Haitian territory, but there’s no official crossing point here. The nearby lagoon and salt marsh shelters hosts of flamingos and other waders.
María Montez (1912–1951)

Glamorous Barahona-born actress, who made it big in Hollywood in the 1940s.
Markets

Although they range from big covered halls to a few stalls on a street corner, markets are a crucial part of social life and a great way to meet local people. You might not want to buy much on show, but the atmosphere makes a visit worthwhile.
Meliá Santo Domingo

An international Sol Meliá chain hotel offering rooms and suites for business and leisure travelers. It also offers good transport links.
Mercado Modelo, Santo Domingo

The capital’s biggest and most hectic shopping area is a warren of stalls and booths within a concrete hangar, surrounded by streets crammed with sidewalk vendors. The cornucopia of tourist souvenirs includes Haitian paintings, sculptures, rum, CDs, and exotic items connected with vodu .

Herbs for sale outside Mercado Modelo
Mercure Comercial, Santo Domingo

This 20th-century hotel includes buffet breakfast, tax, and service in the tariff. It’s convenient for business travelers as it provides Internet access and phone.
Merengue Festival

The latter part of the month witnesses a spectacular showcase of Dominican musical talent, as the seafront Malecón in Santo Domingo hosts a series of concerts by household names and newcomers alike.
Merengue Festival

In the third week in October, the northern port of Puerto Plata hosts a week-long celebration of merengue talent. Most of the action takes place on the long and normally rather rundown Malecón, but at this time of year the place comes to life, with bands performing and countless outdoor bars.
Mesón de Barí

Mesón offers excellent Dominican cuisine with typical local dishes.
Mesón de la Cava

Relish the experience of dining on delicious seafood inside a spectacular natural cave (see Mesón de la Cava, Santo Domingo).

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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