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.

Puerto Blanco Marina

This magnet for yachties, 2 miles (3.2 km) out of Luperón village, draws a good number of visitors. The marina is located in the estuary, framed by mangrove forests and sheltering hills, with boats moored in the calm anchorage. The bar and restaurant are normally busy, and non-sailors are always welcome. From here it’s easy to take a catamaran tour of the estuary and the coast with Rancho Veragua, and to hire diving and snorkeling equipment. With its cosmopolitan crowd of sailing aficionados, the marina has a different feel to the rest of the region.
Puerto Blanco Marina

Dine in the pretty setting of a lagoon surrounded by man-groves. Enjoy seafood at the restaurant and live music at the popular bar.
Puerto Plata

Steeped in colonial history, the North Coast port is also the hub for the area’s thriving tourist complexes, offering a great combination of sightseeing and entertainment. Tourist attractions include the San Felipe Fortress, La Glorieta, and Museo del Ambar.
Puerto Plata

The biggest town on the North Coast with a long and interesting history, Puerto Plata is sometimes overlooked by visitors in their all-inclusive resorts. This is a shame, because this bustling place has much to offer: not only historic sites but also a range of atmospheric bars and restaurants. The San Felipe Fortress is certainly worth a visit, as is the charming Parque Central, but the highlight is the amazing cable car ride to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres, the lofty mountain that looks over the city and ocean.
Puerto Plata (May 3)

The northern town noisily celebrates San Felipe, the votive day of its local saint.
Punctuality

Flexible, especially in social situations. Nevertheless, buses and tours tend to leave on time.
Punta Bonita

The walk from Las Terrenas to the gorgeous Playa Bonita includes some of the country’s prettiest beach scenery, with a shade-providing background of coconut groves. The headland of Punta Bonita is harder going over a stony hillside, but a path leads through a panorama of vegetation and boulders.
Punta Inglesa

Large Dominican restaurant at Hotel Caribe on the Malecón. Enjoy the air-conditioning indoors or the cool terrace. Good value menú del día with seafood.
Quipes

Another standard street snack, featuring Middle East-inspired cracked wheat rissoles stuffed with meat.
Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa

This place is known for adventure sports such as river rafting, tubing, hiking, and horse riding. The rooms vary in size, standard, and price, with all meals included, but no TV, air conditioning, or other modern conveniences.

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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