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.

Barbecue

The Tainos liked to cook their meat and fish over barbacoas , outdoor charcoal-fueled grills.
Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort

An all-inclusive resort comprising five hotels, offering a golf course, a 24-hour casino, Internet café, shops, and a convention center. A small tram shuttles guests around the property.
Barceló Bávaro Casino

Five Barceló hotels share the facilities of a 24-hour casino, a theater featuring Las Vegas-style Tropicalísimo casino shows, and a disco which plays a variety of music.
Barrio Latino

Primarily a restaurant, Barrio Latino is also a swinging bar that stays open until midnight.
Bartolomé de Las Casas (1474–1566)

Courageous priest who protested against the Spanish extermination of the Tainos to the King of Spain.
Baseball

You can watch the local kids play, or have a go yourself at any local park, but to experience the fanaticism with which Dominicans follow baseball, you should visit one of the top gounds – Estadio Tetelo Vargas, San Pedro de Macorís or La Romana.
Baseball

Older children may enjoy the buzz of an evening baseball game, especially if familiar with the rules. The floodlit spectacle is usually accompanied by lots of music and razzmatazz as well as snacks galore. Children are welcome, though the game may end rather too late for younger ones.
Baseball Games

Watching a Dominican baseball game is as much a social as a sporting experience. The crowds are passionate but good-natured and the match is interspersed with a lot of chat, drinking, and snacks. If you’re interested in this sport, you’ll make new friends (see Baseball).
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, Higüey

The Republic’s biggest church was designed in the 1950s to replace the smaller original as the site of the annual January 21 pilgrimage in honor of the Virgin of Altagracia, the nation’s patron saint (see Virgen de Altagracia).
Basketball

Second to baseball in most Dominicans’ affections, and growing all the time, this sport is played in every town and village by the locals, and there’s nothing to stop visitors taking part. The main venue for serious games is Santo Domingo’s Centro Olímpico, where the would-be professionals display their skills.

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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