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.

Boca Chica

Packed at weekends, the gently sloping beach is ideal for undemanding snorkeling and swimming.
Boca Chica (Nov 30)

San Andrés or Saint Andrew has his lively fiesta patronal in the South Coast tourist town.
Boca Chica Beach

Probably the safest and child-friendliest beach in the country, it lies inside a reef-protected cove with gently sloping sand and shallow water. You can wade out at low tide to a tiny offshore island, or build sandcastles or snorkel.
Boca Yate

This French-owned small hotel with a restaurant and bar specializes in fresh lobster and seafood. It’s popular with guests from the all-inclusive hotel opposite.
Bohío

A rectangular house of wooden walls and thatched roof, widely seen in rural areas and villages.
Bonao

A place historically dominated by mining, Bonao is not the prettiest site in the country, though it is strategically situated on the Autopista Duarte that connects Santo Domingo to Santiago. The Falconbridge plant, when operating, can be visited free of charge, but also explore the pretty mountain scenery around the town by taking the small road towards the Presa Alto Yuna, the nearby dammed lake. There are fine views of the Cordillera Central.
Botánicas

Stores or market stalls selling religious and superstitious icons and potions for use in brujería .
Bougainvillea

The bright red, purple or pink flowers of this spectacular shrub are in fact, large bracts that surround the small and inconspicuous flowers. A great favorite as a garden plant because it flowers for most of the year, it is actually a native of South America and was imported to the Caribbean.
Bowling

Another United States import eagerly embraced by the Dominican youth, bowling has taken off as a popular family activity following the opening of a couple of state-of-theart venues. The Sebelén Bowling Center in the capital is big and technically impressive, while Punta Cana has its own championship-standard alley.
Brisas del Caribe

The best restaurant in town, with delicious seafood and good service, in pleasant surroundings. Packed at lunchtime.

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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