We have collected the main attractions of the Dominican Republic - symbols that are inextricably associated with this country.
While the Dominican Republic is renowned for its beach resorts and idyllic bounty-style beaches, the island offers a wealth of other attractions to explore. Two primary options for experiencing the beauty of this destination are its old colonial towns and natural parks. To make your exploration of Dominican attractions more engaging, we have compiled a selection of the most noteworthy destinations, ideas, and itineraries for sightseeing.
The Natural Park Los Tres Ojos, or "Three Eyes," is situated near Santo Domingo. Within the park, you can explore a zoo, an aquarium, caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and caverns that hold three lakes with deep blue waters at a depth of 15 meters.
Dominican Natural Parks:
Armando Bermudez National Park is located in the central part of the island, within the Central Cordillera mountain range, in the province of Santiago. The park is adjacent to another renowned reserve, José del Carmen-Ramirez.
José del Carmen-Ramirez Reserve: The lower slopes of the mountains are home to subtropical forests, teeming with palms and lianas. As the altitude increases, these give way to cedars, olives, wild dates, and junipers. At higher elevations, ferns and bamboo thrive. Beyond 2000 meters, you'll find Dominican alpine meadows adorned with Creole pines. Both parks are home to a diverse range of nesting birds. They offer 14 campsites and numerous hiking trails, while their rivers provide opportunities for canoeing and rafting.
Los Aitises National Park is located on the Samana Peninsula. It is a paradise for ecotourism fans, featuring mangrove swamps, palm and cotton soros, picturesque green islets, and mysterious caves.
Fun-fun Cave (or Devil's Cave, as it's known here) is located within Los Aitises National Park. Inside the cave, you'll find rivers, lagoons, crevices, stalactites, and stalagmites. Overalls and climbing equipment are provided on site, and instructors are available.
Jaragua National Park is situated at the southern end of the Pedernales Peninsula and includes islands. It is the largest reserve among the Caribbean Islands and an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
El Choco National Park is situated in Puerto Plata. The park features pastures, valleys, abundant wildlife, birds, and dense tropical thickets that blanket the mountains and hills.
Samana is a peninsula and bay, offering unspoiled nature and beaches with pristine sandy shores. The primary attractions here are the natural wonders, of which there are many to explore.
Saona is a welcoming island located off the southeast coast of Haiti, in the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest island in the Dominican Republic and is part of the Southeast National Reserve. The island's natural environment is protected by the country's government.
Los Haitises National Park is home to the Rio Canio Ondo River. The park's most famous attractions include the stunning caves of San Gabriel, Angel, Arena, and Linea.
Jarabacoa is situated 50 km from Santiago. Among its most renowned waterfalls are El Salto Jimenoa, El Salto de Bayagate, Balneario de la Confluencia, and Balneario de la Guazaras.
Duarte Peak is the highest mountain on the island, soaring to 3098 meters. It's an ideal destination for trekkers and mountaineers, with the journey beginning in the town of Constanza.
La Vega Real Valley, home to the town of La Vega, is traversed by the country's sole passenger railroad. You can explore archaeological excavations of the old town and visit intriguing museums.
Natural Eyes Ecopark is located in Punta Cana (Punta Cana, Av. Abraham Lincoln, 960). It serves as a true oasis where the tropical forest's flora and fauna come to life before your eyes.
Among the attractions in the Dominican Republic, you'll discover several cities with their unique beauties and characteristics, along with renowned buildings and museums in the area.
Altos de Chavón, often referred to as the "City of Artists," can be found in La Romana, near the central city of the region. It's a meticulously recreated replica of a medieval village, featuring architectural gems like St. Stanislaus Church, named after Poland's patron saint, and serving as a popular wedding venue.
Columbus Lighthouse (Santo Domingo, Parque Mirador Del Este) is one of the main attractions of the city of Santo Domingo, and indeed of the entire Dominican Republic. The peculiarity of the building is that there is no sea around it. It is a museum, inside which there are numerous pieces of evidence related to the discovery of new lands and their colonization.
The Cathedral of Santo Domingo was built in honor of the Holy Virgin in 1514-1540. It is the oldest cathedral in America. The building is constructed from golden-coral-colored limestone. You can learn more about the sights of the capital of the country in the section dedicated to this city.
Puerto Plata is a city with a plethora of attractions. You'll discover an amber museum, the San Felipe Fortress built in 1540, Independence Park with Victorian buildings, St. Philip's Cathedral, the Fortaleza Lighthouse, a chocolate factory, and even the Brugal rum factory.
The Church of Our Lady of Las Mercedes (19th century) is located at the foot of Mount Santo Cerro in La Vega.
Mount Monte Isabel de Toros (2,621 m), is situated near Puerto Plata. At its summit, you'll find a lookout point with a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. You can reach it by cable car. There's a bronze statue of Christ the Savior, resembling the famous Brazilian figure but on a smaller scale, and a botanical garden.
When you arrive in the Dominican Republic, decide which sights you'd like to visit and choose the appropriate tours. This way, your trip will be rich and fascinating.
