The Dominican Republic is one of the main destinations in the Caribbean . This country, which shares an island with Haiti, is known for its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. But the Dominican Republic has much more to see, many places worth discovering by its visitors. If you plan to travel to this beautiful place and wonder what to see in the Dominican Republic , stay! We tell you 5 essential places for your trip.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: 5 CORNERS THAT YOU CANNOT MISS
We want to bring you a little piece of this corner of the Caribbean and that you travel worry-free with your Mondo travel insurance . Get to know the 5 places you cannot miss in the Dominican Republic!
Santo Domingo
Many vacation packages offer only sun, sand, and a resort. And yes, it is the main attraction of the island, but there is life beyond the hotel pool or the sun lounger. One of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic is the capital of the country. Santo Domingo was the first city founded by the Spanish in America. This legacy is still preserved in the buildings of its oldest part, known as the “Colonial City”.
Its pedestrian streets invite you to explore the area enjoying every step. The area is full of cafes, bars and restaurants, so it’s a good time to savor the cuisine of the island. Among the most emblematic buildings you will find the Alcázar de Colón, which in its day was the residence of Viceroy Diego Colón, son of the discoverer. You can also visit the Primate Cathedral of America , the oldest on the continent, as it was consecrated to Pope Julius II in 1504.
Another of the places that you cannot skip on your walk is the Monastery of San Francisco , which dates from 1508, making it the first monastery on the new continent. Visit the Ozama Fortress , the first defensive construction in the New World, and be sure to pass through the Puerta de la Misericordia , one of the access gates to the city that is still preserved. The complex has been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco , so take the visit easy. Enjoy each historical place and let the calm rhythm of this part of the city seduce you. Here you will find one of the best places in the Dominican Republic.
Pedernales Peninsula
It is one of the most impressive places in the Dominican Republic, and yet tourism is not as intense as in other places on the island. It is located almost on the border with Haiti, and getting here is not easy. In the Pedernales Peninsula you can enjoy the best of Dominican nature, with all the tranquility in the world.
We recommend that you visit the Bahía de Águilas , where is located what is considered one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic , and in the world. Crystal clear waters, white sand, few visitors and nature at the foot of the beach. Those are the credentials of this place.
During your visit to the area you can take the opportunity to discover places as incredible as the Jaragua National Park , the Cachoté cloud forest , the Oviedo salt lagoon and the Bahoruco National Park , where you can watch the local birds. It is worth visiting any of these destinations, also, since the trip to the peninsula is not short, it is better to take advantage of the investment of time and money.
Pico Duarte
If you like hiking, another thing to do in the Dominican Republic is the ascent to Pico Duarte . It is the highest peak in the Antilles, and from its 3,087 meters high you can enjoy unique views of the Cordillera Central, the mountainous region that crosses the country.
The ascent route to the peak lasts three days, so you must be physically fit and have good equipment. The ascent begins about 20 km from San Juan de la Managuana, specifically at the Sabaneta dam. After a day of walking, the Alto de la Rosa refuge will wait for you to spend the night.
The next morning, after leaving the cultivated fields that populate the trail up to approximately 1,500 meters, you will make a stop at the Macutico refuge. The last stage takes place among dense expanses of criollo pine. When you reach the top you can rest in the refuge of La Comparición.
catalina island
It is the second largest island in the country, and it is one of those places that you have to see in the Dominican Republic. Unlike Isla Saona , it is not so exploited by tourists, so it offers its natural charms in a more relaxed way.
It is located a few kilometers from La Romana, in the southeast of the country. On the island you will find three spectacular beaches: East, West and North . Any of them deserves to be among your top 10 best beaches, but if you want more tranquility, avoid the West beach, it is the busiest of all.
The island is part of the Parque Nacional del Este, and its waters are perfect for diving or snorkeling. Immerse yourself in crystal clear waters full of colorful fish and enjoy an experience you will not forget.
The three eyes
In general, this place does not appear in the most touristic packages on the island, so it is still safe from the crowds. However, it is one of the best places in the Dominican Republic, one of those natural treasures that the island keeps.
Los Tres Ojos is a cave that owes its name to the three underground lagoons that it houses inside: Lago de Azufre, Lago de las Damas, and La Nevera . This last lake connects with a fourth lake, Zaramagullones, forming a spectacle worth admiring.
The place is located in the middle of a jungle area, so nature invades everything. You will feel like a real Indiana Jones in one of his adventures. The best time to visit the cave is early in the morning, around 8, since it is when the sun best illuminates each of the lakes.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
As you can see, the Dominican Republic offers unique places beyond what we always see in tourist brochures. If you are thinking of visiting any of them, we recommend that you do so with travel insurance . Health in the country is not as developed as in other places, and quality is expensive. With our Mondo travel insurance you can forget about these worries, because we cover medical assistance anywhere in the world . In addition, if you contract our insurance you will be able to enjoy our App exclusively. This includes a 24- hour medical chat , 365 days a day, so that you can consult our specialists during the trip with any questions about your health.
