The Dominican Republic is a country located on the island of Hispaniola. It is the neighbor to Haiti and is the second largest country in the Caribbean. Surrounded by the ocean and the sea, the Dominican Republic is right at the heart of the Caribbean.
In the Dominican Republic, there is much to do and see. Santo Domingo, the capital city, is the oldest in the New World. While the official language of the country is Spanish, you won’t need to worry about not being understood. People at the hotels, hostels, and tour offices speak languages like French, English, and German.
If the climate is of concern to you, worry not. The Republic has a tropical climate, with highs of 34°C and lows of about 19°C. If you can’t handle the heat, try arriving between November and April. The warmest month of the year is August.
You can find a huge number of hostels, hotels, and other accommodation in the country. Smaller hotels run by local owners are the best way for you to enjoy true Dominican hospitality. Eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and small hostels can also be found in and around the capital city.
The beaches are the most enjoyable part of the Dominican Republic experience. A variety of water activities and sports can be engaged in here. You can go snorkeling, diving, surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. You can also go on long walks along the white and golden sands. Some beaches are located near the cities and others are closer to the jungles.
You can also take some time to visit La Romana, consisting of sugar cane fields, golf courses, and an old sugar mill that is now in ruins. While here, you can also take a trip into the National Park of the East, home to the Bayahibe Rose, one of the rarest flowers in the world. Other museums, islands, and attractions dot the countryside.
You can also take trips in banana boats, go kayaking and sailing, take a ride in a catamaran, or rent out a speedboat for the day. Beach volleyball is a popular sport in the country too. The coastline stretches out over 1000 miles, with calm seas, white sand, and clear water.
Fishing is one of the main professions in the country. You can sign up for one of the many international fishing competitions at the beaches and the marinas of the country. Other activities include experiences for the entire family, such as the waterfalls at Damajagua.
Food is another way to make the most out of the country. The local cuisine is a unique experience. There are many markets scattered throughout the country. Fruit like soursop, papayas and passion fruit are found in abundance here. Lunch consists of local delicacies like rice, beans, fritters, and stewed meat served at the many restaurants and eateries in the cities and near the beaches.
If it is international cuisine you prefer, you can find a wealth of foreign restaurants in the country. The culture is one of the most diverse in the Caribbean. From fast food to gourmet cooking, you can find it all in the cities and towns of the Dominican Republic.
Handwritten by local expert for Dominican Republic hostels Jakob Lombardi
