They say that there is no paradise on Earth, they say, since the time of Adam and Eve, the gates to it are closed. However, you can argue with this statement if you are in the Dominican Republic at least once in your life. The beauty of landscapes, crystal clear waters of the ocean, palm trees, gentle sun and white sand... Isn't it a dream? Dreams can easily come true, you just have to find yourself in this fabulous country.
Perhaps, of all the countries of the Caribbean Gulf, the Dominican Republic has the most developed tourist infrastructure. Tourists, in addition to a beach holiday, expect a lot of interesting excursions dedicated to visiting local natural, cultural and architectural attractions. Incendiary merengue rhythms, tunes of cheerful calypso couplets and a huge assortment of seafood in local restaurants - this is not a complete list of pleasures that await you in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic is an island state that is part of the Antilles. Once upon a time, Christopher Columbus called this beautiful piece of land - Hispaniola. The island has now been renamed Haiti. The Dominican Republic is connected by land border with the Republic of Haiti, and by sea it neighbors with Cuba and Jamaica.
The favorable tropical climate largely determined the popularity of holidays in the Dominican Republic among tourists from northern countries. The hottest period is the summer months, capturing September. The air on the coast can warm up to +34, while the humidity also increases at this time. However, warm weather is typical for other months of the year. Just imagine that the thermometer rarely drops below +25-30 during the day in Best Time to Visit Dominican Republic! The swimming season is open all year round. However, it often rains in November and May, and typhoons are not uncommon in August.
The most attractive vacation in the Dominican Republic is from December to April and from June to August.
The Dominican Republic is a Republic. The head of state is the president, and the executive power is exercised by the National Congress. Most of the population - descendants of mixed marriages - mulattos, there are blacks and Europeans.
The religious composition is quite homogeneous - about 95% of local residents are Catholic Christians, the rest profess local cults, including voodoo.
Language: Spanish is the official language, although French is spoken in some areas, and in tourist areas, staff and guides can speak English, Italian and German.
The Dominican Republic is a relatively small state, so an inquisitive and restless tourist may be able to go around the main attractions during one visit. However, even if this does not happen, you will have an excellent reason for a second trip to this "paradise".
Undoubtedly, the city of Santo Domingo, founded at the end of the 15th century by Bartolomeo Columbus, is attractive. Now it is a bustling and iridescent metropolis, and, in combination, the capital of the Dominican Republic. What is there in Santo Domingo: luxurious palaces - monuments of colonial architecture; narrow streets, as if specially created for evening romantic walks; numerous Catholic cathedrals and museums.
It is impossible to cover all the sights of Santo Domingo in one brief review, but it is worth mentioning the House of Columbus. This palace strikes with luxury, both exterior and interior decoration. Nearby is one of the most famous temples in the Dominican Republic - St. Mary's Cathedral, and in the park next to it, there is a statue of the discoverer of America - Christopher Columbus.
Santo Diego is famous for its parks, where a wonderful collection of tropical plants is planted. The Botanical Garden is also remarkable, rich in the rarest species of flora of the Caribbean region. However, tourists will most likely remember Santo Diego for its huge promenade - the Malecon, since it is here that most of the iconic entertainment venues are concentrated.
Sightseeing Natural attractions is the main goal of many excursions. And for good reason - the impressions received during the trips will surely remain in memory for a lifetime. For example, in Samana Bay, you can see an incredible number of whales. True, the "viewing" season is limited to a few months - the whales come to a quiet harbor for breeding and stay here from January to March. Since this time falls on the peak of the tourist pilgrimage, the probability of seeing the "spawning" of whales is quite high.
Be sure to visit Los Gatises National Park - this tour will appeal to adherents of ecotourism and everyone who is not indifferent to natural beauties. Jeep safaris are organized through the countryside - a great option for adventure lovers.
The cities of the Dominican Republic are bright, original, saturated with indescribable local flavor. Santiago, one of the most significant administrative centers, deserves close attention - here the tourist will find everything he needs: comfortable hotels, excellent restaurants and bars, and, of course, a lot of attractions. Excursions to the Thomas Morey Museum, walks in Duarte Park, inspection of tobacco factories are interesting. A trip to the town of Moka is tempting, the name of which means a lot to coffee lovers, because it is here that one of the most famous coffee factories in the world is located.
The Dominican Republic is famous for the beautiful waterfalls of El Salto Jimenoa, Balneario de la Guasaras and El Salte de Bayagate. You can admire them by driving inland to the town of Jarabacoa. By the way, not far from the village is Duarte Peak, named after the revolutionary and patriot Juano Pablo Duarte; also attractive is the Cibao Valley, a treasure trove for amateur naturalists.
If you find yourself in the Dominican Republic in February, do not forget to drive to the city of La Vega - the capital of the carnival "Vegano". A bright, colorful and absolutely reckless holiday lasts for several days, gathering spectators from all over the area. Not far from La Vega is the Church of St. Mercedes. Our Lady of Mercedes is considered the patroness of the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic is rich in resorts, here are the most popular of them: Juan Dolio, Boca Chica, Puerta Plata, La Romana, and of course, Punta Cana. It is here that the established tourist infrastructure is concentrated. Excellent hotels, well-maintained beaches, calm coastal waters and a wonderful tropical climate attract thousands of tourists every year to this "island of happiness". The main pastime of tourists is a beach holiday and entertainment associated with it. So, you can go fishing or go diving and admire the coral reefs and their inhabitants.
Undoubtedly, the most glamorous are the suburbs of Santo Domingo - Boca Chica and Juan Dolio. Here, a tourist who is thirsty for entertainment and drive will satisfy his desires to the fullest. La Romana is a quiet place created for a quiet family vacation. Horse and boat rides will surely appeal to newlyweds and couples in love.
Punto Cana is a luxurious resort known far beyond the Dominican Republic for its beaches - Macao, Cortesisto, Bavaro, and Punta Cana itself.
A visit to the Amber Coast, Perto Plateau, is full of fun for outdoor enthusiasts. Windsurfers will have a great time in Playa Dorado, while Cabaretto and Sosua are a real paradise for fans of clubbing.
Currency: Dominican peso. One peso includes 100 centavos. US dollars are in use, especially in tourist areas, but it is more economical to pay in local currency. There are usually no problems with the exchange - there are a lot of exchange offices, in addition, money is converted in exchange offices at airports, hotels, and also in banks. Major hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards.
Banks are open on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00. Shops are happy to accept customers from 9-00 to 19-30, Sunday is a day off. Opening hours of supermarkets 8-00 - 22-00, on Sunday a shortened day (from 8-00 to 14-00).
Tipping: As usual, the percentage of remuneration does not exceed 10% of the bill, moreover, not all hotels accept tips, but you can leave 1-2 dollars for the service staff (porter, maid).
Features of the mentality: Dominicans are friendly and good-natured people who love dancing and jokes. Don't be put off by loud conversations and gestures - this is just a consequence of the burning temperament of the locals.
Electricity: In the Dominican Republic, the mains voltage is 110 volts and 60 Hz.
Movement around the country is possible by buses, as well as by rented cars. Modern intercity buses are equipped with air conditioning and everything you need for a comfortable trip. To travel short distances, you can use the services of a taxi, or city minibuses, known as "gua-gua".
In the Dominican Republic, there is a ferry service in coastal areas, for example, between Sabana del Mar and the famous Samana Peninsula.
In the event that you decide to rent a car, you need to take care of obtaining an international driver's license in advance, and you also need a credit card. The age of the driver must be at least 25 years old.
The national holidays of the Dominican Republic are full of bright colors. The cheerful disposition of the local population spills out in numerous celebrations, festivals and carnivals. Officially approved the following solemn dates:
A tourist card is issued at the airport upon arrival and costs only $10. This document gives the right to stay in the country for 60 days. However, tourists need to have a passport. Passport with a remaining validity of at least 6 months. Upon departure at the airport, you must again pay a fee of $ 20. Those who wish can obtain a visa in advance at the Dominican embassy in Moscow, then it will cost $100.
Customs rules are standard. It is allowed to import currency in any amount into the country, while export is limited to $10,000 (in cash). You cannot import or export the Dominican peso. You can bring 1 liter to the Dominican Republic without duty. strong alcoholic beverages (strength up to 22%) and no more than 2 liters. low-alcohol drinks, not more than 0.5 kg. coffee, maximum 2 packs of cigarettes or 50 cigars per adult. Perfume - no more than 2 bottles; gifts and items for personal use in the amount not exceeding $ 100. It is forbidden to export cultural and historical values, cigars (more than 50 pieces per person) and some types of orchids.
Dominican cuisine is full of exotics for a person unaccustomed to such delights. Fried bananas, mashed wild bananas and cassava, various fruits - mangoes, coconuts, guava, bananas, and many other fruits unknown to the inhabitants of the northern latitudes. Dominicans love meat, although they rarely can afford pork or chicken delicacies. The meat is cooked with vegetables, red beans or other legumes, rice, root vegetable puree, the same green fried bananas ("bandera") are served as a side dish. Soups are also a frequent guest on the table: asopao puree soup is beyond praise. The role of bread is assigned to kasaba cakes, they are prepared both with filling and without.
