Explore the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of the Dominican Republic with our guide to the best things to do in this Caribbean paradise. From pristine beaches to historical sites, plan your dream vacation today. Welcome to the Dominican Republic, a tropical haven teeming with diverse experiences for every traveler.
Things to Do in the Dominican Republic
Whether you seek sun-soaked beaches, thrilling adventures, or rich cultural encounters, this article unveils a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in the Dominican Republic. Let's embark on a journey through this Caribbean gem, discovering its hidden treasures and must-visit attractions.
1. Hike La Plaza and La Cueva
The crystal blue water and limestone cliffs I found while hiking La Plaza are one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
You can book this hike in the beautiful province of Barahona. This stunning trail takes you through a jungle through several crystal-clear blue pools surrounded by limestone boulders. Both parts of the itinerary (La Plaza and La Cueva) are well worth it, with several gems along the way.
Because it is a virgin region, it is raw and therefore not easily traveled. You must improve the way: over rocks, jumping down, jumping, swimming, sliding, crawling, and climbing to the natural "second floor" without stairs.
It's like the ultimate obstacle course + hike. A full-body workout amidst pristine beauty. This is one of the hardest but one of my top favorite hikes in the Dominican Republic!
2. Larimer Gemstone Mining and Shopping
Larimer is one of the rarest gemstones in the world. It is only available in the Dominican Republic. Barahona province is home to only one mine, making it one of the most amazing Dominican Republic attractions. So don't miss the once-in-a-lifetime experience to see how local miners extract this rare gem.
Please note: booking this experience is not to encourage poverty tourism but rather to recommend an experience to learn how locals have developed a community mining system to extract the world's rarest gemstones.
Please do not use locals, especially their children, as photo shoot props. And please advise your guides/staff to take time out of their work day to show you around.
While you're admiring Barahona's beautiful coastline, take a moment and go shopping! Directly support a local small business by purchasing a beautiful piece of Larimer gemstone. Some street stands sell them as rough pieces, polished stones and/or jewelry. Whichever form of Larimer you choose, it's sure to make a beautiful souvenir.
3. Los Patos Beach/River: Seafood feast with epic views
While driving through Barahona, stop at the gorgeous Los Patos beach and riverfront for a fresh seafood meal. My favorite place is Cathy's Restaurant, right on the beach and in a more secluded corner.
Her restaurant, a small business owned by women for many years, serves delicious food from an antique kitchen. Give her a WhatsApp text or call (829)988-1038, so she can have everything ready for you upon arrival. And let him know Isabelle sent you! 😉
4. Visit Los Tres Ojos
A woman in the nature preserve of Los Tres Ojos, or Three Eyes National Park, has an open-air limestone cave system and a series of crystal clear lakes.
Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos) in the Dominican Republic is a nature reserve and open-air limestone cave system that contains a series of crystal clear lakes known as "the eyes". Located in Santo Domingo, just a ten-minute drive from the popular colonial zone, the park offers a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city.
In addition to a guided tour you can join, these stunning open water caves offer deep insight into the pre-colonial and ancestral origins of the Dominican Republic making it one of the many amazing things to do in Santo Domingo.
5. Colonial exploration of La Zona
Of all the amazing things to do in Santo Domingo, if you can only do one, make it this one. Dedicate some time to exploring La Zona Colonial, the city's historic colonial center. It's not just a spot for tourists, but local artists and community leaders offer products, services and community spaces that you can support.
La Zona is Santo Domingo's best place for colonial cultural events, social movements, art galleries, museums, nightlife and trendy restaurants.
6. Afro-Heritage Walking Tour
Take a guided walking tour of La Zona Colonial but through the important lens of African history that delves deep into the legacy of our African ancestors on the island today.
For decades, the Dominican Republic's black history has been neglected because of the colonial and imperial remnants that still plague all of the Americas. But we Dominicans continue to make great strides and efforts to reclaim our narrative and decolonize our history.
Anthropologist Ruth Pion or Afro Historia RD will lead you through this Afro-heritage educational walking tour that you can join. This experience is something you won't find anywhere else in Santo Domingo.
Consider combining this insightful walking tour with a visit to an old sugar plantation where one of the Dominican Republic's largest slave revolts took place.
7. Ride El Teleferico
For less than .50 cents USD you can ride the spotlessly clean metro to Santo Domingo and then get a free connection to the teleferico (cable car) that takes you up and over the various neighborhoods, arriving just below the outskirts of La Victoria.
You'll see children playing in natural pools, hear dogs and roosters crowing, and smell that nostalgic campo aroma of toasted wood, as you fly over schools, homes, green plains, busy streets, and rivers. There are many stories to be seen from the top with each swing.
To us travelers, it's a fun and exciting journey to the north end of Santo Domingo… for many locals, it's a way to finally connect with more opportunities in the city center. It is a vital means of everyday local transportation that helps Dominicans and our environment.
This can be one of the attractions in the Dominican Republic that will give you a small glimpse into the daily life of the locals.
8. Fiesta de Palo: Explore Afro-Dominican History at the Villa Fair
Experience some Afro-Dominican history and culture while listening to the sacred music of Fiesta de Palo at Villa Mela.
Palo is Afro-Dominican sacred music with roots from the Congo region/West Africa. It has been preserved through us despite centuries of colonial oppression and various attempts at repression and suppression. Fiesta de Palo became a vehicle for "anti-colonial, anti-hegemonic and anti-imperial" protests.
Turns may vary from region to region across the country. Palo is most famously preserved, on the outskirts of Santo Domingo, in Villa Mela, where the first recorded slave revolt took place and where African slaves fled for refuge.
If you're interested in cultural heritage, especially music and Afro-Dominican history, take the initiative to listen to a fraternity at a program/Fiesta de Palo in Villa Mela.
Punta Cana can feel like another world in the Dominican Republic. This is mostly an area catered to tourists interested in the Punta Cana resort scene. Or those who are afraid to go out on their own. But I strongly recommend that you explore the area beyond the confines of your hotel property.
Punta Cana has so many beautiful things to do, from natural parks to restaurants and epic day trips. Here are just a few.
9. Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve (Ojos Indígenas) ★
The Indigenous Ice Ecological Reserve is a pristine lowland subtropical forest with a swimmable freshwater lagoon, an iguana habitat and a petting zoo. It covers 1,500 acres and often has all kinds of tours: horseback, Segway, foot and boat.
We love the forest paths and stunning gardens, perfect for self-guided tours to spot over 100 birds!
10. Scape Park (Hoyo Azul & More) ★
I was afraid that this place would be lame and too touristy, but Hoyo Azul & Scape Park actually impressed me. This 247-acre natural park offers beautiful cenotes you can swim in, a zipline through the jungle, easy hiking trails, and more.
Your admission ticket gives you full day access to various attractions. For Dominicans with ID, there is a nice discount to make it more accessible to the local community.
Tour: Consider visiting Scape Park on this full-day tour package, which includes round-trip transportation from your Punta Cana hotel. I spent a full day here enjoying all they had to offer.
11. Hike Mount Anamua
If you plan to visit Cotubanamá National Park, consider booking a hiking tour up to Anamuya Mountain! Outback Adventures has half-day guided tours through this majestic summit, where you can learn more about the island's fauna and flora.
Bring your binoculars for bird watching and spotting local wildlife/ this is a great opportunity to avoid the crowds and tourist spots.
12. Go to Sauna Island
Sauna Island is an ideal snorkeling spot with several hidden spots to explore. Join this small-group Sauna Island tour to explore this secluded paradise with a full-day speedboat and snorkeling excursion. You'll stop at a starfish-filled swimming pool and white sand beach.
You can also try this private Sauna Island tour, which takes you through the town of Mano Juan, home to the island's largest turtle reserve!
13. Check out the best beaches in Punta Cana ★
Macau Beach is a local favorite for its natural setting, miles of pristine coastline and turquoise waters. I didn't really like the seafood there. So bring snacks or eat after a walk. I highly recommend this trip to this beautiful beach.
Los Corrales Beach is one of my favorite spots covered in white sand and close to small business bars, restaurants and spas.
But the most beautiful beach in Punta Cana? Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana and Playa Blanca in Punta Cana Club. Both are private, costing between $20-$30. But you may be able to get that money back as a restaurant credit.
14. Coco Bongo Nightclub ★
Coco Bongo is Punta Cana's most popular nightclub. If you don't want to visit, don't hesitate to get your tickets for a fun-filled night! They have many special events with live shows and non-stop action.
It's like Cirque du Soleil but it's party time. I've never been, but I hear great things about this nightclub because of its specs. You can book round trip transportation to and from your hotel!
Please note: This is an adults-only club with confetti and lights, which can get crowded.
15. Stay at Casa de Campo (La Romana) ★
Altos de Chavón is a tourist attraction in La Romona that has been reconstructed to look like a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village. It is one of the busiest places in the city and has a cultural centre, amphitheater and archaeological museum to enjoy. You can explore here all day, with additional dining and shopping opportunities onsite.
Ahhh, Pedernales. The Dominican Republic is one of my personal favorite cities! Also in the southwest, this sleepy sandy town is the perfect launching pad for the region's many natural wonders. For other Dominican Republic regions, scroll to the next section!
16. Bahia de las Aguilas: The best beach in the world
A woman lying on the beautiful white sand near the turquoise waters of Bahia de las Aguilas beach.
Bahia de las Aguilas is the reward at the end of a scenic southwest Dominican road trip from Barahona to Los Patos to Pedernales. I have traveled to 50+ countries around the world, and to me, Bahía de las Aguilas is not only one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, but one of the best beaches in the world!
So if you prefer shallow and crystal-blue beaches, consider joining a trip to Bahía de las Aguilas. This beach is a must visit and one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Want to visit Bahía de las Aguilas independently? Here's a step-by-step guide on how to get from Santo Domingo to Bahía de las Águilas by public transport.
Once you are in the area, approach the local woman Satima, who cooks delicious food for you to enjoy. His sun also sails the Bahía de las Aguilas. He only speaks Spanish. His Whatsapp is: (809)693-4419. He can't read or write very well, so he will only send you audio messages!
17. Go glamping on one of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic
Glamping is a fancy version of camping. You have all the modern conveniences but you are still close to nature. Book this beach glamping spot in Pedernales.
Here, you can fall asleep by a bonfire while gazing at the stars and listening to the gentle waves. Wake up to one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world and then board a boat to see Bahía de las Águilas Beach.
Glamping in the Caribbean is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and perfect for beach/outdoor lovers!
18. Los Pozos de Romeo
Consider this refreshing detour and point of interest in the Dominican Republic along the road that leads to Bahia de las Aguilas beach. Los Pozos de Romeo is a crystal clear natural pool surrounded by rocks and cacti. A perfect pit stop to refresh before or after the beach!
19. Laguna de Oviedo
Laguna de Oviedo is a saltwater lake in Jaragua National Park, Pedernales Province, Dominican Republic. Here you can hire a guide for a boat trip through the various islands to learn about cacti animals while watching birds and iguanas. Don't forget to ask for a natural mud bath stop at the end of your tour!
Laguna de Oviedo has a lot to do, including unique caves and exotic cacti fruits. So plan at least half a day here to appreciate all that one of the best places in the Dominican Republic has to offer.
20. Arroyo Salado
The Arroyo Salado natural pool is located just 10 minutes from Laguna de Oviedo. Salt water from Lake Oviedo and the perfect stop to wash off the remains of your mud bath! This natural freshwater pool is surrounded by mangroves and is home to small fish that will harmlessly eat away at your dead skin.
Hostal Dona Chava: Super cute and cozy bed and breakfast, owned by a wonderful local family of Dominicans. It is located in a central part of the city where you can go to many delicious restaurants or grocery stores in the city of Pedernales! This is easily one of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic.
21. Hike El Pico Duarte: The highest mountain in the Caribbean ★
The Dominican Republic is home to a significant number of mountain ranges, including the highest mountain in the Caribbean: El Pico Duarte. El Pico Duarte is located along the Cordillera Central mountain range that stretches across the Dominican Republic and into Haiti (also making it easy to plan an incredible 3 day trip to Haiti).
This majestic and majestic mountain peak soars to a height of 3,000 meters (10,000+ feet). Consider taking a fun, multi-day Pico Duarte hiking tour. The hiking base is just a 40-minute drive from the popular hill town of Jarabacoa, another hidden gem.
22. Paraglide over the Dominican Alps
Paragliding is a highlight experience for adventure lovers visiting Jarabacoa and the thrills of the Dominican Republic. You can go with a professional pilot and take a sky tour over the Jarabacoa Valley. Costs start at $50 per person.
23. Relax in the Dominican Alps
Fun fact: Our Cordillera Central region is called the Dominican Alps because of its cool climate, green valleys and high mountain peaks! Here, you can create your own mini-retreat by spending a few days (or weeks) in a mountain-top villa in this beautiful pine-studded hillside.
If you want to stay in a beautiful hotel along the Jimenoa River with delicious food, check out the Hotel Gran Jimenoa.
You can rent an entire place to yourself such as a hilltop villa (pictured above) or a Japanese-style luxury guest house (pictured above) for a fraction of what the resorts will charge you! Best of all? You'll be close to lots of wonderful activities to do in the Dominican Republic.
24. Enjoy Jarabacoa's various hikes and waterfalls
You can actually choose from a variety of reasons to chase Jarabacoa Falls. Travelers can reach various waterfalls by car, horse and/or hiking. Consider visiting the top three most beautiful waterfalls on a full-day tour of hiking and swimming.
25. Water rafting through the Yaque del Norte River
Raft the Yaque del Norte River, the second longest river in the Caribbean, including Rancho Baiguate. Depending on the time of year the rapids can be smooth or somewhat powerful. The longest drop is about 3 meters. This is the perfect experience for both new and more experienced rafters.
If you are coming from Puerto Plata, you can take this private tour that includes transportation.
Continue reading: Jarabacoa Travel Guide: 21 Reasons to Visit the Dominican Alps for more in-depth information on what to see and do in the region.
Gran Jimenoa Hotel: This is an upscale resort-style hotel on the very quiet and almost spiritual Gran Jimenoa River (pictured above). This is a great place to go if you want to include breakfast, housekeeping and other hotel amenities. This is my favorite!
26. Salto de Socoa
A woman standing next to the beautiful blue water of the Salto de Socoa waterfall in the Dominican Republic.
Perhaps one of the most underrated Dominican Republic tourist attractions, this underrated gem in Monte Plata rarely gets a visitor. You can probably have the whole place to yourself as I have done several times. Still, getting to Samana from the main road is very easy.
Pay just $1 to enter and it's a 15-minute walk down some steps. The emerald green swimming area extends to several other beautiful pools. You must walk over some wet rocks to get to these pools, so bring water shoes with grip.
27. Culturally immerse yourself in campo life and cooking lessons
Students excited to learn how to cook authentic Dominican food from my Aunt Ramona at Monte Plata's rural farm.
The best (and most fun) way to culturally immerse yourself is through food. Note that there are many other Dominican fruits to try as well!
Consider a half-day trip to the rural farms of Monte Plata for some cooking lessons from the city chef: my aunt Ramona. Along with other members of my family, they will teach you how to cook some of the most delicious Dominican food over a traditional outdoor wood fire.
You can tour the farm, pick cacao, ride horses and more. Consider adding a visit to El Salto de Socoa as an add-on for a full day of fun in the Monte Plata province.
The famous Salto Alto, one of the most well-known Dominican Republic tourist attractions in the area, is currently suffering from overcrowding. Avoid the crowds from the big tourist buses and head to the more quaint Salto de Socoa (listed above).
28. Sand boarding at Las Dunas de Bani (Sand Dunes).
Travelers to the Dominican Republic often discover that this tropical island is also home to desert topography with tall sand dunes surrounded by cactus plants.
Las Dunas de Bani (Bani Sand Dunes), one of the best spots in the Dominican Republic, offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea against the desert landscape.
Here you can hike over the tall dunes for fun or rent a board and surf the sand dunes in style!
29. Pink Salt Pans aka Las Salinas
Another of the many underrated things to do in the Dominican Republic is the hidden gem of the southwest, the Bani Salt Mine. Large salt pans are naturally pink before local miners extract the salt.
Ask for permission to enter, and walk along the trolley track to see these pink pools surrounded by beautiful mountains and snow-white salt piles.
30. Ocoa Vineyards
Wine lovers should stop in Azua Province to visit the gorgeous and luxurious Ocoa Bay Vineyards. This vineyard offers wine tastings, guided tours, a beautiful outdoor restaurant, a clubhouse with an infinity pool, and dozens of sustainable agriculture projects.
31. Take a kiteboarding lesson/go kitesurfing
Cabarete is one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic (and the world) for kitesurfing. About a mile from downtown Cabarete is the popular Kite Beach where you can either sign up for kite surfing lessons or watch in awe as local kite surfers leap into the air with almost exhilarating moves.
32. Go surfing or take surfing lessons at Playa Encuentro
The northern shores of the Dominican Republic are home to one of the country's most popular surfing communities. So, if you love surfing, this beach should definitely be one of your must-see places in the Dominican Republic.
Playa Encuentro, less than 5 miles from downtown Cabarete, is one of the best beaches for surfing, especially if you're a beginner. Surfing lessons average around $50 for a 2-3 hour lesson. Prices depend on business and lesson packages. You can rent a surfboard without lessons if you want.
I highly recommend staying at El Encuentro Surf Lodge. One of my many trips to the Dominican Republic is where this is located. It's a few minutes walk from Encuentro Beach where I took a morning surf class for beginners.
My lesson was with Pau Hana. And I couldn't believe they let me stand and surf baby waves not once or twice, but three times!
33. Wilson's half-day trip to La Boca
Looking for more amazing places to visit in the Dominican Republic? Then visit Wilsons in La Boca.
This Dominican-owned restaurant sits at the foot of the Yasica River just before it meets the sea. So the scenery is uniquely beautiful: part beach and some local kite surfers enjoying the perfect combo in a relatively remote and low-key area.
The staff here also cooks some of the best food in the Dominican Republic and takes you into their kitchen where you choose and weigh your fish. For around $8-10 USD you can enjoy a whole fish cooked over a wood fire with tostones, rice and salad. This is one of the best and tastiest dishes in the Dominican Republic.
However, getting to La Boca and one of the best Dominican Republic attractions is quite an experience. It's about 15 minutes from downtown Cabarete and is a bit of an adventure in itself as it requires an SUV or a decent motorcycle to drive over/around water streams, ponds, rocks and sand.
When you reach the end of the road, you will take a free boat on the river to this special restaurant! In my humble opinion, this is one of the best things about cabaret!
34. Volunteer with Cabaret Sustainable and learn all about local permaculture
Created during the COVID-19 pandemic to combat food insecurity, Cabarete Sostenible provides food assistance to vulnerable households across the city and opened the first and only community garden and community farm on the North Coast.
At the gardening sites, volunteers can learn permaculture, urban gardening and organic farming techniques, all while giving back to those in need in an open and safe space. Gardening is hands-on so don't forget to wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes and headwear!
Cabarete Sostenible frequently hosts art and cultural events and plant-based gastronomic experiences and focuses on sustainable development for and by people. Sign up to volunteer through their website.
35. La Rejoa Falls Day Trip Hiking Tour
If you're staying in Cabarete or Puerto Plata and you're a lover of the outdoors, consider booking this waterfall hiking tour experience! It was one of the highlights of our cabaret trip.
We headed deep into the Dominican countryside with our local guide, Jorge, into a lush and green jungle. From there, we hiked through the desert, past rivers and through lush forest trails.
After 90 minutes, we reached the precious gem: a beautiful waterfall waiting for us, all to ourselves. Surrounding this area is a unique blue clay that we found lathered on our skin. Furthermore, you will pass all kinds of fruit trees and medicinal plants about which George has a deep knowledge.
36. See Damazagua (27 Falls).
Damazagua 27 Falls is one of the most iconic things to do in Puerto Plata. It is a privately owned park that offers various natural attractions in the form of waterfalls, pools, slides and more. Consider taking this tour for just $60. And no, you don't need to know how to swim.
37. Kayo Arena
My Puerto Plata friends argue with me that Cayo Arena is actually the best beach in the Dominican Republic. I say it's Bahia de las Aguilas! You can visit Cayo Arena on this guided boat tour, and let me know in the comments: Is this the best beach in the DR?
38. Puerto Plata City Tour
A building and car on the side of the road in Puerto Plata City Tour things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Puerto Plata is the third largest city in the Dominican Republic. And while it's popular for having some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, it also offers a ton of rich history.
Learn all about the history, culture and beauty of Puerto Plata City by joining his guided local tour. Alternatively, you can book this tour too!
It was in this region that Christopher Columbus began his massacre. Don't miss a ride on Fortaleza San Felipe and the Teleferico!
While you're in Puerto Plata, also consider taking a Haitian cooking class with this non-profit organization.
39. Stay in a luxury jungle villa
A beautiful swimming pool area surrounded by trees with views of the sea of the Dominican Republic.
Samana has some uniquely beautiful places to stay in the Dominican Republic. And this private villa gives you the best of both worlds: jungle and beach. Casa Paraiso's bedrooms offer open-air views facing the ocean, the perfect retreat for solo travelers, friends or couples.
You'll feel like you've been transported to Bali upon arrival, and that's because DR really does have it all!
40. Horseback ride to El Salto de Limon waterfall
Although the province of Samana is popular with tourists, there are many places that are still worth visiting in the region: Salto de Limon. This waterfall is located in a thick forest through which you must go or ride a horse.
As for tours, I strongly recommend the Coffee Trail on horseback with Santi, who leads high-quality tours and offers a delicious lunch at the end of your tour at his restaurant.
There are many different trails, some not as scenic, so be sure to specify that you want the coffee trail that Santi offers. Prices start at $20/ per rider. Bring extra cash to tip the local guide at least $10.
If you're coming from Punta Cana, you can also consider this other tour option, which has El Limon Falls as one of its stops.
41. Beach-hopping on world-class beaches across the Samana Peninsula
At the end of the Samana Peninsula, you can find some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, such as Las Galleras, from where you can take a boat to secluded Playa Fronton (pictured above). Please note that this beach is not accessible when the water is rough.
If you're looking for something close to Las Terrenas, consider Playa Rincon. Once a secret beach where local fishing families lived in the mountains, Playa Rincon has now become a popular beach destination for locals and tourists alike.
Today, you can find several local restaurant stands along the beach where you can order fresh seafood plates while admiring the beautiful sea view.
But what really makes this beach special? A crystal clear blue river ends where it begins. From here you can hire a canoe captain to take you up the river or rent a kayak and explore on your own.
This river alone is a treat and a quiet respite from the lively beaches for a weekend! Avoid the holidays unless you like the lively holiday buzz of many local families and visitors.
42. Whale watching in Samana
The Samana Bay area is considered one of the best places in the world to see humpback whales in their natural habitat. It's the perfect family outing for kids and adults alike.
Take a boat out into the Atlantic Ocean to see humpback whales as they return to this area of the Dominican Republic to mate. You'll learn about whales while watching their humming songs and flipping in the wind.
Be careful: If the water is choppy, boats can rock up and down several feet in the air. This resulted in a handful of people (including myself) getting terrible seasickness on the boat. I worked on a boat every summer and never got sick so I'm not sensitive to it; It's just how intense the water can get.
We really liked that the folks at Timi Samana warned us about it that week. They will tell you if it is risky (for your stomach).
43. Fulfill your childhood dreams by staying in a treehouse retreat
Disconnect from the world, book a tree house at Dominican Tree House Village and let the people there take care of you. This all-inclusive stay offers access to zip-lining, beaches, waterfalls, bike rentals and your meals.
You will sleep in the open air forest of Samana. So bring a good book to read at night because there will be no social media scrolling. This is one of the best places to stay in the Dominican Republic!
44. Visit El Centro Leon - one of the best museum cultural centers in the Caribbean
Santiago's rich background offers many things to do and places to see And very high on the list is El Cultural Center Eduardo León Jiménez Centro León. Here, you'll find museum collections/exhibits of Dominican culture, history, heritage, science, anthropology and art; As well as fun events and workshops.
We've even dedicated an entire guide to this great museum in Santiago: Visiting Centro Leon by our local author, who used to work there!
45. Go on a tobacco farm and cigar tasting tour
The Santiago region is home to some of the best tobacco farms in the world, marking the region as our "cigar capital". Today, thousands of tourists visit the region each year, where local tobacco factories produce some of the finest cigars in the world.
If you want to learn about Dominican cigars, consider taking a tour to visit tobacco farms and taste some of the best cigars. Here are some tours/guides you can book below.
Villa Gonzalez Cigar Tour: Ryan Bowen of Atlas Travelers, a Santiago local, organizes community-led tours of tobacco farms and factories. She hosts all-inclusive packages and informative travel experiences in English or Spanish. Isabel sent you their ball!
Cigar and Rum Tour: From Punta Cana, this tour takes you to the Vegafina Cigar Factory and Ron Barcello Distillery, lunch and drinks are included. Minimum age is 18 years.
Don Lucas Cigar Tour: A small factory still award-winning with a fully equipped boutique store located in Punta Cana. They offer a free tour and other places to check out while you're there, a short tour that promotes cacao and coffee products, a rum tasting and bar, and a gift shop with local handmade goods.
Cigar Country Tour: Taking in all the major factories like La Flor Dominicana, Montecristo, Romeo and Juliet, La Aurora and more! Located in La Romana (DR) they can arrange pick-up and drop-off to and from your hotel.
46. Go to Maximo Gomez's house
The beautiful gray facade of the Maximo Gómez House in Monte Cristi, one of the best things to do in the Dominican Republic.
Monte Cristi is home to some of Latin America's most influential colonial history - from being one of the first colonial cities in the Americas to Cuba's independence thanks to Maximo Gómez.
That's reason enough to check out his house/museum to get a deeper insight into Dominican history and its connection to our Latino neighbors as well as how it affects us all today.
For this reason, if you enjoy learning about history, this is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
47. Island hopping from Isla Cabra to Cayo 7 Hermanos
Isla Cabra is an uninhabited island that offers little hikes, naturally shaded areas for picnics, and a beautiful emerald-green beach. What more could you ask for when looking for things to do in the Dominican Republic? You can reach Isla Cabra's Playa Paraiso by boat that you can rent at the town's fishing dock.
If you have already been on a boat trip through the canal and Isla Cabra (number 2 above) you may be interested in paying for a full day trip and visiting Cayo 7 Hermanos.
This group of uninhabited island keys is also within the Monte Cristi National Park area. They include: Terrero, Monte Grande, Ratas, Muertos, Arenas, Tororo and Monte Chico - easily making it one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic.
48. Hike to El Morro and El Morro Beach
This iconic view is probably what you'll find if you google Monte Cristi. Tall limestone cliffs surround the golden shores of El Morro Beach. There are at least three hikes you can do here for beautiful views from the top or you can walk down the beach to see the view below. Both are stunning.
At night you can also get some mesmerizing views of the night sky. Perfect for astrophotographers. The paths here are rocky, so bring proper shoes if you don't have strong ankles. This is just one of the many reasons to visit Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic.
FAQs
Are Dominican Republic beaches safe for swimming?
Yes, the majority of beaches are safe for swimming. However, always adhere to local guidelines and be cautious of strong currents in certain areas.
What is the best time to visit El Yunque National Forest?
The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April when the weather is more favorable for hiking and exploration.
Can I join dance lessons even if I have no prior experience?
Absolutely! The dance lessons cater to all skill levels, making it a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.
Is whale watching available year-round in Samaná Bay?
Whale watching season in Samaná Bay typically runs from January to March, offering the best chances to witness these magnificent creatures.
What is the must-try dish in Dominican cuisine?
Mangu, a dish made from mashed plantains, is a delicious and iconic Dominican staple that should not be missed.
Are there vegetarian options available in Dominican cuisine?
Yes, Dominican cuisine offers various vegetarian options, including plantain-based dishes and flavorful vegetable stews.
Conclusion
Embark on a journey of discovery in the Dominican Republic, where every corner unveils a new adventure. From the allure of pristine beaches to the rich tapestry of cultural experiences, this Caribbean paradise caters to all tastes. Plan your itinerary, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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