A long-time favorite spot for travelers seeking not only sun and sand, but adventure, culture, colorful celebrations, a rich history and lively nightlife, the Dominican Republic truly has it all. Visitors can journey through a world of delicacies that define the flavor of the Caribbean, dance to the rhythms of bachata and merengue and be awed by exuberant natural beauty. While these attributes bring millions of travelers to the D.R. each year, it’s the warmth and vibrancy of its people that brings them back.
Interconnected by vast, modern highways, these major destinations are well worth your recommendation.
Puerto Plata
The birthplace of Dominican Republic tourism, Puerto Plata on its north shore offers lush green valleys, flowing rivers and a two-mile crescent of amber coastline along the sparkling Atlantic. From kite surfing and snorkeling to hiking, horseback riding and ziplining, the activities in Puerto Plata are endless, and it’s well-connected with its own international airport.
Christopher Columbus named the area the Silver Port after sighting clouds over Mount Isabel de Torres that illuminated the vast blue shoreline. He settled at La Isabela and built his first home in the Americas. A trek to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres is rewarded with spectacular vistas — or hop on the Caribbean’s only cable car for a birds-eye view.
Just 25 minutes west, Cabarete is a coastal village exuding a cool, casual vibe. Practically synonymous with kitesurfing and popular for windsurfing and laser sailing, Playa Cabarete (Kite Beach) is the Caribbean’s premier destination for high-thrill watersports.
Sosúa, a gorgeous crescent bay, offers a long stretch of amber sands and clear seas, a favorite spot for divers and snorkelers. Those looking to get up close with nature’s best can dive into the stunning 27 Damajagua Waterfalls and refresh at 12 stunning cascades, or the freshwater lagoons of Laguna Dudú surrounded by caves and lush forests. Cayo Arena is a unique sandbar where schools of tropical fish, corals and sponges are easily spotted in the shallow waters. The long stretches of sand on Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada are reef-protected and Blue Flag-certified for their high environmental standards. Hikers can trek through fields of cacao on the Guananico Cacao Trail, rewarding themselves at the end with a tasting at the chocolate hut.
Samana
East of Puerto Plata, Samana is not only the name of the peninsula and majestic bay but also the scenic port town graced by a lively seaside malécon. Each winter, thousands of humpback whales visit this eco-tourism destination surrounded by lush mountains, the virgin forest of El Valle, beautiful waterfalls, caves and countless secluded beaches. The paradise island of Cayo Levantado is just a few minutes away.
Punta Cana
On the country’s eastern tip, Punta Cana (the Coconut Coast) is known best for its 40 miles of palm-studded beaches and resorts offering nonstop activities, entertainment and dining options. But with its vast array of top-rated golf courses and endless things to do beyond the beach, it’s no wonder that Punta Cana is the Caribbean’s most popular vacation destination.
La Romana and Casa de Campo
This delightful enclave is just a 45-minute drive from Punta Cana and features its own international airport. La Romana is home to the famous Casa de Campo resort community. Not far away you will find the artist enclave of Altos de Chavon, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village with a 5000-seat outdoor amphitheater. Golfers flock here for the Caribbean’s most challenging and scenic courses, including the famous Teeth of the Dog.
Santo Domingo
On the southern coastline, Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the New World, is also the most modern and dynamic metropolis in the Caribbean. The country’s capital — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — boasts a maze of narrow streets brimming with architectural wonders and colonial buildings housing museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and sidewalk cafés.
Getting There
Sold exclusively through travel advisors for nearly 50 years, Travel Impressions offers Exclusive Nonstop Vacation Flights to Punta Cana and scheduled service on major carriers to destinations across the country, making the D.R. as easy to get to as it is hard to leave. Change the season – head to the Dominican Republic where they truly have it all. Visit ALGV360⁰ for customizable marketing assets, and ALGVTravelogue.com for digital brochures. Book now at TravelImpressions.com, and be sure to protect their investment and your commission with Travel Protection Plus.
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