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The people of the Dominican
Republic are among the friendliest in the Caribbean, and the hospitality
here seems more genuine than in more commercialized Puerto Rico. The weather
is nearly perfect year-round. And the Dominican Republic's white-sand
beaches are among the finest in the Caribbean. Punta Cana/Bávaro, for
example, is the longest strip of white sand in the entire region.
The combination of low prices and beautiful terrain has made the Dominican
Republic one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean.
Bargain-hunting Canadians, in particular, flock here in droves. Don't expect
the lavish, spectacular resorts that you'll find on Puerto Rico or Jamaica,
but do expect your vacation to be that much less expensive.
Columbus
sighted its coral-edged Caribbean coastline on his first voyage to the New
World and pronounced: "There is no more beautiful island in the world." The
first permanent European settlement in the New World was founded here on
November 7, 1493, and its ruins still remain near Montecristi in the
northeast part of the island. Natives called the island Quisqueya, "Mother
Earth," before the Spaniards arrived to butcher them.
Soak up the Latin rhythms of the Caribbean in
the Dominican Republic, the capital of merengue and bachata music. Here
you’ll find the remnants of Spanish colonialism alongside modern resorts
that offer every indulgence and convenience. Whether purchasing crafts from
artisans, playing golf, walking the beach, or even whale watching, you’ll
find the Dominican Republic one of the best kept secrets of the Caribbean.
This Republic forms the eastern two thirds of the island of Hispanola,
derived from La Isla Espanola as Columbus called it when he landed in 1492.
There are approximately seven million Dominicans of mixed blood including
Europeans and Africans with a strong Amerindian influence dating from the
days of colonialism.
Santo Domingo, The Island’s capital and largest city is the oldest surviving
European settlement in the Americas. Otherwise known as La Capital, this
city has grown a great deal over the centuries and is now home to two
million inhabitants.
Boredom is the only thing that you won't experience here. Water sports on
the Dominican Republic are numerous, but its land sports are one of a kind.
Exploring is a big attraction here in one of the most diverse ecosystems in
the Caribbean basin. Touring the jungles, forests and mountain areas of the
Dominican Republic would be any hiker's idea of paradise. Horseback riding,
sailing, deep sea fishing and whale watching add to the extensive mix of
activities to enjoy here.
The country’s topography is generally rugged and mountainous, dominated by
four parallel mountain ranges extending in a northwesterly direction. Most
of its eastern region is characterized by steep valleys and lowland plains.
Though many of the nation’s numerous rivers are too shallow for navigation,
they are an important source of water and hydroelectric power.
The Dominican Republic has two rainy seasons, one in the late spring and one
in the fall, with the heavies precipitation in the northern and eastern
parts of the country.
The fertile Dominican soil is appropriate for cultivating any grain.
According to the W. Koppen Climate Classification System the predominant
climate is that of humid tropical savanna, with five variations or
microclimates, classified as: humid, dry steppe, tropical jungle, forest,
and savanna. The average annual temperature fluctuates between 18°C/65° and
27ºC/ 81ºF. For Dominicans there is only one season: Summer.
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| Region North
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Region North
East
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| Region Cibao
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Region North
West
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Cities |
Lodging | Tours |
Real Estate | Maps |
Demographics
Dominican Republic Info Guide - Pedro
Henriquez - San Domingo - Dominican Republic |
