Dominican Republic: Island of Natural Treasures

Try to guess this: this land is discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus. There’s no doubt that some of you will reply that’s its simply the current territory of USA. I bet you got it wrong. This exotic region with magnificent nature, hundreds of kilometers of white sand beaches, rich coral reefs, picturesque landscape, clean rivers, unique culture and friendly people is Dominican Republic (Hispaniola as Columbus originally called it).

While being one o the one of the most rapidly developing resort areas in the Caribbeans, today it annually receives hundreds of thousands of tourists.

Tourism expectations of the country

The country has developed an excellent tourism sector – this is the busiest place hotels in the Caribbeans. The level of service is also quite high – hotels are in good condition, food and service at a high level, most of the hotels has its own beaches and small parks, and many water sports and entertainment are free. Most of the beaches are clean and are regularly cleaned, but in some areas around the capital because of the abundance of garbage swimming is not recommended.

For entry into the country you might need a tourist card, valued at U.S. $ 10, which is valid for 2 months. Tourist cards can be to purchase upon arrival at the airport or at the consulate. The same procedure should be done also when leaving the country. For a longer stay in the country visa is required.

Dominicans are very good-natured and friendly, who speak  Spanish and most of them also English, with abundant of stirred speech idioms from different languages, including local dialects. The temperament of the locals is  rather peculiar – normally quiet and staid people often show “a stubborn temper” – in the case of some exciting events.

Dominican cuisine

Culinary traditions of the Dominican Republic are built on a combination of European, African and local recipes. The main feature of it – the extensive use of legumes, bananas and other vegetables (including exotics) in the original form or combined with meat products and fish. This abundance of spices used in cooking, at first glance is huge, but it is not so – all the spices are consumed in small measures, and almost never “slaughter” the original flavor. When cooking locals use only a certain kind of bananas “Platano” – Green and quite hard, which are considered not to be edible when raw.

If being served a traditional food pay attention to make a proper choice among rather tasty dishes: thick soup with meat, rice and vegetables “asopao”, original-assorted stew of meat, beans, rice, salad and fried bananas. There are several rather unique dishes baked in banana leaves such as meat with vegetables “bed-en-Ohashi,” roast pork “puerko-en-Puja” and  “puerko-Assad”, the famous stew of vegetables and meat in all sorts of combinations — sankocho, pork served with fried bananas.

Fish and seafood, despite their abundance and diversity, are hardly ever used in the traditional Dominican cuisine, but recently a large number of cafes and restaurants added them in the menus.

And, of course, the country has the widest distribution of a variety of tropical fruits – bananas, coconuts, pineapples, arable land, guava, mango, green lemon Zest and other exotic fruits. They are used in natural form, in the form of juices and fruit cocktails.

Excursion opportunities

Excursion to Saona Island

What is Saona? It’s simply a National Wildlife Refuge, which is located on the south-east of the Dominican Republic. The island is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water, white sand beaches and palm groves.

The first stop of the visit – “Park Altos de Chavon” is located on the shores of picturesque river Chavon in the 25-meter height. This town, which is an exact copy of the XV century Spanish village is  built by Hollywood star Frank  Sinatra for those who were planning to study acting. Then the bus  will quickly take you to the fishing village “Bayaibe”, where you will shift your travelling mean to speedboats. 20 minutes will be enough to take you to Saona along the picturesque coast .

In Park Altos de Chavon you  will have time to bathe, drink the national drink “Cuba Libre” and enjoy the unforgettable beauty of this place. On the island you will have the opportunity to swim and sunbathe at one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. For lovers of active leisure there are rather unique contests and games.

On the way back you visit the Natural Pool. This 8-kilometer portion of the Caribbean Sea, which has a depth of 1 meter and is a kind of jewel these places are home to an abundance of starfish. Do not miss this unique opportunity to swim and look closely at the life of sea stars.

Excursion to Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo – the capital of this awesome country provide the most interesting excursions, which allow you to transfer back to the Age of Discovery. Santo Domingo – the first city of the New World, founded by the brother of Admiral Christopher Columbus.

You will begin a tour with a visit to underground lakes “Los Tres Ojos”, then the program is followed with the National Aquarium, interesting architectural monument of the Tomb of Columbus , which houses the ashes of the legendary Christopher Columbus. The monument is called the “Lighthouse of Columbus”. At night, this majestic monument forms a giant glowing cross.

Then you will see the historic part of the town, walking along the narrow winding streets, visiting the Palace of Alcazar, built by Columbus’s son Diego. You will pass on the first street of the New World – Dame Street, named after the wife of Diego. Then you will see the first Cathedral built in the New World, the National Pantheon, the famous home of the conquistadors and the stronghold of Osama.

Jeep safari

Jeep Safari is a rather attractive tour for nature lovers. Tour takes place on all-terrain jeeps off-road, along mountain trails and rivers. This kind of excursions are being organized for a group of 8-10 people. The excursion starts at a sugar cane plantation. Here you are told about the cultivation of cane, about the life of its collectors. After that, you can visit the country’s only museum of tobacco and a typical Dominican village, where you will see how the coffee is being dried and learn about the life of the Dominican heartland.

Then the route goes to the mountains. You will see coffee, cocoa, tropical fruits and citrus, you will witness cockfights. Then you can visit the ranch, where you will be welcomed with a delicious Creole lunch, Mountain Horse riding around the ranch and recreation. Last stop is on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.