Отдых в Доминиканской Республике

What are the best things to do in Dominican Republic?

1. Trade the ocean waves for water cascades, which tumble over limestone formations into pleasant pools at the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. Start at the Visitor Center, which serves food and beverages, then walk along the nature trail to the first waterfall. Most visitors book onto organised tours to ascend the first seven falls before jumping and sliding back down (equipped with helmets and life jackets). Touring the entire lot, including ‘The Corkscrew’ and ‘The Cave’, takes about three and a half hours.

2. Although snorkelling is popular in many Caribbean destinations, whale watching is a truly unique experience. You can spy the mammalian ocean behemoths, both adults and newborn calves, during the springtime at Samana Bay. The area has been designated as a marine sanctuary and only whale-watching boats are permitted to enter. You may see male whales’ attempts to woo potential mates with impressive displays, like blowing water and launching into the air.

3. You can never go far awry with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, like the Zona Colonial in the Dominican Republic’s capital. Since its founding in 1502, the historic part of the city has been continuously inhabited – and likened to an open-air museum. Some of the many attractions packed within its walled confines include Alcázar de Colón, a fortified residence belonging to Christopher Columbus’ first son, and Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor – the first cathedral constructed in the Americas.

4. Make way for the mountainous island interior, home to the Caribbean’s highest peak – Pico Duarte. The Cordillera Central mountain range, affectionately known as the ‘Dominican Alps’, are surrounded by green valleys and provide a cooler climate than the coasts. Look out for birds in the lower pine forests before ascending for mountain views, absence of clouds permitting. If you’d rather ride to a mountaintop, consider the cable car up Pico Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata, instead.

5. Merengue is a lively music style with cultural Taino, West African and European influences. It also has an accompanying partner dance, with males typically taking the lead. You can watch couples dance merengue, and bachata – another music and dance style from the DR – at clubs that cater to the locals. You can drink a Mama Juana for additional courage to try it yourself. But the basic marching footwork is easy, so give it a whirl.

What are the best places to visit in Dominican Republic?

Even if you touch down in a resort area, like Bavaro, and remain there throughout, you can still experience a variety of beaches. Switch up your beach routine daily, alternating between Bavaro Beach, Macao Beach, Juanillo Beach and other sandy stretches of coast during your Punta Cana holiday.

Uvero Alto is another district of Punta Cana, on the north-east coast. Escape to this quieter area to enjoy natural (less-manicured) beaches. You’ll find high-end resorts here, and you can participate in an array of water sports at Uvero Alto Beach.

If you like swimming, you’ll love snorkelling and scuba diving to see the colourful sea life up close. Playa Rincon is just the place, but Boca Chica and Cayo Arena are great options, too. In order to spot mammoth marine mammals, head to Silver Bank – a sanctuary where you’ve got a good chance of glimpsing North Atlantic Humpback whales.

La Romana sits on the south coast with sugar cane fields and lush forests in addition to white sand beaches. It also harkens back to its Roman history with the picturesque Altos de Chavón – a modern model of a 16th Century Mediterranean village – and a historic-looking amphitheatre. If you prefer the real deal, you can visit explorer Juan Ponce de León.

For a complete change of scenery, explore the mountainous terrain surrounding Jarabacoa, including Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean. Otherwise, pop into Santo Domingo – its Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – or ogle larger-than-life street art in the nation’s second largest city, Santiago de los Caballeros.