The Dominican Republic is the magnificent Caribbean Sea, the best cigars in the world, incendiary merengue and sunny beaches under the canopy of palm trees. The most visited cities are the capital Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Pueto Plata. The country is located in the east of Haiti. Tourists here are attracted by white sandy beaches and warm sea surf.
This place, to which the epithet “heaven on earth” fits, is able to delight not only beach holidays, but also architecture, as well as natural monuments. Fans of outdoor activities will be able to plunge here in the round-the-clock series of adventures and thrills. Festive mood does not let tourists throughout the rest.
Geography of the Dominican Republic
The architecture of the historical center of the capital is so magnificent and unique that the place itself is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The founder of Santa Domingo recognized Bartolomeo Columbus - the brother of the famous Christopher. The first name of the city sounded like New Isabella.
Once the city was the center of the Spanish colony, as evidenced by the numerous buildings of the time.Here you can spend your time on excursions and just walking. And for a beach holiday, especially with the family, the coastline of Punta Cana is ideal. Here, one after another, there are excellent hotels, all kinds of restaurants, well-groomed beaches. All this is framed by fresh greens and gorgeous nature. At a distance there are three parks at once, where you can get acquainted with the exotic flora and fauna of the country.
Another place for a beach holiday is Puerto Plata. Here on the beaches of 120 km are located the resorts of Cabarete, Playa Dorada, Sosua. Here I will find the entertainment of windsurfers, fans of club holidays, as well as those who wish to relax in the luxury of an "all inclusive" system.
The recommended place to visit is Boca Chica. This is a small lagoon, fenced off from everything by a coral reef. Here you can get a lot of impressions from:
- diving;
- horse riding;
- tennis;
- sailing;
- water skis and other things.
50 km from the capital is located Juan Dolio. On local beaches, those who plan to spend a lot of time in the capital. Divers can visit Bayahibe with its clean beaches and bright underwater world. You can retire with nature in Samaná. Here the nature untouched by progress attracts those who want to feel harmony and peace.
Climate of the Dominican Republic
The humid subtropical climate of the area is complemented by northeastern breezes and trade winds. Thanks to this feature, the heat becomes less tiring. The rainy season with frequent and short rain falls from May to September. All the rest of the year dry heat reigns. August is the hottest month. The average winter temperature is 250 with a plus, in the summer of about 330.
How to get to the Dominican Republic
Citizens of Russia and Ukraine do not need a visa to visit the Dominican Republic, if the stay does not exceed 30 days. It is also recommended to issue a medical insurance in advance for the entire period. Arriving at the airport, you will have to pay $ 10 for a tour card, when leaving - a tax of $ 20. On the import of currency restrictions are provided only for dollars - no more than 10,000.
You can fly from this country either by direct flights or by transfer. The major airports of Las Americas and La Isabella in Santo Domingo accept most of the aircraft from Russia. Flights here only with docking. The ticket will cost from $ 600 to $ 700 depending on the airline.
There are direct flights to Punta Cana. The cost of such a flight will be up to $ 1,000. The flight will last about 12 hours. From St. Petersburg to Punta Carre have to fly with a transfer. It will take 31 hours. There are plenty of other flight options, but they are all longer and tedious.
Inland transport
For Dominicans and guests of the country the bus remains the most popular means of transport. Between major cities ply flights of large companies. Moving from Santo Domingo to Puerto Plata costs about 350 DOP, about 180 DOP from Santiago to Sosúa.
There are smaller companies with less comfortable buses. They go on a clear schedule and stop at the request of the passenger. Between cities on such transport can drive for 100 DOP, and in the city in just 30. Cheapness of travel is due to overcrowding of buses. Some passengers have to stand the whole trip on the footboard.
Popular are the "carro-publicos" - an analogy of our minibuses, as well as motorcycle taxis. The price of the latter is fixed from 60 to 100 DOP, depending on the route, bargaining is useless. But there is no need to talk about safety here: there is no helmet, and you can burn your legs against the exhaust pipe.
Taxi in the conventional concept here too. Parking is located near major hotels. Such services cost from 200 DOP for a trip around the city. From the airport, the tourist will be taken in about 2000. In Santo Domingo there is a metro with one line. The longest trip takes only 20 minutes and costs 20 DOP.
Residence in the Republic
Local hotels have a common star rating. It complies with international standards.All-inclusive hotels provide guests with three meals a day, bar service, snacks and some beach activities.
Accommodation in capital hotels in 2 stars will cost 1500 DOP per day. 3 stars will require to lay out from 1700, and the luxury of five-star rooms will cost from 4000 DOP per day. When choosing a resort city, such as Puerto Plata, you need to consider that the cost of living will increase by 1,500, respectively, for each category.
An alternative to hotels will be comfortable bungalows with a small number of rooms in each, and cottages. Huge hotel complexes offer guests mini-train services on site, as the distance to the pool or the beach can be impressive. Russian-speaking staff in hotels is a rarity. The situation is saved by representatives of tour operators at the hotel.
According to reviews, those complexes that are in close proximity to the sea, have increased wear. Choosing among these, it is necessary to specify the date of the last reconstruction.
Food in the Dominican Republic
National cuisine will delight gourmets with variety. In addition to local food, European and African food is cooked for tourists here. The main products are:
- legumes;
- vegetables;
- bananas;
- Maso;
- a fish.
Among the traditional dishes are stews of meat and a mixture of banana, beans and rice; asopao soup; roast pork. Surprisingly, seafood is not in great demand here. But rum is offered in as many as 15 varieties. Good quality in local beer. Connoisseurs of exotic can try an alcoholic drink called “pru”, which is obtained as a result of fermentation of the sap of the plant with the same name.
Dinner in a cafe on average can be at 600-900 DOP each. If the choice fell on a good restaurant, then lay out about 2000 DOP.
Excursions and attractions
There are countless interesting and original excursions in the Dominican Republic. For example, a desert with black sand and a beach with pink flamingos can be visited on an excursion to Salinas for $ 120. According to legend, getting to the "Waterfall of Millionaires", you can get rich, but it costs only $ 115 per person. On the same tour, guests are offered to explore the island of Backcard and see the whales. An individual journey through the Dominican outback with a history will cost 400-450 dollars.
Sea cruises on yachts and ships, depending on the duration and options will cost from 100 to 1000 dollars. Tours of the capital can be spent for 95-120 dollars. Monkey Jungle and Zip Line Adventures are fun for adults and children, a journey through the system of vines and suspension bridges with a lot of thrill. You can make such a walk for only $ 100.
Enumerate all the pleasures of the Dominican Republic is impossible. Each guest of the country will be able to find in it something for himself. It is only necessary to collect things and come to this heavenly place.
