Dominican Republic travel guide
Dominican Republic Tourism | Dominican Republic Guide
You're Going to Love Dominican Republic
Known for being a beautiful country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is filled with mountain scenery, sandy beaches, and colonial architecture. When you go on vacation here, you will have the opportunity to explore tiny fishing villages, learn about the country's heritage, and rest by a picturesque lagoon.
What to do in the Dominican Republic
1. Relax by the Ocean
To spend your vacation relaxing by the water, head to Bavaro, a region that has beach resorts, golf courses, and a coral reef with great snorkeling.
2. Explore a Mediterranean Village
For a unique activity, go to Altos de Chavón, a recreation of a Mediterranean village that has a cultural center and an archaeology museum.
3. Discover the Dominican Republic's Rich History
To go to an interesting museum, pay a visit to Alcázar de Colón, a building that is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the former residence of Christopher Columbus's firstborn son.
4. Walk Through a Scenic Cave
If you are feeling particularly adventurous during your trip, make a point of going to Los Tres Ojos, a series of beautiful lagoons and limestone caves that can be found in Santo Domingo Este.
5. Soak in a Hot Spring
Make sure to relax during your trip to the Dominican Republic and go to Lake Enriquillo, a place that is known for its soothing hot springs and large iguana population.
When to visit the Dominican Republic
As you are planning your trip to the Dominican Republic, keep in mind that the best time to visit the country is during the months of December to April, as this is the dry season and has the best weather for going to the beach.
How to Get to the Dominican Republic
Entry Requirements
Citizens of all European countries, as well as the United States, are able to enter the Dominican Republic without a visa as long as they have a valid passport.
Plane
The easiest way to travel to the Dominican Republic is by flying, as the country has over 10 main airports that accept both international and domestic flights.
Bus
There are regular buses traveling between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, but as this is the only country that shares a border with the Dominican Republic, it is not possible to arrive by bus from any other region.
Boat
If you would like to travel to the Dominican Republic by boat, it is possible as long as your departure destination is in Puerto Rico.
Popular airlines serving the Dominican Republic
Where to stay in the Dominican Republic
Out of the many types of lodging that are available in the Dominican Republic, the most popular is that of beach resorts, many of which are all-inclusive.
Where to stay in popular areas of the Dominican Republic
Most booked hotels in the Dominican Republic
How to Get Around the Dominican Republic
Public Transportation
All major cities have guaguas, which are minivans that will take you to your destination for approximately 25-30 DOP (0.50-0.57 USD). In Santo Domingo, there is a metro system that costs approximately 30 DOP per ride (0.57 USD).
Bus
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel throughout the Dominican Republic is by taking a local bus, otherwise known as a guagua. If you will be on a guagua for a 1-2h ride to a nearby city, you can plan on your one-way fare being approximately 100-150 DOP (1.90-2.85 USD).
Car
For those that will be visiting more rural parts of the country, it can be convenient to rent your own car and drive to your destinations. There are several car rental companies in the Dominican Republic, including Hertz, Avis, and Prestige. Keep in mind that many of the highways have tolls, so you will always need to have some cash on hand.
The Cost of Living in the Dominican Republic
If you decide to eat lunch in a traditional restaurant during your stay in the Dominican Republic, your meal will wind up costing you between 300-350 DOP (5.50-6.60 USD). For those that will be going grocery shopping, you can plan on 2 lb of apples costing approximately 150-175 DOP (2.85-3.30 USD), while bread for two individuals will cost closer to 30-35 DOP (0.55-0.66 USD). Not all boutiques and restaurants accept debit and credit cards, so make sure to keep cash on you. Additionally, while the official currency is the Dominican Peso, United States Dollars are often accepted.