The Dominican Republic is finest recognized for its white sand seashores, all yr spherical heat climate and all inclusive resorts. However, unknown to most, the Dominican Republic’s panorama can be characterised by mountain ranges, deserts, and rainforests. Recently I spent per week travelling by way of the nation in the hunt for the Dominican Republic’s lesser recognized locations.
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Hidden Gems and Places Off the Beaten Path in The Dominican Republic
Below are 9 of the finest locations to go to in Dominican Republic.
As you’ll be able to see from the map they’re located within the North and South West areas of the nation and so could be visited collectively relying on the place within the Dominican Republic you’re staying.
1. Rio Yasica, Espaillat, Jamao al Norte
Just 40 minutes outdoors the kite browsing city of Cabarete, lies Rio Yasica. This quiet turquoise river is a hub for water-sports together with kayaking, tubing, canyoning and paddle boarding.
Full and half day excursions to this hidden gem in Jamao al Norte are supplied from Cabarete all yr spherical.
We joined a 4 hour tour which included 3 hours on the water adopted by a brief hike to the house of a neighborhood household who had ready a standard Dominican lunch for us.
Jamao al Norte actually is off the crushed path within the Dominican Republic, so if in case you have time I might recommend becoming a member of one of many mountain climbing excursions within the space.
It’s possible you’ll solely come throughout locals, and would possibly simply be the spotlight of your journey to the Dominican Republic.
Where to Stay in Cabarete
Hotel Villa Taina
Hotel Villa Taina, located on the beachfront of Cabarete, this resort caters for households, and consists of loads of alternatives for kiteboarding, yoga, paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
It can be centrally positioned on the principle road for individuals who wish to benefit from the nightlife and eating places within the laid again Caribbean seashore city.
Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel and Spa
Natura Cabana is a yoga retreat simply 3 miles away from the center of Cabarete.
Every room is totally different (there are even treehouses), and it’s good for a romantic getaway and for a lot of it solutions the place to remain in Dominican Republic.
2. Laguna Gri Gri, Dominican Republic
Located not removed from Puerto Plata, is Laguna Gri Gri, a contemporary water lagoon surrounded by a mangrove forest.
Perfect for nature lovers, Laguna Gri Gri is among the Dominican Republic’s main chook sanctuaries.
From Puerto Plata it’s straightforward to hitch a day journey that takes you on a guided boat tour by way of the world.
The go to features a journey to Cueva de Las Golondrinas (Cave of the Swallows) to see the stalactites and stalagmites after which cease on the magical Playa Caletón.
Where you’ll be able to take pleasure in a drink and a swim in certainly one of Rio San Juan’s most blissful sandy white seashores.
The day tour additionally features a cease on the wonderful Blue lagoon the place you’ll be able to swim within the crystal clear waters.
3. Playa Grande, Dominican Republic
Golden sands and ample greenery characterise this mile lengthy stretch of seashore between Cabarete and Puerto Plata.
Framed by rugged cliffs, Playa Grande is nestled in acres of pristine Caribbean jungle, and is the proper place to strive the Dominican Republic’s brisker than contemporary seafood and tropical fruit juices.
This enchanting Caribbean shoreline can be good for adventurers.
Those who wish to whale watch, kite surf, windsurf or participate in a sundown sail will love the pure playground of Playa Grande.
Top Tip: The finest time to go to Playa Grande is between December and April to keep away from the wet season.
4. Colourful streets of Los Pepines, Santiago de los Caballeros
The centre of the Dominican Republic’s second largest metropolis, Santiago de los Caballeros is filled with road artwork murals and vibrant homes.
In 2017, the Mayor of Santiago inspired native artists to work with a number of the largest canvases of their lives – the buildings and partitions of the Los Pepines neighbourhood.
He introduced in expertise from throughout town, and inside a number of months the world took on a brand new life and have become the most effective cities to go to in Dominican Republic.
The foremost streets to go to are Calle Cuba and Calle 16 Agosto, and my favorite half was how excited the locals had been to have us there taking pictures of their neighbourhood.
We spent an hour wandering the streets seeing how most of the murals my vibrant striped costume matched with (depart your guesses within the feedback!).
Where to Stay in Santiago de los Caballeros
Hodelpa Centro Plaza is centrally positioned with a health centre, assembly rooms and a free airport shuttle in the most effective locations within the Dominican Republic.
5. Laguna El Dudu, Dominican Republic
This hidden gem is usually included on the earth’s prime 10 pure lagoons. Located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Dudú Lagoon is an ecological park open day by day to the general public.
Activities embody visiting Taíno cave, swimming in La Cueva cenote, and snorkelling or scuba diving in the principle cenote Dudú lagoon.
For thrill seekers, there’s a 20 meter excessive zip line above Dudu Lagoon, which requires the adventurous to leap off into the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.
There is a small price for this, but it surely’s a panoramic expertise and properly value it.
After you’ve loved the water, you’ll be able to calm down on the restaurant or in one of many many hammocks discovered dotted across the ecological park.
TOP TIP: Scuba divers have to e-book no less than three days upfront to discover the underground caves.
Laguna El Dudu Visitor info
Entrance price: 250RD$
Zip line price: 50RD$
Opening hours: Open day by day from 9am to five.30pm
Address: Carretera Nagua Cabrera, La Entrada, Cabrera, Dominican Republic
Phone quantity: (809) 697-5534 or (809) 713-3745 or (829) 355-8935
6. Bahia de las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
One of the Dominican Republic’s finest saved secrets and techniques is Bahia de las Aguilas (Eagles Bay).
Located within the south west of the nation, near the border of Haiti, Bahia de las Aguilas is present in Jaragua National Park.
The space is abandoned, devoid of any motels, eating places, retailers and even a correct highway.
The journey from Santo Domingo takes round 8 hours, however be ready for a bumpy trip for the final hour or so by way of the desert like panorama.
Often dubbed one of the crucial stunning seashores on the earth, Bahia de las Aguilas is a five-mile white sand seashore with turquoise clear waters and a rocky shoreline lined in cacti.
The panorama is exclusive, and one of the simplest ways to discover it’s by taking a ship tour and crusing alongside the coast.
If you wish to make the day further particular why not take an airplane day tour to Bahia de las Águilas from Punta Cana, Bavaro or Bayahibe.
Where to remain in Bahia de las Aguilas
We solely spent one night time in Bahia de las Aguilas however I might recommend staying no less than two or three nights to make the journey to this off the crushed observe space value it.
Accommodation is proscribed in Jaragua National Park however we discovered a glamping eco lodge known as Rancho Tipico.
We stayed in giant tents on the seashore fitted with double beds and had out of doors eco showers powered by photo voltaic power.
Note there may be electrical energy by generator solely, which means no WiFi however in the event you actually wish to go off the grid, I can’t consider a greater place for it.
7. Laguna de Oviedo, Jaragua National Park
Laguna de Oviedo (Oviedo Lagoon) is the off the crushed path vacation spot within the Dominican Republic that stunned me essentially the most.
Located within the Jaragua National Park, this 27 square-kilometre lagoon, is the biggest within the nation, and has 3 times the salt content material of the ocean.
Laguna de Oviedo is a chief chook watching space, and consists of 60 aquatic chook species, crabs, iguanas, herons, flamingoes, pelicans, parrots and seagulls and even 11 totally different species of bats.
The space’s most noteworthy animals are the rhinoceros iguana and Ricord’s iguana, each endemic and endangered.
The finest method to go to is by taking a ship tour of the lagoon.
Just bear in mind to take a hat as there is no such thing as a shade on the boat! This tour can be glorious because it consists of pickup out of your lodge, and it combines Laguna Oviedo with Bahia de las Aguilas!
8. Los Patos, Barahona
One of the Dominican Republic’s hidden treasures is the small fishing village of Los Patos within the Barahona Province.
Located lower than two hours away from Bahia de las Aguilas, a visit to Los Patos could be mixed with a keep within the close by metropolis of Paraiso.
The space is thought for being residence to Los Patos river, which at 61 meters in size (relying on the tide) is the shortest river within the Dominican Republic and one of many shortest rivers on the earth.
Swimming on this chilly river is a should for an guests to the world.
Other issues to do in Los Patos embody browsing on Playa Los Patos and attempting a number of the contemporary fish on the waterside restaurant.
Top Tip: During the weekends, Los Patos is filled with locals, however in the course of the week there are hardly any guests so it’s straightforward to have the place to your self.
9. Playa San Rafael, Barahona
Located proper off the Barahona Enriquillo Coastal Highway is Playa San Rafael.
Here, the glowing turquoise Caribbean Sea, meets the white pebble stone seashores and majestic mountains of Barahona.
This postcard good location of Playa San Rafael is nice for surfers and the world consists of loads of food and drinks distributors for guests.
If you wish to discover extra of the area be a part of a half day trekking tour across the space.
The San Rafael Coast tour is really helpful because it consists of mountain climbing off the crushed observe in addition to snorkelling and visiting one of the crucial pristine seashores in Barahona.
All in 4.5 hours and the associated fee is simply 1000RD$ with out meals, or 1350 RD$ if you wish to cease at a standard restaurant for the native fisherman’s catch of the day.
Where to Stay in Playa San Rafael
Hotel La Saladilla Beach Club is a beachfront property that’s the good base for excursions to San Rafael, Bahia de las Aguilas, Laguna Oviedo and Los Patos and is the place to remain Dominican Republic.
Has this checklist impressed you to go off the crushed path within the Dominican Republic in your subsequent journey and discover some hidden gems of the Caribbean? Let me know within the feedback
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Disclaimer: My journey to the Dominican Republic was sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism however as at all times opinions are my very own.