At night you can also get some mesmerizing views of the night sky. After taking in the views, a nearby botanical garden invites a leisurely afternoon stroll. Its about 15 minutes from Cabarete downtown and is a little adventure itself since it requires either an SUV or a proper motorcycle so that you can drive over/around streams of water, puddles, rocks, and sand. Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic things to do, SANTIAGO: BEST THINGS TO DO IN the second largest city, 48 Fun & Beautiful Things to Do in the Dominican Republic. Palo is Afro-Dominican sacred music with roots from the Congo region/West Africa. This is not just a spot for tourists, local artists and community leaders offer products, services, and community spaces that you can support. This area is home to many important historical buildings, such as the first cathedral, monastery, university, customs house, and the hospital in the New World. with the rewarda day spent jumping from the falls, Finding the Caribbean rhythm: a musical guide to the Dominican Republic, The 5 bucket list sporting events in Latin America, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In reality, the colmado is a phenomenon that offers much more than just groceries - it's a central gathering place for the community - often acting as a canteen, social space, and even a bar or karaoke club at night. The Dominican Republics Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos) is a nature reserve and open-air limestone cave system with a series of crystal clear lakes known as the eyes. Located in Santo Domingo, just ten minutes by car from the popular Colonial Zone, the park provides a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Tall limestone mountainous cliffs surround the golden shores of El Morro beach. As a museum, store, and factory all in one, KahKow offers a range of interactive activities for visitors to enjoy. You can see a little bit of everything here. This hidden gem in Monte Plata barely gets any visitors and is one of my favorite waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. Today, you can find several local restaurant stands by the beach where you can order plates of fresh seafood while admiring the beautiful ocean views. Book your tour with Jefri here! TyS. On Facebook, you can join our closed community of DR travelers. This vineyard offers wine tastings, guided tours, a beautiful outdoor restaurant, a clubhouse with an infinity pool, and dozens of sustainable agricultural projects. Contact Silo for tours: (809) 413-2491. If youre staying in Cabarete or Puerto Plata and youre a lover of the outdoors, thenthis waterfall hiking tour experienceis a must-do! The areas surrounding Saman contain sleepy, laid-back townships that lend themselves more to cozy European cafe culture than the splashy, towering resorts in Punta Cana. The historical center of its capital is a great place to start. Do you have any recommendations on parking in the capital? Consider supporting local small businesses by contacting us to connect you with locals throughout the island who offer incredible services and provide you with unique ways to see some amazing Dominican Republic points of interest. Indulge your sweet tooth at this exciting spot, where you can create your own delicious chocolate treats and learn about the history and art of chocolate-making. La Zona is also a favorite among locals thanks to its busy parks, vibrant cafe scene, live music venues and restaurants serving Dominican staples like mangu, fried fish and empanadas. However, I must note that at times I found the informational section problematic with a lot of praise to the Spanish colonizers. Required fields are marked *. Here are the three I recommend: Jimenoa I Waterfall, Baiguate Waterfall, and Salto Secreto Waterfall. So plan at least half a day here to really appreciate all that one of the best places in the Dominican Republic has to offer. Im renting a car in Punta Cana and plan to drive to Santo Domingo one day during the trip. The Dominican Republics Three Eyes National Park is a nature reserve and open-air limestone cave system with a series of crystal clear lakes known as the eyes. Located in Santo Domingo, just ten minutes by car from the popular Colonial Zone, the park provides a sweet respite from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Its an easy visit and takes about 20-45 minutes to complete. 16. The staff here also cook some of the best foods in the Dominican Republic and take you back into their kitchen where you choose your fish and weigh it. If youd like to do a multi-day tour of all of the Pedernales/Barahona places, contact local biologist: Pablo for a private tour. Moscoso National Botanical Garden Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily) 7. WebTHINGS TO SEE AND DO IN SANTO DOMINGO. So, if you love surfing, then this beach should definitely be one of your Dominican Republic points of interest to visit. So bring a good book to read at night because there will be no social media scrolling here. WebDominican Republic. Just do not drive at night! For tours I strongly recommend doing thehorseback coffee trail with Santi, who leads high-quality tours and offers a delicious lunch at the end of your excursion in his restaurant space. Rates begin at $350. Hello there! While Saona Island is a nationally protected park, much of the coral around the area has sadly been damaged by boats and tourists. This Afro Heritage Tour delves deep into the history and legacy of our African ancestors in Santo Domingo. [BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE], Saona Island is an ideal snorkeling spot with several secret places to explore. In my humble opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Cabarete! I just updated it to reflect the Monta Plata map. You could tell that the family has a true passion for geology and Dominican heritage. Consider doing a fun multi-day Pico Duarte hiking tour. But you may be able to get that money back as a restaurant credit. While youre admiring the beautiful coastline of Barahona, take a moment to pull over and go shopping! BUT, check this out if youre a big art lover who wants to peruse of all types of art in the Dominican Republic. And if you want to stay in a beautiful hotel by the Jimenoa River with delicious food, check out Hotel Gran Jimenoa. Whether you want to explore the historic Colonial Zone on a bike tour, indulge in delicious chocolate treats, or experience the citys evolving arts and theater scene, weve got you covered with this list of unique and fun things to do in Santo Domingo. At the end of your trip dont forget to ask for the natural mud bath stop! You can listen to all types of music, from merengue to traditional son and more. Probably one of the most underrated Dominican Republic tourist attractions, this underrated gem in Monte Plata barely gets any visitors. YESS to supporting local small business <3. In each locale, youll discover even more beaches or features of natural beauty, and there are often easy excursions available such as boat trips, waterfall tours, and even horseback riding to enjoy. So bring snacks or eat after. They are open in the evenings and tickets for a show cost around DOP $300 pesos. the list isnt in order of which is the best. Get a great massage while supporting blind people in the Dominican Republic. This is the perfect stop to wash off the saltwater from Oviedo Lake and any remnants of your mud bath! Bring your binoculars for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife/ This opportunity is great for avoiding crowds and touristy spots. Bring extra cash to tip the local guide at least $10. Still, the powdery white sand, postcard-perfect palms and crystal clear waters here remain dreamy, making it easy for novice snorkelers to get a glimpse of the abundant marine life below. Los Pozos de Romeo is a crystal clear natural pool enclosed within rocks and cacti fauna. This is very rich coming from a white person. Surfing lessons average to about $50 for a 2-3 hour lesson. [BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE]. However, with so many amazing places to visit in the Dominican Republic, some people never leave their hotels! A scene from the movie Apocalypse Now was filmed here. WebIn this video we will take a look at Paris Bar & Lounge located in Santo Domingo Dominican Republic. And this private villa gives you the best of both worlds: jungle and beach. Continue Reading: Jarabacoa Travel Guide: 21 Reasons to Visit the Dominican Alps for more in-depth information on things to see and do in this region. Located in the heart of the Colonial Zone, the Microteatro offers a 3. I would love to go there one day. 1. In Villa Mella, in the outskirts of Santo Domingo, where the first recorded slave rebellion occurred and where African slaves fled for refuge, is where Palo is most famously known to have been preserved. 5h. The massages Ive gotten have been great here. To book a tour, here are some options in the Santo Domingo region: The famous Salto Alto, one of the most well-known Dominican Republic tourist attractions in the area, is currently suffering from overcrowding. This is a cute place to make your own chocolate bars or chocolate soap. Experience the Damajaqua Cascades. Parque Mirador Sur is also home to cute restaurants, meadows, a little lagoon, and skate/bike rental shops. Consider visiting the top three most beautiful waterfalls on a full-day tour of hiking and swimming. National Park East, also known as Cotubanama National Park, is just two hours from Santo Domingo. This museum primarily honors those who have fought against oppression, such as the notorious dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. Best of all? From the Bahamas to Aruba, we have a rundown of the regions 12 best. There are so many beautiful things to do in Punta Cana, from natural parks to restaurants and epic day trips. But here is a brief list of the most unique AND delicious ones, in my opinion: Santo Domingo offers a ton of nightlife opportunities in various parts of the city. Heres why and how to visit the Three Eyes National Park! You can bookround-trip transportationto and from your hotel! Both are stunning. Dont miss our FULL guide to the best places to visit in Puerto Plata. Although you dont learn how to make either from scratch, it can still be a fun activity to do with your family. Your email address will not be published. Main Article: Top Things to See & Do in Cabarete An Insiders Guide. After your day on the water, linger a while. Wonderfully written and a lot of helpful tipps and amazing places to visit. These have been super helpful and look forward to visiting many on my next DR tour. Depending on your viewing angle, the swings on the side of Montaa Redonda might give you pause. Cabarete is one of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic (and in the entire world) for kitesurfing. Start your visit by making your own chocolate, choosing from a variety of shapes, flavors, and toppings to create your own unique confection. There was a lot of Thank you, Columbus! (You know, the guy known for stealing, plundering, enslaving, raping, and killing our Taino people). Is it a full tour package? Every Sunday, theres a large outdoor market where Chinese and Dominican farmers and street vendors sell delicious food, drinks, and crops harvested locally. Other options for kite surfing include La Boca and Bozo Beach, two of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic. Whether its diving beneath the ocean waves for a face-to-face experience with colorful fish, hiking to a waterfall and jumping into a cavernous pool, or getting your fill of traditional regional dishes like sancocho(beef stew) and mangu (mashed plantains), here are 10 cant-miss experiences in the Dominican Republic. Casa Paraisos bedrooms offer open-air views facing the ocean, the perfect retreat if youre traveling solo, with friends, or for couples. However, this museum is easy to pop into because it is conveniently located in the same plaza (Plaza de la Cultura) as the following other Santo Domingo points of interest: Entrance is $100 pesos per person (less than $2 USD). Your should mind your business and take your anti-blackness elsewhere because youre not the one to tell US what our heritage is. Activity duration is 5 hours. Both parts of the hike (La Plaza and La Cueva) arewell worth it, with several gems along the way. It is only found in the Dominican Republic, and there is only one mine located in the Barahona province, making this one of the most amazing Dominican Republic attractions. But Montecristi in my opinion is too low. Seek out waves on white-sand beaches and barrels of turquoise blue with this guide to the best places to surf in the Caribbean. Coming will feel like youve been transported to Bali, and thats because DR truly does have it all! Saona Island is a must visit on a trip to Punta Cana! Wishing you a lot of peace and healing. Ive been reading all of your posts about Dominican Republic while planning a visit next week. This Santo Domingo attraction is a must-visit for gemstone/geology nerds! Fun fact: Because of its cooler climate, green valleys, and tall mountainous peaks, our Cordillera Central region is referred to as the Dominican Alps! For solo travelers who want to meet others, staying at the stunning Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel is a must! However, if you're having trouble finding a colmado, just listen for the sound of blasting salsa, merengue, or bachata music. An easy stop between your Zona Colonial travels. They have different locations in Santo Domingo so find the one closest to you and book ahead of time. On the very road that leads to Bahia de las Aguilas beach, consider this refreshing detour and Dominican Republic point of interest. This is one of the best nights out in Santo Domingo with friends or family. Check out the best beaches near Santo Domingo Beaches like. Consider going on this tour for just $60. The area dates back to Christopher Columbus arrival on the island in 1492; several buildings were first constructed in the 1500s, including the Ozama Fortress, the Primada Cathedral and the Casa Coln the first castle residence in the Americas. 198 reviews. If youre looking for something closer to Las Terrenas, then consider Playa Rincon. Toque Angelical Massage by Blind Masseuse, 28. About a mile from Cabarete downtown is the popular Kite Beach where you can either sign up for kite surfing lessons or watch in awe as the local kite surfers leap high into the air with moves that almost defy gratify. Top Things To Do And See In Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic National Botanical Gardens. You can easily pop into the National Pantheon. They usually host about two exhibits by two different artists. 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