The Dominican Republic is finest identified for its white sand seashores, all 12 months spherical heat climate and all inclusive resorts. Nevertheless, unknown to most, the Dominican Republic’s panorama can be characterised by mountain ranges, deserts, and rainforests. Not too long ago I spent every week travelling by means of the nation in the hunt for the Dominican Republic’s lesser identified locations.
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Hidden Gems and Locations Off the Overwhelmed Path in The Dominican Republic
Under are 9 of the finest locations to go to in Dominican Republic.
As you may 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 might be staying.
1. Rio Yasica, Espaillat, Jamao al Norte
Simply 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 12 months spherical.
We joined a 4 hour tour which included 3 hours on the water adopted by a brief hike to the house of an area household who had ready a standard Dominican lunch for us.
Jamao al Norte really is off the overwhelmed path within the Dominican Republic, so you probably have time I might counsel becoming a member of one of many mountaineering excursions within the space.
It’s probably you’ll solely come throughout locals, and may simply be the spotlight of your journey to the Dominican Republic.
The place to Keep in Cabarete
Resort Villa Taina
Resort 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 is usually centrally situated on the primary avenue for individuals who wish to benefit from the nightlife and eating places within the laid again Caribbean seaside city.
Natura Cabana Boutique Resort and Spa
Natura Cabana is a yoga retreat simply 3 miles away from the guts of Cabarete.
Each room is completely different (there are even treehouses), and it’s excellent for a romantic getaway and for a lot of it solutions the place to remain in Dominican Republic.
2. Laguna Gri Gri, Dominican Republic
Positioned not removed from Puerto Plata, is Laguna Gri Gri, a recent water lagoon surrounded by a mangrove forest.
Good for nature lovers, Laguna Gri Gri is likely one of the Dominican Republic’s main chook sanctuaries.
From Puerto Plata it’s simple to hitch a day journey that takes you on a guided boat tour by means of the realm.
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.
The place you may take pleasure in a drink and a swim in considered 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 may swim within the crystal clear waters.
3. Playa Grande, Dominican Republic
Golden sands and ample greenery characterise this mile lengthy stretch of seaside 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 attempt the Dominican Republic’s more energizing than recent seafood and tropical fruit juices.
This enchanting Caribbean shoreline can be excellent for adventurers.
Those that wish to whale watch, kite surf, windsurf or participate in a sundown sail will love the pure playground of Playa Grande.
High Tip: The very best time to go to Playa Grande is between December and April to keep away from the wet season.
4. Vibrant 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 avenue artwork murals and vibrant homes.
In 2017, the Mayor of Santiago inspired native artists to work with among 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 realm took on a brand new life and have become probably the greatest cities to go to in Dominican Republic.
The primary streets to go to are Calle Cuba and Calle 16 Agosto, and my favorite half was how excited the locals have been to have us there taking images of their neighbourhood.
We spent an hour wandering the streets seeing how lots of the murals my vibrant striped gown matched with (depart your guesses within the feedback!).
The place to Keep in Santiago de los Caballeros
Hodelpa Centro Plaza is centrally situated with a health centre, assembly rooms and a free airport shuttle in probably the greatest locations within the Dominican Republic.
5. Laguna El Dudu, Dominican Republic
This hidden gem is commonly included on this planet’s high 10 pure lagoons. Positioned on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Dudú Lagoon is an ecological park open each day to the general public.
Actions embrace visiting Taíno cave, swimming in La Cueva cenote, and snorkelling or scuba diving in the primary 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’s a small price for this, however it’s a wide ranging expertise and properly price it.
After you’ve loved the water, you may loosen up on the restaurant or in one of many many hammocks discovered dotted across the ecological park.
TOP TIP: Scuba divers must ebook a minimum of three days upfront to discover the underground caves.
Laguna El Dudu Customer data
Entrance price: 250RD$
Zip line price: 50RD$
Opening hours: Open each day from 9am to five.30pm
Tackle: Carretera Nagua Cabrera, La Entrada, Cabrera, Dominican Republic
Cellphone quantity: (809) 697-5534 or (809) 713-3745 or (829) 355-8935
6. Bahia de las Aguilas, Dominican Republic
One of many Dominican Republic’s finest stored secrets and techniques is Bahia de las Aguilas (Eagles Bay).
Positioned within the south west of the nation, near the border of Haiti, Bahia de las Aguilas is present in Jaragua Nationwide Park.
The world is abandoned, devoid of any motels, eating places, outlets and even a correct highway.
The journey from Santo Domingo takes round 8 hours, however be ready for a bumpy journey for the final hour or so by means of the desert like panorama.
Typically dubbed one of the crucial lovely seashores on this planet, Bahia de las Aguilas is a five-mile white sand seaside with turquoise clear waters and a rocky shoreline coated 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.
The place to remain in Bahia de las Aguilas
We solely spent one evening in Bahia de las Aguilas however I might counsel staying a minimum of two or three nights to make the journey to this off the overwhelmed monitor space price it.
Lodging is restricted in Jaragua Nationwide Park however we discovered a glamping eco lodge referred to as Rancho Tipico.
We stayed in giant tents on the seaside fitted with double beds and had outside eco showers powered by photo voltaic vitality.
Be aware there’s 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 Nationwide Park
Laguna de Oviedo (Oviedo Lagoon) is the off the overwhelmed path vacation spot within the Dominican Republic that stunned me essentially the most.
Positioned within the Jaragua Nationwide Park, this 27 square-kilometre lagoon, is the most important within the nation, and has thrice the salt content material of the ocean.
Laguna de Oviedo is a first-rate chook watching space, and consists of 60 aquatic chook species, crabs, iguanas, herons, flamingoes, pelicans, parrots and seagulls and even 11 completely different species of bats.
The world’s most noteworthy animals are the rhinoceros iguana and Ricord’s iguana, each endemic and endangered.
The easiest way to go to is by taking a ship tour of the lagoon.
Simply keep in mind to take a hat as there isn’t a shade on the boat! This tour can be glorious because it consists of pickup out of your resort, and it combines Laguna Oviedo with Bahia de las Aguilas!
8. Los Patos, Barahona
One of many Dominican Republic’s hidden treasures is the small fishing village of Los Patos within the Barahona Province.
Positioned 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 world is understood 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 this planet.
Swimming on this chilly river is a should for an guests to the realm.
Different issues to do in Los Patos embrace browsing on Playa Los Patos and attempting among the recent fish on the waterside restaurant.
High Tip: Through the weekends, Los Patos is filled with locals, however in the course of the week there are hardly any guests so it’s simple to have the place to your self.
9. Playa San Rafael, Barahona
Positioned proper off the Barahona Enriquillo Coastal Freeway is Playa San Rafael.
Right here, the glowing turquoise Caribbean Sea, meets the white pebble stone seashores and majestic mountains of Barahona.
This postcard excellent location of Playa San Rafael is nice for surfers and the realm 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 useful because it consists of mountaineering off the overwhelmed monitor in addition to snorkelling and visiting one of the crucial pristine seashores in Barahona.
All in 4.5 hours and the 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.
The place to Keep in Playa San Rafael
Resort La Saladilla Seashore Membership is a beachfront property that’s the excellent 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 listing impressed you to go off the overwhelmed 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 all the time opinions are my very own.