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 also be characterised by mountain ranges, deserts, and rainforests. Lately I spent per week travelling by the nation in quest of the Dominican Republic’s lesser identified locations.
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Hidden Gems and Locations Off the Crushed Path in The Dominican Republic
Beneath 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 might 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 provided 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 a neighborhood household who had ready a conventional 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 mountaineering excursions within the space.
It’s doubtless you’ll solely come throughout locals, and would possibly 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.
Additionally it is centrally positioned on the primary road for individuals who need to benefit from the nightlife and eating places within the laid again Caribbean seashore 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 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
Situated not removed from Puerto Plata, is Laguna Gri Gri, a contemporary water lagoon surrounded by a mangrove forest.
Good for nature lovers, Laguna Gri Gri is without doubt one of the Dominican Republic’s main chicken sanctuaries.
From Puerto Plata it’s simple to hitch a day journey that takes you on a guided boat tour by 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’ll be able to get pleasure from a drink and a swim in one among 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 considerable 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 right place to attempt the Dominican Republic’s more energizing than contemporary seafood and tropical fruit juices.
This enchanting Caribbean shoreline can also be good for adventurers.
Those that need to whale watch, kite surf, windsurf or participate in a sundown sail will love the pure playground of Playa Grande.
Prime Tip: The perfect 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 road artwork murals and vibrant homes.
In 2017, the Mayor of Santiago inspired native artists to work with among the greatest canvases of their lives – the buildings and partitions of the Los Pepines neighbourhood.
He introduced in expertise from throughout town, and inside a couple of months the realm took on a brand new life and have become among the finest 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 pictures of their neighbourhood.
We spent an hour wandering the streets seeing how most of the murals my vibrant striped costume matched with (go away your guesses within the feedback!).
The place to Keep in Santiago de los Caballeros
Hodelpa Centro Plaza is centrally positioned with a health centre, assembly rooms and a free airport shuttle in among the finest locations within the Dominican Republic.
5. Laguna El Dudu, Dominican Republic
This hidden gem is commonly included on the planet’s prime 10 pure lagoons. Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Dudú Lagoon is an ecological park open day by day to the general public.
Actions embody 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 charge for this, however it’s a panoramic expertise and properly price 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 guide no less than three days prematurely to discover the underground caves.
Laguna El Dudu Customer info
Entrance charge: 250RD$
Zip line charge: 50RD$
Opening hours: Open day by day from 9am to five.30pm
Handle: 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 saved secrets and techniques is Bahia de las Aguilas (Eagles Bay).
Situated within the south west of the nation, near the border of Haiti, Bahia de las Aguilas is present in Jaragua Nationwide Park.
The realm is abandoned, devoid of any resorts, eating places, retailers and even a correct street.
The journey from Santo Domingo takes round 8 hours, however be ready for a bumpy trip for the final hour or so by the desert like panorama.
Typically dubbed one of the stunning seashores on the planet, Bahia de las Aguilas is a five-mile white sand seashore 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 additional 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 recommend staying no less than two or three nights to make the journey to this off the crushed observe space price it.
Lodging is proscribed in Jaragua Nationwide Park however we discovered a glamping eco lodge known as Rancho Tipico.
We stayed in massive tents on the seashore fitted with double beds and had outside eco showers powered by photo voltaic vitality.
Word there’s electrical energy by generator solely, that means no WiFi however if you happen to actually need 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 crushed path vacation spot within the Dominican Republic that stunned me essentially the most.
Situated within the Jaragua Nationwide 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 major chicken watching space, and consists of 60 aquatic chicken species, crabs, iguanas, herons, flamingoes, pelicans, parrots and seagulls and even 11 totally different species of bats.
The realm’s most noteworthy animals are the rhinoceros iguana and Ricord’s iguana, each endemic and endangered.
One of the best ways to go to is by taking a ship tour of the lagoon.
Simply bear in mind to take a hat as there isn’t a shade on the boat! This tour can also be wonderful 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 many Dominican Republic’s hidden treasures is the small fishing village of Los Patos within the Barahona Province.
Situated lower than two hours away from Bahia de las Aguilas, a visit to Los Patos might be mixed with a keep within the close by metropolis of Paraiso.
The realm is thought for being dwelling 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 planet.
Swimming on this chilly river is a should for an guests to the realm.
Different issues to do in Los Patos embody browsing on Playa Los Patos and attempting among the contemporary fish on the waterside restaurant.
Prime Tip: Throughout the weekends, Los Patos is filled with locals, however throughout the week there are hardly any guests so it’s simple to have the place to your self.
9. Playa San Rafael, Barahona
Situated 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 good 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 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 crushed observe in addition to snorkelling and visiting one of the pristine seashores in Barahona.
All in 4.5 hours and the price is just 1000RD$ with out meals, or 1350 RD$ if you wish to cease at a conventional restaurant for the native fisherman’s catch of the day.
The place to Keep in Playa San Rafael
Resort La Saladilla Seaside Membership 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 listing 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.