The Dominican Republic was discovered at the end of 1492 by Columbus. Then the foundation of historical cities on this territory began. They have survived to our days with ancient architecture, many interesting cathedrals and churches, palaces and castles. Also, many buildings did not pass the test of time, but left ancient ruins in their memory.
Sights of the Dominican Republic include natural resources: mountains, national parks, waterfalls, rainforests, caves, groves ...
Santo Domingo
Acquaintance with the country is traditionally recommended to start with the capital - the original and sultry city of Santo Domingo, which is home to the best cigars in the world and the cradle of the legendary meringue. Take a first look at America’s oldest Virgin Mary Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built of coral golden limestone, it combines Baroque and Gothic in its appearance. There is a version that it is here that the remains of Columbus rest.
Arriving in Santo Domingo, you should also visit the Museum of Tobacco, discover the charm of the country's first monastery and just walk along the picturesque city streets. Behind the facades of the former colonial palaces today are cool cafes, cozy museums, famous restaurants and chic hotels.
Puerto Plata
Of course, the main attractions of the Dominican Republic are its beaches - pearl white, long, strewn with velvety soft sand and washed by a very clean and warm sea. The most popular coasts are in the province of Puerto Plata, located in the north of the country.
In addition, many diverse churches are concentrated here. If religious buildings are not attractive, you can visit the most interesting museums, the most popular of which is the Amber Museum.
In Puerto Plata, the cable car begins, directly leading to the mountains. Upstairs is a copy of the Brazilian statue of Jesus. At the top of the mountain, amazing nature, thanks to which there is a botanical garden.
Waterfalls
The
sights of the Dominican Republic are very diverse
. What to see for those who are little interested in historical sites? Of course, the main beauties of the country are miraculous. Mother Nature created the local landscape in such a way that not a single recognized sculptor, artist or architect will be able to repeat even a tenth of this magnificence. You won’t be able to see all the natural sights of the Dominican Republic in a single trip, and first of all it is worth visiting the surroundings of the city of Jarabacoa, where perhaps the most beautiful and fascinating waterfalls in the Caribbean are located - El Salto Jimenoa, Balneario de la Confluencia, El Salto de Bayagate, Balneario de la Guasaras.
However, the most spectacular drop in water is demonstrated by the luxurious El Limon, which is located on the Samana Peninsula.
Altos de Chavon
It is also called the city of artists. Popular attractions of the Dominican Republic are also concentrated here, and the most recognizable of them is the Greek amphitheater, which seats up to five thousand people. It was built with the money of Frank Sinatra, who at one time was attracted by the development of this city. Different Hollywood stars began to come to Altos de Chavon to give a small concert or just relax.
The town could not do without its own temple, and here they built the Cathedral of St. Stanislav. But in Altos de Chavon to this day remains a huge attachment to the art of painting. There are numerous art galleries and a design school, there are craft workshops, souvenir shops and other attractions.
Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)
This resort is the best in the country. It is known for its sands, white as paper, and the wonderful coconut palms that span the entire territory. Nearby are three national parks and mangroves.
In Manati Park, visitors can see tropical birds, exotic animals, reptiles, visit the museum, which is dedicated to the culture of Aboriginal people. For guests regularly arrange swims with dolphins and various entertainment programs with the participation of dancing horses and parrots.
Located in the southern part of the resort, Natural Eyes Park boasts a vast territory and five hundred species of exotic animals.
Those who want to get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of coastal waters can go to the Marinarium and see with their own eyes electric stingrays, predatory sharks, as well as dive into the mysterious underwater world.
As a cultural site in Punta Cana, it is worth visiting the house of the famous scientist Ponce de Leon - a building built more than half a century ago. Juan Ponce de Leon lived here with his wife and four children, and then moved to Puerto Rico. However, the Dominican Republic is still proud of this person.
Excursions that are offered at the resort also include trips to Santo Domingo, to the island of St. Catalina, to Altos de Chavon, to the island of Saona, a jeep safari, meeting with whales, visiting the Fun Fun cave, fishing.
El Choco National Park
If you take into account all the natural attractions of the Dominican Republic, it turns out that this is one of the youngest, but this fact did not prevent her from becoming very popular. On an area of 77 square meters. kilometers settled dense tropical thickets covering mountain formations, pasture land. Between the Atlantic Ocean and the hills of the Cordillera stretch the lagoons of Golet and Cabarete. Here is the highlight of the reserve - a cave complex with underground pools called the Caribbean Karst.
El Choco Park is just surrounded by tropical greenery. About forty species of birds live here and about nine hundred species of plants grow.
Diving in the Dominican Republic
The country is widely known for underwater tourism. Here, diving into the sea depths is universally offered. The secrets of the sunken ships of the Atlantic and the rich underwater world of the Caribbean make diving in the Dominican Republic very interesting and bright. Many resorts have diving centers, whose specialists educate beginners in this matter and improve the skills of divers already skilled.
The most impressive and rich is considered scuba diving in the Caribbean. And on the Atlantic coast, divers are most interested in Punta Cana with its sunken ships and fabulous reefs.
Finally
The sights of the Dominican Republic include endless beaches, the roar of beautiful waterfalls, incendiary rhythms of meringues, a bottomless sky above your head and piercing screams of parrots. Be sure, a trip to this amazing Caribbean country will give amazing impressions and unforgettable emotions.