About The
Dominican Republic

SUN AND SAND-JUST THE BEGINNING
White, sandy beaches, luke-warm, turquoise waters, and year-round sunshine are just the beginning of what this small island has to offer and, in fact, you can find this in other places in the Caribbean. Those who get to know the real Dominican Republic, outside the seclusion of resorts and hotel complexes, quickly discover one of the best treasures the country has to offer: the warmth of the Dominican people whose blend of Spanish, African and Taíno roots, gives the culture its unique flavor.

GEOGRAPHY AND WEATHER
The second largest nation in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic stretches across the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, an island it shares with Haiti. White, sandy beaches cover over one-third of its 870-mile coastline and are the backdrop to internationally known kite boarding and windsurfing waters. Vast mountains cover about 80% of the landscape and boast the highest point in the Antilles, “Pico Duarte”, a peak which at over 10,000 feet, stands taller than any mountain east of the Mississippi on the North American continent. The weather is sub-tropical, with an average annual temperature of around 77°F, although chillier temperatures, even below freezing, have been registered in the central mountain range. This small island country is a weather phenomenon with approximately 27 climate zones, ranging from desert to rain forest.

HISTORY AND CULTURAL LEGACIES
When Christopher Columbus landed on the island in 1492 on his first voyage to the New World, about 400,000 Taíno Indians inhabited the island known as Quisqueya. Columbus renamed the island Hispaniola. Within a few decades of Spanish occupation, the Taíno population had been almost completely destroyed by cruel working conditions and European diseases. Consequently, the Spanish resorted to importing African slaves to replace the Indians as laborers. It is thought that poor economic conditions in colonial Santo Domingo may have produced the condition of the slaves having been liberated although they were still not legally free. By the end of the 18th century, whites and slaves were outnumbered by black and mixed-race freedmen. And now, over 500 years later, Dominican culture is a unique blend of predominantly Spanish elements, deeply rooted African traditions and a Taíno legacy. In the words of the great Dominican singer-songwriter, Juan Luis Guerra, Dominicans are, “Una raza encendida; negra, blanca y taína” (An impassioned race: black, white and taíno).

SANTO DOMINGO
-THE FIRST EUROPEAN SETTLEMENT IN THE AMERICAS
After claiming the island of Hispaniola for the Spanish crown, Columbus founded the first European settlement in the Americas, Santo Domingo de Guzmán on the southern coast in 1493, now known as Santo Domingo, the country’s capital. The historical district (Zona Colonial) has been carefully restored to its original charm, with some sites intentionally left as ruins. Here, travelers can wander down cobblestone streets and discover a few of the many architectural treasures from colonial life such as the first cathedral of the New World, the oldest university of the New World (which is still going strong today with a population of over 80,000 students), the oldest monastery, the ruins of the first hospital, and the first royal court., among others.

COLUMBUS MEMORIAL LIGHTHOUSE
A popular sightseeing attraction and a cultural center is the Columbus Memorial Lighthouse (Faro a Colón), a towering 688-foot-tall monument built in the shape of a cross. Inside is a chapel containing the tomb and the mortal remains of Christopher Columbus. The whereabouts of his remains have been the subject of international debate, although it is a historical fact that, upon the explorer’s request, his remains were buried in Hispaniola, the island he described on his first voyage as “The most beautiful land ever seen by human eyes”.

MUSIC & DANCE
Music and dance are at the heart of Dominican culture. Merengue, which is accompanied by a simple, but sensual, two-step dance, is the most popular. Its origins trace back to the 19th century when the combination of African roots and European styles were blended. Modern merengue generally has a quick tempo and can be danced with as much or as little hip movement as one can give. The other popular style of music, bachata, is slower than merengue, and has often been referred to as “Dominican country music” as well as “Dominican blues”. Bachateros sing mournfully to guitar riffs about love and betrayal, heartbreak and loss. Merengue and bachata, along with the third musical favorite, salsa, can be heard, usually at full volume, at every disco, on every street corner or bus, and just about anywhere else you go in the country. Dominicans have an unbelievable passion for dance. From small children mimicking their parents to the graceful steps of older couples, it is evident that dance is truly a way of life. Even if you have two left feet, Dominicans are quick to teach a newcomer a thing or two. Just feel the rhythm, watch the dancers, and before you know it, you too will be whizzing round the dance floor.

BASEBALL: The National Sport And Passion
There are few places in the world where baseball is as big as it is in the Dominican Republic. Baseball, or “Beisból“ as the Dominicans call it, is the national sport and passion which they embrace with same fervor and exuberance as they do carnival celebrations, political campaigns, and merengue festivals. Sammy Sosa, Alex Rodríguez, Manny Ramírez and Pedro Martínez, are national heros and are just a few of the many well-known baseball stars from the Dominican Republic. The season runs from the last Friday of October through the end of December. A baseball game is a must see if you are in town during these months.

FOOD AND DRINK: Dominican Favorites
Dominican cuisine is flavorful, but not spicy, such as some Mexican or Indian food, and quite varied, from the everyday staple of rice and beans to a mouth-watering array of local seafood. The most common dish is la bandera (flag). Like the three colors of the Dominican flag, it consists of three ingredients: white rice, kidney beans, and meat or chicken. La bandera is served with vegetables or salad and tostones (fried green plantains), which are eaten as a side, much like french fries. This is a typical meal, eaten almost everyday for lunch. As a matter of fact, a true Dominican feels their day is unbalanced without a meal with rice and beans!

Seafood is plentiful and can be ordered in just about any restaurant. In beach towns like Sosúa, you can even have seafood delivered right to your beach chair, starting off with fresh oysters; the vendor will even shuck and serve them to you on the spot. Popular seafood dishes include lobster grilled in garlic, fresh lambi (conch), and cangrejo (crab) and we recommend ordering any of these with a side order of tostones and an ice-cold Presidente beer!! What a treat!

The country has some of the most delectable fruit, from the familiar coconuts, oranges, and pineapples to the more exotic guanábanas and zapotes. This fruit is readily available from vendors on many roadsides and street corners. Fruit juices and batidas (fruit mixed with milk) are delicious and plentiful in many different combinations as is tasty boruga, a yogurt drink. Another roadside delight is agua de coco or coconut water (not milk) is clear and sweet and can be sipped straight from the coconut.

RUM AND CIGARS
Dominican rum is exceptionally smooth and relatively inexpensive. A top shelf Brugal, Barceló or Bermúdez are best enjoyed straight up. A word of advice: If your friends find out about your trip to the Dominican Republic, and if they happen to know anything about rum, be prepared to bring back quite a bit. Without a doubt, they will be expecting a bottle or two of this world-famous rum.

The Dominican Republic has also long been the world’s largest producer of cigars, surpassing Cuba as the leading manufacturer of premium hand–made cigars in the world. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the people and places associated with the art of cigar manufacturing, starting where it all begins, the tobacco fields, and ending with a freshly hand-rolled smoke in a cigar factory.

LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language of the country, however, Dominicans in the major hotels and resorts speak several languages. Outside the resorts however, is a different story, this is more the exception than the norm. Nevertheless, most Dominicans will attempt to speak your language, in order to communicate and they will quickly praise your few words of Spanish.

GETTING AROUND
Driving in the Dominican Republic is not for the faint of heart. Precarious road conditions and the audacity of many of the drivers will make you gasp and hold on for dear life. Most Dominicans drive whatever way happens to suit them, and especially in smaller towns and rural areas, rarely adhere to traffic regulations. This means you must drive defensively and be prepared to give way without question. Nevertheless, driving is the most rewarding way to experience the country. Cars rent quickly so it is highly recommended that you book your car as soon as you make your travel plans. Other modes of transportation, with varying levels of comfort and price include air-conditioned Metro or Caribe Tours buses (Dominican equivalent to Greyhound but with extra perks, such as Dominican coffee served on every bus), taxis, and jam-packed public buses or guaguas. In small towns and villages, motorcycles called motoconchos serve as taxis and offer a cheap, although more risky alternative, to getting around.

DRESS
Clothing for a tropical climate is recommended but do keep in mind your intended activities. If you are hiking Pico Duarte you will need hiking boots and other weather appropriate gear. Although shorts and sandals are fine for the beach and beach towns, a more polished appearance is the norm everywhere else. Dominicans dress up for the evening, especially in more urban areas. They have a sophisticated, metropolitan style for evening attire and you will feel out of place if you do not dress up for going out to dinner and the disco.

SAFETY
The Dominican Republic is a democratic state whose government is similar in structure to that of the United States with the most recent elections in May, 2004 when Leonel Fernández was elected President. Since 2002, the country’s economy has suffered serious setbacks and poverty has increased the occurrence of petty street crime. Nevertheless, travel in the Dominican Republic is generally safe however, you should use basic common sense, just as you would when you travel to any destination, whether it be in the United States or abroad - never leave valuables unattended on the beach or in an unlocked car, avoid walking alone in certain areas, and keep a low profile when appropriate.

INCONVENIENCES
The best way to deal with many of the inconveniences of traveling in a developing country is to keep a sense of humor and roll with the punches, just as the Dominicans do.
Blackouts are a common occurrence in the Dominican Republic. Many of the larger hotels and resorts all have backup generators, but be prepared, traveling with a small flashlight is good practice.
Rest rooms can vary widely in sanitation and elegance, from the luxurious to the barely functional. Your hotel is your best bet. When traveling to remote areas, it is a good idea to bring a roll of toilet paper.

HURRICANES
The term “Hurricane Season” which runs from June to October is misleading in that it suggests some sort of steady stream of devastating tropical storms during these months. The fact is that most hurricanes end up losing force by the time they reach land and the Dominican Republic has only suffered a few truly devastating hurricanes in the last 100 years. Unlike tornados or earthquakes, hurricanes are predictable and in the unlikely event a hurricane does hit the island during your stay, you can be rest assured you can safely weather it out in your hotel.

WHAT MAKES THE DR SO ENTICING
Multiple climate zones, adventure sports to make the strong go weak, beautiful Caribbean waters, a rich history, infectious music, and gracious, warm people. How can you not make this your next vacation destination?