The diverse landscapes of the Dominican Republic are even more breathtaking when viewed from above. Four mountain ranges with summits over 8,000 feet and vast scenic valleys in between -- combined with consistent wind patterns -- afford excellent paragliding conditions that can be enjoyed year-round. Several professional outfitters are available for these sky tours, catering to [...]
With its pine-covered mountain terrain and comparatively cool climate, the heart of the vast central mountain range in the Dominican Republic is a far cry from your typical tropical landscape. Up here, the only body of water remotely resembling a beach are the three roaring rivers used for white water rafting – a big draw for [...]
Aguas Blancas is the mother of all Dominican waterfalls at a towering 492 feet, its majestic waters and surrounding thick pine forest providing an idyllic setting for a private swim. The scenic ride through Constanza valley makes this a perfect day trip. Directions: By organized tour through Mí Cabaña Resort or Rancho Guaraguao.
The Bahía de Samaná is one of the best places in the world to observe humpback whales in a natural setting. Every winter these mammals make their way down from the North Atlantic Ocean to mate and breed in the waters just off the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula in the Silver Banks Marine Sanctuary. [...]
Within this 465 square mile mangrove swamp are more than 100 species of birds, nearly as many of plants, and at least two endemic mammals. Visitors to the park gain entry via boat tours that glide along a coast of healthy mangroves, past islets, and to curious rock formations hosting hidden limestone caves with millenniums-old indigenous [...]
Of the many waterfalls on the Samaná Peninsula, El Limón is indeed the most spectacular. Rising 900 feet above sea level and cascading 150 feet into a deep pool of blue water, it has the alluring combination of awe inspiring size and stunning natural beauty. Getting to El Limón is something of an adventure, requiring the [...]
The Colonial Zone (or Zona Colonial as it is called in Spanish) is a unique blend of old world tradition, Latin American vitality, and modern sophistication packed into an area of about a dozen blocks encircled by the ruins of the original city walls. Inside, are cobble-covered streets and some 300 stone mansions and churches dating [...]
The first monastery in the Americas was built in 1556 on a hill overlooking the city. All that remains of the monastery today are remnants of limestone exterior walls and an impressive Plateresque entryway, above it the belt worn by the Franciscan order carved in the stone relief. From here, the monks proselytized and educated the [...]
This contributory river runs along the northern boundary of metropolitan Santo Domingo, rambling past the quiet, wooded hillside of Parque Mirador del Norte, the largest green space in the city. The river hosts small boat tours, and usually on weekends, a loosely formed guild of avid water skiers also committed to maintaining the eco-health of the [...]
This plaza in front of the Cathedral of Our Lady Santa Maria of the Incarnation is a crossroad of activity in the old city: the starting point for walking tours since guides congregate in this area (official tour guides prominently display ID badges over light blue tops and khaki bottoms); a taxi dispatch; and as an [...]