Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a top destination for global travelers. As the second-largest Caribbean nation, it’s known for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Dominican culture is richly diverse, influenced by European, African, and Taino heritage, which is reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine. The nation is renowned for merengue and bachata, dance and music forms that originated here and are enjoyed worldwide.

With its tropical climate, the Dominican Republic offers warmth and sunshine all year round, perfect for those who love the beach, enjoy nature, or just want a peaceful vacation.

• Visa: Many visitors, including those from the United States, Canada, and European Union countries, do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Instead, they must purchase a tourist card, either online before travel or upon arrival. However, always check the latest visa requirements based on your specific nationality before your trip.

• Currency: The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but for the best exchange rate, it’s advisable to use the local currency, especially in smaller towns and for local shopping. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it’s wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in places that don’t accept cards.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the Dominican Republic, but it’s recommended to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations.

• Playa Rincón (Samana Peninsula): Often ranked as one of the world’s best beaches, Playa Rincón is a peaceful and untouched beach with clear blue waters and beautiful mountains in the background.

• Playa Boca Chica: Close to Santo Domingo, Boca Chica is popular for its shallow waters and natural coral reef barrier, making it a safe and enjoyable beach, particularly for families with children.

• Cabarete Beach: A haven for water sports enthusiasts, especially windsurfers and kitesurfers, due to its ideal wind conditions.

• Juanillo Beach (Cap Cana): A beautiful beach with calm waters and powdery white sand, ideal for relaxation and water sports. It’s also near some of the most luxurious resorts in the country.

• Playa Bahoruco (Barahona): A more secluded beach known for its unique pebble shoreline, Playa Bahoruco is also a popular spot for surfers.

• Damajaqua Cascades (27 Waterfalls): Located near Puerto Plata, this series of 27 waterfalls and natural pools offers a unique adventure where visitors can swim, slide, and jump into the refreshing waters.

• Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic area is filled with 16th-century buildings, including the first cathedral of the Americas. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

• Altos de Chavón in La Romana: A re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village perched high above the Chavón River, home to an amphitheater, a cultural center, and stunning views.

• Los Haitises National Park: Explore this protected area with its unique karst landscape, caves with Taíno petroglyphs, and diverse birdlife. Boat tours are a popular way to see the park.

• Jarabacoa and Constanza: Known as the Dominican Alps, these mountainous regions offer cooler temperatures, beautiful scenery, and opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure sports like white-water rafting and hiking.

• Cable Car to Mount Isabel de Torres: In Puerto Plata, this cable car offers spectacular views and takes you to a botanical garden and a replica of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer statue at the top.

• Sancocho: A rich and hearty stew often considered the national dish. It’s made with a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and beef, along with vegetables like yucca, plantains, and corn.

• La Bandera: Translating to “The Flag,” this dish is a traditional lunch meal consisting of rice, red beans, meat (usually chicken, beef, or pork), and salad.

• Pastelón: A Dominican-style casserole similar to lasagna, made with layers of sweet plantains, ground meat, cheese, and sauce.

• Mangu: A popular breakfast dish made from mashed plantains, typically served with onions, cheese, eggs, or salami.

• Habichuelas con Dulce: A unique sweet cream of beans dessert, typically made during Lent. It’s a sweetened concoction of red beans, coconut milk, sugar, and sweet potatoes, often served with milk cookies (galletas).

• Merengue and Bachata Music and Dance: Experience the joy of Merengue and Bachata, the country’s signature music and dance forms. Attend live music performances, visit local dance clubs, or take dance lessons to truly immerse yourself in these rhythmic cultural expressions.

• Carnival Celebrations: If you visit in February, don’t miss the Carnival celebrations, particularly in La Vega and Santo Domingo. These festivities feature colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and lively music, showcasing a blend of African, Spanish, and Taino traditions.

• Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, the oldest European settlement in the Americas. It’s filled with historical landmarks, including the first cathedral of the Americas, colonial-era buildings, and cobblestone streets.

• Visit a Cigar Factory: The Dominican Republic is famous for its high-quality cigars. Tour a cigar factory to learn about the cigar-making process and maybe even try your hand at rolling one.

• Attend a Baseball Game: Baseball is the most popular sport in the Dominican Republic. Attending a game is not only about the sport but also about experiencing the local passion and festive atmosphere.

One Week Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Santo Domingo: Explore the Colonial Zone, visiting landmarks like the Catedral Primada de America.

• Days 3-4: La Romana: Visit Altos de Chavón, a re-created Mediterranean village.

• Day 5: Punta Cana: Spend a day at leisure on the beautiful beaches.

• Days 6-7: Samaná Peninsula: Visit the El Limón Waterfall and relax on Playa Rincón. Go whale watching if in season (January to March).

Two Weeks Itinerary

• Days 1-3: Santo Domingo: Explore Santo Domingo thoroughly, including museums and cultural sites.

• Days 4-5: Jarabacoa: Experience the Dominican Alps with activities like hiking, rafting, and visiting local coffee plantations.

• Days 6-7: Puerto Plata: Visit the San Felipe Fortress and the Amber Museum. Ride the cable car to Mount Isabel de Torres.

• Days 8-9: Cabarete: Enjoy water sports like kitesurfing. Explore the nightlife.

• Days 10-11: Las Terrenas: Relax on the beaches. Explore the town and nearby natural attractions.

• Days 12-14: Punta Cana: End your trip with relaxation on the beaches. Consider a day trip to Isla Catalina or Saona Island.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Dominican Republic roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Jamaica roaming charges is to download a Dominican Republic eSIM that comes with a prepaid Dominican Republic data package.