DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Capital: Santo Domingo
Population: 8 442 000
Language: Spanish
Currency: Dominican peso
Religion: Roman-Catholicism dominates (95%)
Useful information:
Country code: 809
Emergency phone: 911
Electricity:
In the Dominican Republic, electricity is supplied at 110V, 60Hz. American style outlets are in use.
Payment cards:
Master Card and Visa are widely accepted. It is advisable to exchange currency, but at many locations, U.S. dollars are accepted. For safety reasons, it is advisable to use ATMs only in tourist areas.
Cuisine:
Dominican cuisine has been influenced by the traditions of the native Taino tribe, African slaves and European settlers. Main ingredients are rice, beans, fried yuca, sweet, juicy fruits, such as pineapple or papaya, and seafood. La Bandera is the most popular national dish of the Dominican Republic. It consists of white rice, red beans and stewed meat dish, and is served with salad. Another popular dish is Sancocho de siete carnes – a seven meat stew.
Typical prices:
A small bottle of water (0.3 l) – 10-20 pesos A loaf of bread – 40 pesos A bottle of milk – 35 pesos Presidente beer (one liter bottle) – 100 pesos Dinner at a restaurant – 100-200 pesos
Weather conditions:
Dominican Republic has tropical climate, with two rainy seasons (May – August and November – December). In those seasons, the duration of the rainfall ranges from 30 minutes to one hour daily. Visitors can expect between 6 and 7 hours of daily sunshine, while sea winds alleviate the hot and humid climate of the coast.
Places to see:
Pico Duarte – the highest peak in the Caribbean, with the height of 3175 meters above sea level. The hilly province of Barahona, located near the peak, is the center of amber industry. Here, the world famous Larimar mines are located. Larimar, also called the Tear of the Sea, is a rare and precious blue gemstone, found only in this one location.
Santo Domingo – the capital of the Dominican Republic, and its main port. Santo Domingo is the oldest city of the New World, founded by Christopher Columbus’ brother, Bartholomew. Tourists will find here a great number of interesting places – Fortaleza Ozama (the oldest fort in America), the National Pantheon of the Dominican Republic, the Cathedral of Santa María, the National Palace, and Parque Colon, the central square of the historic district.
Higuey – a town famous for its Cathedral, which displays the 15th century painting of “Virgen de la Altagracia”. Every year, tens of thousands of pilgrims visit the Cathedra, with its bell tower visible from the distance of several kilometers. In 1992, Higuey was visited by Pope John Paul II.
Cabarete – a 6-kilometer long stretch of northern coast of the Republic, with a beautiful sandy beach, and warm waters of the sea. Cabarete attracts tourists all year round, as it provides high quality windsurf vacations.
Punta Cana – the easternmost tip of the country, with its sandy, golden beaches and palm trees. Puenta Cana covers several areas, such as Cap Cana, Cabaza de Toro, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Arena Gorda, Makao and Uvero Alto. Currently, it is the fastest growing tourist center of the Caribbean.
Puerto Plata – known as the Silver Port, is one of the most popular resorts of the nation. Located near Santiago and Cabrera, it is a good starting point for trips to these places. Puerto Plata has Victorian-style houses, lush tropical forests and picturesque hills, which makes this town one of its kind.
Luperon – anther port, located in the province of Puerto Plata. It has excellent bicycle and horse riding trails. The trails cross picturesque rivers, tropical fruit farms and small Dominican villages.
Sosua – the so-called Caribbean Ibiza, a center of nightlife and entertainment. Sosua attracts mostly young people, as partying in bars, discos and night clubs never ends here. Partygoers also like frequent beach parties, which last until the morning.
Samana Peninsula – a thin strip of land in the northeast corner of the country. Along its coasts one will find vast palm groves and breathtaking beaches. Here, people live their lifes in the slow lane, and the Peninsula is regarded as an oasis of silence.
