Archaeology handicrafts and science and technology sites to visit North Coast

Few people know it, even Dominicans, but the country's north coast is home to a colony of manatis . This mammal, measuring 3 to 4 meters and weighing up to 300 kilos, has made its home in an estuary surrounded by mangroves to the east of Punta Rucia. Long hunted by local communities, only 10 remained in 1996. It was then that the authorities decided to protect the area by creating a protected sanctuary dedicated to manatee conservation. One of the results of this project was the opening of the Ciudad Manatí information center in 2013.Here, local guides will tell you all about the manatee and its habitat during a guided tour through the mangroves, where you will be introduced to the different types of manatee. The highlight is the viewpoint from which you can watch the manatee come to the surface to breathe. According to the guides, you have a 90% chance of seeing one! Today, over fifty representatives of the species inhabit these waters. A fine example of successful animal protection and responsible tourism.

Alsoworth a visit: Finca la Protectora. An agricultural and craft farm producing coffee, avocados and cocoa, among other products. It is accessible by quad or 4x4. It is also possible to sleep on site (rather basic). A wonderful discovery of an eco-responsible place in the heart of lush nature.

You can reach this large natural cave by boat, which a colony of swallows has chosen as its home. The cave is named after these birds, golondrinas meaning "swallows" in Spanish. The cave can be reached in only five minutes by boat from Rio San Juan. Accompanied by your captain, you will admire its rocky composition while floating on crystal clear water. At the exit of the Cueva de las Golondrinas do not hesitate to swim in the natural turquoise and soft swimming pool. A walk in complement of the Laguna Gri Gri.

"El Paso de los Hidalgos" is the first land route built by the conquistadors. This road between La Isabela and Fort Santo Tomás de Jánico is said to have been laid out in honour of Admiral Christopher Columbus and the first children of the Spanish nobility who walked the area in March 1494. The area of Los Hidalgos is known as the "Land of Poppies", a flower that can be found throughout the area. It is known for its romantic character and is celebrated every year in April. It is a good time for declarations of love.

It was here, in 1493, that Christopher Columbus established the first European colony in America. The 1,500-strong community of craftsmen, farmers, herders and monks lived in this fortified place for almost 5 years, battling the indigenous people for possession of the land, before disappearing. A museum featuring a number of objects found during excavations retraces the daily life of these early settlers.

The ruins of this first city of the "New World" are grouped around two zones. The military zone, known as the Castillo, marks the site of the ancient stone buildings. The residential zone was home to the first generation of civilians, whose houses were temporarily built of more fragile materials.

In the first zone, among other remains, are those of the home of the conquistador Christopher Columbus, a two-storey edifice built on the edge of the rocks and whose mirador tower overlooked the town. A few stones mark the site of the first church, where Father Bernardo Boyl celebrated the colony's very first mass on January 6, 1494. It was here, on April 24 of the same year, that the first town hall was established, under the presidency of Giacomo Columbus, Christopher's brother, as well as the first court of justice. Then came the port and its warehouses.

Built to commemorate the settlement of the conquistadors, a church was inaugurated by the Spanish sovereigns.

This boutique offers a range of solid, finely crafted leather accessories. Browse the small space and choose from bags, purses, wallets, sandals, flip-flops, belts and much more, to find the leather object you want for yourself or to give as a gift when you return from vacation. Custom-made accessories are available on request, but obviously take time. To be discussed with the manager. Nevertheless, the choice is quite vast.