Miles of turquoise beaches in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and its charming colonial centre, top-of-the-range hotels, scrupulously maintained golf courses, starred restaurants... These are the postcard images that come to mind when you leaf through a tourist guide on the Dominican Republic but the island of Hispaniola has many other wonders... Try the ascent of Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean in the centre of the country. Watch for the humpback whale love ballet in Samana. Find flamingos on a leg in a salt lake. Ecotourism is developing, with a strong emphasis on preserved and magnificent regions such as the Southwest and Centre. The other strength of the Dominican Republic is also its mixed population and its music, of course, which resonates everywhere and at all times. The fiery dances, from merengue to bachata, punctuate national evenings and celebrations. And it's only a taste of the many facets you can discover about the Dominican Republic!
You can travel all year round in the Dominican Republic. The high tourist seasons are between November and February, Holy Week before Easter, then in July and August. Two seasons are popular with tourists, from mid-December to March and from July to August, with a clear preference for the first. Holy Week before Easter with its famous red bean dish in April is also very popular. Of course, the rates of hoteliers and car rental companies take this into account. In low season, on the other hand, a reduction of about 20% to 25% on the rates is required. And you can negotiate! If you go to the Dominican Republic in January, go to Higüey on January 21 for the great procession for the feast of the Virgin of Altagracia, spiritual mother of the Dominican people. If you are going to the Dominican Republic in February, don't miss the carnival on the 27th
The Dominican climate is subtropical and humid with a warm season from May to October and a cool season from November to April. Temperatures are very pleasant all year round with a peak of heat from May to October. This period corresponds to the wet season during which cyclones can occur (especially from July to September) and which follows the winter - or cool season - characterized by low rainfall and temperatures of at least 25°C.
Contrary to popular belief, the Dominican Republic is not a cheap country. Products and services for tourists display prices comparable to European prices in all tourist areas. For accommodation with the right comfort, the rates are similar to those in Europe. The currency is the peso, it is easy to change and credit cards are accepted everywhere. A tax includes gratuities at restaurants and hotels in the Dominican Republic, but an additional 10% is left.
No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian nationals. Since January 2012, a passport valid for more than 6 months after the date of entry is required to travel to the Dominican Republic. You will also need to buy a tourist card (10 US$ or 10 €) when entering the Dominican Republic. This tourist card entitles you to a maximum stay of three months in the country.
No vaccine is required, but some are conseillés : DT-polio, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B, rabies. Beware of mosquitoes that can carry dengue fever, malaria, West Nile fever. Remember to protect yourself. However, the Dominican Republic is not a country with high health risks. But, be careful, the water is not drinkable in the Dominican Republic and in the local comedores and bars, it is better to avoid ice cubes. As markets and small restaurants are not subject to any rigorous sanitary control, you will have to be vigilant about food and small dishes. Some fish, especially groupers, contain ciguatera, a poison that can have serious consequences. The risk of poisoning exists during the summer months, because it is at this time that an algae, which is part of the food chain of this fish, becomes toxic. So be vigilant and sure of the chef who cooks it.
Most tour operators offer trips to the Dominican Republic with all-inclusive stays of 10 to 15 days. These trips are generally excellent value for money if you intend to stay in a hotel with your feet in the water. But if you intend to visit the country, you will have to make excursions and prices are not usually given so be sure to check in in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationSanto Domingo's Las Américas International Airport is located 25 km east of the city (30 min by taxi). The usual precautions are obviously recommended for people travelling alone (going out with a minimal amount of money, not getting into a taxi on the run, not changing money on the street...), but the Dominican Republic is a generally safe country. However, in the southwest, mainly in the Barahona region, it is strongly advised not to drive after dark.
Domestic flights are quite expensive but useful for such a short period of time. The bus network is dense with good frequency, comfort and prices. For more mobility, you can rent a car. The only shipping line providing regular services is the ferry between Samaná and Sabana de la Mar, but cancellations are not uncommon due to bad weather conditions.
A week in Santo Domingo and its surroundings
The Dominican Republic, between seas and mountains
You can travel all year round in the Dominican Republic. The high tourist seasons are between November and February,...
Read more about it
The Dominican climate is subtropical and humid with a warm season from May to October and a cool season from November...
Read more about it
Contrary to popular belief, the Dominican Republic is not a cheap country. Products and services for tourists displa...
Read more about it
No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian nationals. Since January 2012, a passport valid for more t...
Read more about it
No vaccine is required, but some are conseillés : DT-polio, typhoid fever, viral hepatitis A and B, rabies. Bewa...
Read more about it
Santo Domingo's Las Américas International Airport is located 25 km east of the city (30 min by taxi). The usual pre...
Read more about it
Most tour operators offer trips to the Dominican Republic with all-inclusive stays of 10 to 15 days. These tri...
Read more about it
Domestic flights are quite expensive but useful for such a short period of time. The bus network is dense with good f...
Read more about it
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