Tourist Attractions & Monuments Dominican Republic

This waterfall has the advantage of being accessible by means of an airstrip with a small walk of ten minutes. Very impressive, El Salto de Baiguate presents itself in the form of a liquid avalanche of metres high, framed by an amphitheatre of greenery where fruit trees and plants with medicinal virtues are legion. The natural swimming pool is superb. You can also go to horse in two hours, motorbike or 4 x 4. The Salto is now operating for the irrigation of nearby farms.

This waterfall is located away from Jarabacoa, in the middle of nature. After having parked your car, you have to follow a torrent by a steep path for about a hundred meters in a heat that quickly becomes overwhelming despite the altitude. At first, you can hear a dull, heavy rumble in the surrounding heat, then the waterfall reveals itself in all its splendid violence. The waterfall crashes in a large natural basin, in the middle of a majestic site unfortunately disfigured by the hydroelectric power station and the tourist installations.

We visit a nursery for baby plants that will be transplanted to the mountains at altitudes of between 1,200 m and 1,700 m, as soon as they have acquired sufficient resistance to do without the care of gardeners, then silos for the natural drying of hand-harvested seeds, and finally the factory itself. Today, production is highly mechanized. Various machines are involved in the process, including an oven to finish drying the seeds, and a machine to hull them.

The painter chose to live in a country house just outside the city. A specialist in monumental frescoes, often of religious inspiration, Roberto Flores executes many official commissions. He will show you his work and amateurs will be able to buy reduced size sketches. An interesting visit in the presence of a passionate and talented artist. For beautiful souvenirs to bring back if you fall in love.

Charming and shaded, it is the place to meet at all Jarabacoa on the weekend and in the evening.

This church dedicated to San Dionisio, also known as Sanctuario de Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia (not to be confused with the much more recent basilica), is one of the oldest religious temples in the Dominican Republic. Built between 1569 and 1572 in a style typical of the time (a nave, a transept, a polygonal apse and a barrel vault), it has undergone some renovations over the centuries. The feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, patroness of the Dominicans, is celebrated here and in the basilica on January 21.

An international architectural competition was launched in 1947 for the creation of a new place of worship that could hold 3,000 worshippers. The winners, two French architects, A.-J. Dunoyer de Segonzac and Pierre Dupré, laid the first stone in 1954, followed in 1968 by the magnificent stained glass windows created in Chartres. Finally, on January 21, 1971, the complex was inaugurated and declared a cathedral, basilica and national monument.

Cueva de Berna is famous for its Taino petroglyphs, testimony to the art and culture of this ancient civilization. While exploring the cave, you can also admire the spectacular rock formations and stalactites that have formed over time. The tour is unaccompanied, and it's best to bring a flashlight or portable torch to help you see clearly. You'll also need mosquito repellent, as the area is frequently infested. A pleasant visit, although the cave is not always well maintained.

This is the private beach of the estate, hidden at the end of a small isolated road. A large cove of white sand, shaded by palm trees and bathed by a transparent blue sea, in short, the classic Caribbean dream beach. You can practice all sorts of sports activities, lounge in the deckchairs while sipping a tropical cocktail and eat at the flowered terrace of the beach restaurant. The menu offers salads, sandwiches, pizzas, grills and more sophisticated specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.

Playa El Caletón is the popular beach of the Romanenses, but it is far from having the charm of the other beaches of the region. It is said to be inadvisable to venture out there after dark. During the day, however, its sandbanks are crowded with tourists and strollers. The beach restaurants specializing in seafood and fish are numerous. A stopover to consider if you are passing through La Romana for a long time. If however you intend to visit other beaches around, you can save this one.

The Romana central park is an open-air museum, the largest Dominican baseball players have their own nature. Most of these players officiate in the American league and are followed by a whole people. Like all parks in the country's city centres, it is the nerve centre of social life. Everyone meets in the evening, the food and drink stalls are packed in a tight row, the motorcycles are waiting for the customer, in short, everyone spends at least once a day.

Facing the Juan Pablo Duarte Park, this modest church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city, Santa Rosa de Lima (celebrated in August), also patron saint of Peru, the New World and the Philippines. The first building was erected in 1914 and was then a simple hermitage, managed by the priest J.W. Connor. It was not until 1940 that it was enlarged and elevated to a church. It has a pleasant garden.

At the mouth of the river, there are many natural caves inhabited by the Taino. Excursions are organised on the river in small motor boats.

The museum opened in 1981. It is one of the most important sources of information on the Taino people in the Dominican Republic: one can admire the finds resulting from more than 40 years of collecting and more than 6,000 pieces discovered in the region of La Romana, ritual or usual objects that demonstrate the incredible cultural richness of the Taino people. The museum is part of the Altos de Chavón Cultural Foundation, which has been enriching the cultural panorama of the country for two decades.

This art gallery is dedicated to the promotion of Dominican art. Artistic exhibitions, paintings, sculptures, photographs, of recognized artists or beginners as well as local artists, residents of the village, are held there regularly. Particularly dynamic, the gallery is, with the amphitheater, the nerve center of the artistic and cultural life of Altos de Chavón and its surroundings. Don't hesitate to stop by and see what's going on while you're in town. The building itself is also quite interesting

This six-storey palace, built on Trujillo's orders on a hill overlooking the city in the 1930s, is a massive concrete building with no particular charm. Its construction was entrusted to the engineer Henry Gazón. The dictator never occupied the place, but he had the walls decorated with frescos of the famous Spanish painter José Vela Zanetti (1913-1999). The palace was transformed into a hotel in the 1970s and then abandoned in the late 1990s, before renovations were undertaken.

On the same road as the mahogany house, here is the natural freshwater pool that was used by the dictator Trujillo at the time. Transformed into a playful swimming area, with slides and a relaxation area, the Toma is a privileged place for the inhabitants of San Cristobal and the surrounding area. Its cool waters are appreciated during the hot season, which is almost all year round, and there is also a playground and food and drink outlets. There is also a playground and food and drink outlets, as well as regular entertainment and concerts.

For those curious about the Trujillo era, the dictator's country house, once lined with mahogany on the inside (hence the name mahogany house), contains an important collection of objects that belonged to him. It is located a few kilometers from the city, at the end of a stony track that should be restored. To get there, in fact, you have to go towards La Toma and turn left at the aqueduct. This is not a priority visit on your trip, but it can be arranged while exploring the surroundings.

The church was built in the 19th century, in front of Trujillo's birthplace. It was to receive the remains of his family members. The church was named after Padre Ayala, a priest born in La Vega in 1789. He was taken prisoner by the Haitian Dessalines in 1805, took part in the Reconquest battles in 1809, then found his way by entering the orders in 1815. He was responsible for the construction of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, which he began in 1828 and completed about ten years later. He died in 1879 at the age of 90.

This church, built in 1949 at the request and with the financing of Trujillo, was built by the French architect Henry Gazón Bona. Nuestra Senora de la Consolacion was a gift from the dictator to his native city. The temple is decorated in its central nave with murals by the famous Spanish painter-muralist José Vela Zanetti. Unfortunately, the complex was destroyed in 1979 by the hurricane David, of sinister memory, and has been rebuilt since then.

The building, which houses the headquarters of the San Cristóbal Town Hall, was inaugurated in 1937. Easily recognizable by the small tower - on the top of which stands a clock - flanked by a one-story building, it was built entirely of reinforced concrete, in an architectural style of baroque-victorian inspiration, typical of the beginning of the last century. Because of its design and its representation in Dominican architecture, it has been declared "Cultural Heritage of the Dominican Republic". A construction that deserves a quick look.

Discovered in 1851 by a British consul, this geological formation, composed of some fifty caves, bears witness to Taíno rock art. More than 6,000 petroglyphs represent fish, reptiles and human figures. The caves, classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, are home to large colonies of bats and were a place of veneration for the Taino people who performed rites there. The incredible wealth of rock art covering the walls of these caves makes the area the prehistoric capital of the Antilles.

The central park of Azua is surrounded by charming wooden houses with arcades. In the centre, a small yellow gazebo adds a cheerful note to the whole. On the side, the yellow and white colours of the church answer it. Opposite the central park, the Campo Santo is a typical cemetery of a small Dominican town. Don't miss the opportunity to visit it. The central park is the place where the inhabitants meet and relax. A small haven of peace where one could stay hours to read, write and simply stroll.

These are the remains of the old city, located 10 km south of Azua. According to oral tradition, the remains of the cacique Enriquillo were buried in the colonial church of Santa María de Azua. El Pueblo Viejo de Azua is still inhabited (about 5,000 people) and its population is still growing. But it is in the new Azua that the main activities are concentrated, obviously. A passage which does not have great interest but which can prove to be a stopover on your road and discovery of the Dominican Republic.

This excursion allows you to discover the rainforest from above, by means of observation platforms suspended between the trees, and a network of ropes crossing the rivers. It takes place in the region of the mountains and the Anamuya River. Supervised by experienced naturalist guides, directly inspired by the canopy-tours of Costa Rica, this is an original adventure that will leave you with wonderful memories. After a 40 min transfer in a safari truck, an educational explanation and a safety briefing, the adventure begins..

This large center is dedicated to crafts and creations of Dominican origin. It houses an art gallery that exhibits the works of the famous painter Guillermo Perez: energetic and colorful paintings and serigraphs. The jewelry corner offers a collection of amber and larimar jewelry, sold with certificates of origin; there is also a collection of clothing, candles, sculptures. The rums are represented by the brands Barcelo, Colombus, and the Haitian rum Barbancourt. A cigar cellar offers local brands.

This official tourist information office has maps of the whole country. Do not hesitate to go and get some, because you will not necessarily have any with your rental car, more than useful if you do not have access to a GPS. Moreover, the website "Go Dominican Republic" is a mine of information to travel around the country and discover the capital Santo Domingo. Do not hesitate to have a look at it. A version in French is proposed. It only remains for us to wish you a good trip through the country.

If you want to do something off the beaten tourist track, we can't recommend the decolonial tour enough. On this tour, Ruth, your guide, will tell you about the little-known history of slavery and resistance on the island. She'll show you the historic monuments from a new angle, and tell you a thousand secret stories about the capital. The tour is suitable for the whole family and is conducted in French.

The painter Candido Bido, faithful to his origins, created the Fundación Bonao para la Cultura, which runs an art school. The school is easily identifiable by the large fresco that decorates one of its walls. Students from all over the country learn painting, dance, music and sculpture. Works of the master, silkscreens, posters, paintings and books can be purchased here. Next to the school, a small gallery sells paintings made by the students. You can bring back beautiful cultural souvenirs to offer or for yourself.

"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.

Nestled between majestic cliffs and bordered by crystal-clear waters, this beach offers breathtaking scenery. Take shelter from the sun under the recently installed straw huts, and feast on grilled fish at one of the casetas (small restaurants) on site, including the renowned Yoselin. Well-maintained roads and parking lots guarantee easy access to the beach. From invigorating swims to moments of pure contemplation (especially at sunset!), El Quemaito beach is a true tropical paradise.

In the Parque Nacional Sierra de Bahoruco, 30 km from Pedernales, the Pelempito "hole" is a geological depression within the mountains, surrounded by a wild region with an eminently rich fauna and flora. It is believed to have been created by the collapse of a gigantic coral bank and the convergence of tectonic plates. Rugged and mountainous, this region with a unique orography extends into Haiti.

The Hoyo de Pelempito is a refuge for many endemic species, including 19 species of birds that stand out among an avifauna composed of about 50 species. It is one of the geographical areas with the greatest biodiversity in the Dominican Republic. Several species in the process of extinction, like the solenodon (a small venomous mammal), the Ricord's iguana, the rhinoceros iguana and the hutia (a rodent) have found refuge there. Orchids are the most abundant plant species, of which 10% are endemic.

Access to the site is relatively difficult (4WD required for the last 7 km!) and part of the route must be done on foot (don't forget to bring water). The dusty rust-colored road, covered with bauxite and typical of the Cabo Rojo region, linking Pedernales to the Sierra de Bahoruco park, offers singular panoramas bristling with pine forests, unique in the country. Perched at an altitude of 1,165 metres, a reception centre welcomes visitors, offering a breathtaking view of the Sierra de Bahoruco Park.

Between the town of Cabral and the magnetic pole, in the southwest of the island, this vast lagoon - the largest freshwater lagoon in the Dominican Republic - is a true terrestrial paradise for the hundred or so birds that inhabit it, including the Dominican duck, but also pink flamingos. A site as beautiful as it is wild that will delight ornithologists and birdwatchers, especially if you are interested in their migration. The lagoon is part of the Cabral National Park, along with the Laguneta Seca and Cerro Cristobal.

Ecoturismo Constanza offers a wide range of excursions. The dynamic and attentive team will take you to Pico Duarte, Valle del Tertero, Valle Nuevo National Park and many others. Some trips last from 2 to 4 hours, others up to 8 hours, and the longest ones two days, one night. Transportation is of course provided, and for some of them, meals and accommodation. Visit the website of this ecotourism travel agency to discover the many offers and book the adventure of your choice.

The Virgen de la Altagracia is a small chapel, with an image of the Virgin inside painted by the sculptor Timo Pimentel. Pilgrims come here to light a candle, make a request or to give thanks. Others come to admire the landscape from one of the highest points on the Constanza route. For the latter, it is best to come at sunset(golden hour) when the view is absolutely radiant.

One of Santo Domingo's lungs. The Mirador Del Este park is a favorite spot for sports enthusiasts, with its wide-open spaces and numerous tennis, basketball and baseball courts. Here, you can watch Dominicans cheerfully challenge each other to one of these ball sports. Families also flock here for picnics amid the tropical vegetation, especially at weekends. Yet another snapshot of local daily life. Unfortunately, the upkeep of the park leaves much to be desired, as does the lighting after dark.

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.

An excursion to Pico Duarte is an extraordinary experience! The ascent to the highest peak in the Caribbean, which reaches an altitude of 3,098 m, is demanding but unforgettable (if you are well equipped). The variations in altitude and temperature as well as the difficulty of the ascent on barely marked and steep paths require excellent physical condition and an iron will. The 23-kilometre (46-kilometre return) hike takes two to three days, through a changing and majestic landscape, sometimes arid, sometimes shrouded in a mystical mist. On the first day, we cover the La Cienega-La Comparticion route (2,450 m) where the visitors' centre serves as a stopover, and the next day we reach the peak at night in a few hours.

Itis in the village of La Cienega, at an altitude of 1,100 m, 55 km from Jarabacoa via Constanza, that you will buy the permit giving access to the national park, for the modest sum of 100 pesos. To do the hike in good conditions, it is essential to hire a local guide, the only ones qualified for this kind of hike (daily budget: 200 pesos per person, plus 300 pesos for a transport mule, 350 pesos for a saddle mule, and 400 pesos for the guide). Hikers wishing to save their strength can make part of the journey on the back of a mule - to be negotiated with local farmers who offer mules used to the rigours of this climb.

This monument pays homage to Antonio de Montesinos, a Dominican priest and defender of the American Indian peoples under the Spanish Empire. Donated by Mexico in 1982, the bronze and limestone structure depicts the priest delivering his famous sermon on December 21, 1511 against the injustices suffered by the natives. He even threatened excommunication and denied the sacraments to the large landowners who enslaved the natives in the mines and fields.

One kilometer before arriving at the village, the beach of La Enseñada unfolds its magnificent bay, with its lagoon of transparent turquoise waters and shallow, coral reef. The beach is immense. You can isolate yourself and swim without fear of being bothered by your neighbors. If you ask them nicely, for a few tens of pesos, the fishermen will grill you some fish, a treat while we enjoy the beach! On weekends, the beach comes alive. The pick-up trucks pour out families who have come to picnic to the sound of merengue and salsa.

The Templo Las Américas de La Isabela, also known as Santuario de Jesucristo Evangelizador (Sanctuary of Jesus Christ the Evangelizer), is one of the very first Catholic churches to have been built in the New World. Of modest size, what we can see today is a reconstruction carried out on the ruins of the original temple. It will be visited both for its historical value and for the few beautiful relics on display

The initiative began in 2013, when Ben-Yam Barshi and his team went to the southern border area between Haiti and the Dominican Republic to participate in a reforestation project. They realized that the Moringa Oleifera thrives here, and that its sustainable cultivation could become a valuable asset in the fight against malnutrition and skin diseases, and even turn into an economic development opportunity, in addition to participating in the reforestation of the area. Indeed, the oil extracted from moringa seeds (ultra-rich in Omega 9 and vitamin E) has many properties, mainly in terms of treating skin ailments (healing wounds, reducing scars, caring for various infections, cuts, burns, skin rashes and fungal problems, etc.). Working hand in hand with local producers and after setting up a small oil extraction factory, the Moringaia company was born in 2015, elaborating a whole range of very good quality moringa-based products in the form of balms, oils and soaps. It is possible to visit the moringa cultivation fields, but also the oil factory, and to finish by a small tour in the shop (whose products can be found in many luxury shops on the island, enough to bring back beautiful souvenirs or gifts from your trip to the Dominican Republic). To do this, do not hesitate to contact Ben-Yam. An instructive visit.

Frank, a multilingual Swiss Romansh speaker, offers personalized tours in very small groups. A lover of Samaná who has lived here for eight years, his tours reflect his love of the region. He offers original tours. On the program: camping on the beach and boat trip, meeting the locals, information on the local flora and fauna. Suitable for groups of friends who want to share a unique experience. See the "Intimate Samaná" tour, a cultural outing that presents the history of the peninsula's city centers.

As with all national parks, access to Parque Nacional del Este (or Parque Nacional Cotubanamá) requires authorization from the General Directorate of Parks in Santo Domingo (if you are going alone, bring a motorcycle or a 4x4, as the trail is in poor condition). It is also possible to get there by participating in a tour organized by an association or an agency like Padre Nuestro. The latter organizes guided tours of 2 hours to discover the national park: its tropical forest, its butterflies, its birds and its caves.

Sit back and relax in complete safety at a depth of 1.80 m aboard a semi-submersible vessel, a comfortable, air-conditioned underwater observatory. This vessel, which resembles a real submarine, does not descend below the surface, but offers an unforgettable spectacle. A breathtaking view of the local aquatic world, the fauna and flora of the famous "La Pared" (coral reef) and Catalina Island. You'll also discover the wreck of Captain Kidd's famous pirate galleon 'Cara Merchant', sunk in 1699, with its many cannons and anchors...

This beautiful and large beach located at 7 km from Samana, languishing on the north coast, has always escaped the flood of tourists. Yet, it is very easily accessible. The road is indeed paved along its entire length since spring 2018. The sight is breathtaking when you arrive at the beach, a paradise of golden sand and crystal clear shores. If you go up to the left of the beach, you will come across a small river flowing into the sea. Take a picnic if you want to isolate yourself at the end of the beach. It is deserted.

A natural aquarium created off the beach and the brainchild of Japanese biologist Kaio Morita, who created this aquatic garden using rocks and succeeded in attracting a wealth of underwater fauna, with a view to protecting the region's marine fauna. The snorkelling trip is therefore particularly rewarding! From the beach, boats take you to the aquatic reserve. Equipment can be borrowed on site. The trip takes about two hours. A fun outing.

Also known as "Go Barahona", the portal of the regional tourist office of the South-West of the Dominican Republic proposes you to discover various paths of the region, but also organized visits, a list of activities in full nature, or councils and proposals on routes which will allow you to discover all the secrets of the local surrounding flora and fauna A great way to discover a unique region!

It's done, Sosúa finally has its art centre. In order to develop a multicultural tourism, the government and the city of Sosúa inaugurated in 2013 this multidisciplinary center. The art center regularly announces exhibitions and events on its Facebook page, do not hesitate to consult it. It is also in this place that are organized artistic events like the day of art or dance.

A Chinatown in the Caribbean? Yes, there are between 30,000 and 50,000 Chinese descendants in the capital, and since 2004, they've had their own neighborhood. A mini Chinatown along Avenue Duarte, just a stone's throw from the colonial center. Here you'll find the usual Chinatown bustle: laundromats, food stores and restaurants. Drop in on Sunday mornings to enjoy the large open-air market where Chinese and Dominican farmers and street vendors sell delicious food and drinks.