60-Second Geography

Dominican Republic

• The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of Hispaniola located in the Caribbean. The country has a varied landscape, ranging from various mountain ranges, luscious jungles, and coastal plains, all arranged around several rivers, lakes and lagoons.
• Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, was the first city founded by the Europeans in the Western Hemisphere. Christopher Columbus first spotted the island on his voyage to “the Indies”, and found the island was largely inhabited by the Taino Indians. Captivated by the gold adorned by the natives, the Spaniards chose to make a permanent settlement at the present site of Santo Domingo. Here, you can retrace the steps of the first Spanish conquistadors and wonder around the Zona Colonial.
• Recognized as a popular tourist destination, the Dominican Republic’s economy thrives on the incoming of people and business from around the world, brought in large part by the the impeccable landscapes, ancient history, and unique cultural heritage. There are many opportunities for visitors to explore and indulge  in throughout your stay.
• It’s no surprise that the topography is the most talked about among tourists who visit, but the beaches and lush scenery also happen to be the most visited on the island. Explore Damajaqua Cascades (27 Waterfalls) at Puerto Plata or take a swim at Hoyo Azul in Punta Canta. The Dominican Republic’s is home to some of the most beautiful and sought out beaches in the world. Take a walk around the shops that line Playa Boca Chica or relax on the beaches of Punta Cana and Bávaro. Spend a day at the Easter National Park, where you are exposed to hundreds of species of plants and animals, as well as an immense coral reef.
• There are many different cities and villages throughout this region, with one of the most popular being La Romana. Home to the Altos de Chavón, this replica of the 16th century artisan village is the best spot to buy local, handmade crafts. The area also hosts one of the top golf courses in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog. Take a trip over to explore this charming village.
• Among activities tourists can participate in are biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing, diving, ATV riding, safari tours and zip-lining. One activity that is of particular interest to the natives is baseball. If you have the chance, try to catch a game; many locals are seen playing in the streets and various stadiums throughout the island.
• The cuisine in the Dominican Republic taps into an international flare. While almost all cuisines are represented throughout the island, the native food consists of Taino, African, and Spanish influences. Most dishes include rice, a meat, beans and vegetables; fish and seafood are also on many menus, depending on what part of the island you’re on. For more of a variety, check out the eastern side of the island, which specializes in French, Spanish, Arab, Italian, and Mexican cuisines.
• The Dominican Republic is a beautiful destination just waiting to be explored. Plan your trip with GOGO Worldwide Vacations, today!

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