Dominican Republic Uncovered: Culture Beyond the Tourism Capital

• Whale watching in Samaná: It is one of the best places to witness humpback whales! It is incredible to see them up-close by boat, breaching and playing in the warm waters. Tip: The best time to go is January to March when they migrate to the Samaná bay!

• Explore La Zona Colonial in the country's capital of Santo Domingo: Mix up your beach schedule by taking in this historical neighborhood! Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the Americas. You can not go wrong by taking a simple walking tour to see the rich cultural history and colonial ruins.

• Windsurf in Cabarete: Ranked among the top ten places in the world for windsurfing, Cabarete is a paradise for both seasoned pros and adventurous beginners. With its consistent conditions, there is no "off" season. The coastline is dotted with rental shops and windsurfing schools, making it easy for anyone to check windsurfing off their bucket list!

• Ride the Teleferico Cable Car in Puerto Plata: Located on the Ysabel de Torres Mountain. All you need is $10 (cash per person, round-trip) to take the 10-minute ride up to the top and take in the incredible scenery and panoramic views. Surrounded by mountain trees, you'll see the city below and the expansive beaches and Atlantic Ocean. You will also get access to the Botanical Gardens, nature reserve and the miniature Christ the Redeemer. Tip: Earlier the better! Beat crowds and the afternoon fog!

• Take a refreshing swim at Salto El Limón in Las Terrenas: 30 minutes from the city. You can choose between guided tours by horseback (or ATV) or independent hikes through scenic paths. Either way, you will be surrounded by a rich biodiversity of plants and birds. Leading to a 50-meter waterfall cascading down into a crystal clear pool that you can't resist taking a dip in! Tip: Wear sturdy shoes regardless of what route you take. All three will require some walking on uneven terrain!

• Visit Altos de Chavón in La Romana: This recreated 16th-century Mediterranean Village is nestled in the countryside and is truly breathtaking. Within the village, they have multiple art studios, St. Stanislaus Church, a 5,000-seat amphitheater and sweeping views of the Chavón River and the Caribbean Sea.

• Sail on a Catamaran Boat to Isla Soana: This island is a lush nature reserve known for its serene beaches & coral reefs and only reachable by boat. This is the perfect day tour to explore a new area. Tours are typically around 6–8 hours from Bayahibe and give you the opportunity to snorkel in some of the clearest waters in the Dominican Republic. Fun Fact: Scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed here!

• Dance the night away in Santiago de los Caballeros: Take a salsa or bachata class to immerse yourself in the local dance culture. Relax with a drink at trendy lounges in the historic district or hit the local clubs that offer live merengue music or multi-level dance clubs! Santiago has a very rich musical heritage, so you can't go wrong with whatever you choose!

Specialties

• Mofongo: A beloved Dominican dish made with mashed plantains, chicharrón and garlic. It is the perfect blend of flavors and textures and is best enjoyed in local spots where tradition runs deep.

• Sancocho: The truest form of Dominican comfort food. It is a rich, flavorful stew often made with a mix of meats (beef, chicken, pork) and a variety of root vegetables like yucca, plantains and potatoes.

• Tostones: Crispy, twice-fried plantains, lightly salted and served with a tangy dipping sauce, the perfect snack

Drinks

• Presidente: The Dominican Republic’s signature beer. It is a light and crisp pilsner that’s perfect for cooling off in the Caribbean heat.

• Cuba Libre: A classic blend of rum, cola and a splash of lime, but here they will use one of the local three "Bs" for their rum: Brugal, Barceló and Bermúdez.

• Mamajuana: A drink unlike any other. It is a specialty made by infusing rum, red wine and honey with tree bark, herbs and spices. Often spoken about for its health benefits, this unique concoction is both strong and flavorful and is usually given as an after-meal digestif.