A week in Dominican Republic

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Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and the Caribbean to the north, The Dominican Republic is a tropical paradise. Stretched over a 1500 kilometer coastline are 402 kilometers of beautiful sugary white beaches, tourist resorts, hotels and sport fields. It's located on the picturesque island of Hispaniola. When Christopher Colombo discovered it in 1492 he described it as the most beautiful land he's ever laid eyes upon. Pack your bags and book a flight, you won't be disappointed! This one week guide was written with the help of Dominican republic specialists from the travel website odmaram.com 1 When you arrive at Las Américas International Airport in the country’s capital Santo Domingo, and settle in your hotel of choice, take a moment to orientate yourself and explore the sights. If you’re feeling hungry grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants at the Plaza de España and prepare yourself for a week of adventure. 2 Spend your day exploring the oldest permanent European New World settlement - Ciudad Colonial. There are a lot of things to see in this historical part of Santo Domingo, but we recommend checking out the ruins of the Hospital San Nicolás de Barí, the first hospital in the Dominican republic, and the Basillica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the first cathedral of the new world. Afterward, have a nice dinner or let loose and find a club along the Malecón. The choice is yours! 3 On the third day why not take some time to learn the country's history at the Museo del Hombre Dominicano. The museum is filled with pre-Columbian figures and artifact and is a great way to learn about the indigenous population and Dominican history in general. The entrance fee is a symbolic 100 Dominican pesos, or about 2 euros. If you still have some time left check out the national theater and library, also located at the Plaza de la Cultura. 4 Now that you’ve explored Santo Domingo we recommend renting a car for a small fee and taking a short drive to Barahona. On your way there make a stop and visit the Reserva Antropológica El Pomier and marvel at the ancient rock art made by the pre-Colombian inhabitants of the region. Admission is a mere 2 euros per person. We recommend checking in a hotel at Barahona, but returning to Santo Domingo is also an option. 5 On your fifth day we recommend driving to the deserted beach Bahía de las Águilas. This is one of the last completely untouched beaches in the country, and one of the most beautiful ones. Have a cool drink, enjoy a relaxing day on the beach and forget about all your troubles. 6 Catch a bus, or drive to the beautiful mountain village of Jarabacoa. Make reservations at the Rancho Baiguate and spend the night there. Enjoy the cool mountain air, and maybe sign up for a day of sports adventure, for example canoeing on the longest Dominican river, Río Yaque del Norte. A full tour costs about 80 euros. Enjoy the untouched nature and sights as you raft down the river. 7 On your last day grab some breakfast at Jamaca de Dios just outside of Jarabacoa. Relax for a bit, Enjoy the beautiful sights, head back to Santo Domingo, pack your bags and start planning a return trip next year, because after a week like this who wouldn’t want to come back!