Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is one of the most visited countries in the Caribbean! It was the site of the very first permanent European settlement in the Americas - Santo Domingo, founded in 1498, is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the western hemisphere. The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful architecture and centuries of history.

The country offers incredible diversity - from the snow-capped peak of Pico Duarte (the highest mountain in the Caribbean) to the Cibao Valley farmlands, from spectacular beaches like Punta Cana to the turquoise waters of Samaná Bay where humpback whales gather every winter. Dominican people are warm and joyful, famous for their love of music - merengue and bachata (both UNESCO-recognized cultural traditions) have spread from this island to dance floors around the world. Dominican cuisine is hearty and delicious - la bandera (rice, beans, and meat) is the national dish. Baseball is the national sport and Dominicans have produced many of the world's greatest players. With history, nature, music, and beaches, the Dominican Republic has something for everyone!