Dominican Republic

Choosing the right car

The road network in the Dominican Republic is quite well developed. Nevertheless, you should rather go for a smaller car to easily get a parking space especially in the cities with a car.

If you also want to travel in the sometimes impassable interior, a vehicle with four-wheel drive is the best choice. When booking, be sure to choose a hire car with air conditioning. Then even driving in the heat will be a pleasure.

Starting the journey right

Take your time to get used to the tropical climate, the time difference and the sometimes adventurous driving style of the locals. Drive only short distances for the first few days and save the long drives for the end of your hire car trip.

As it can get very dangerous on the roads of the Domincan Republic at night, always plan your drive so that you reach your destination before nightfall.

Insuring the car properly

In the turbulent road traffic of the Dominican Republic, an accident can happen quickly with an unfamiliar hire car. Protect yourself and book a hire car with fully comprehensive insurance without deductible.

If people are injured in an accident, it quickly becomes very expensive. Therefore, make sure that the sum insured of the liability of your rental company is at least one million euros. If the coverage amount does not seem sufficient, you can provide additional protection with a traveller policy.

Consult with your insurance company and make sure your traveler’s policy covers the Dominican Republic. As the tyres on hire cars in the Dominican Republic sometimes leave a lot to be desired, you should also take out additional glass and tyre insurance. Hire cars are often stolen in the Dominican Republic. Therefore, insure yourself against theft as well.

Accessories

The often adventurous road traffic in the Dominican Republic will take up all your attention. You’ll be glad to have at least a navigation device to show you the way.

You must always reserve these and other accessories separately with your hire car company. Order in good time. Then you can be relatively sure that your equipment will be available when you take over the car.

Free kilometers

If you’re really going for the Dominican Republic adventure, you’ll be doing a lot of mileage in a hire car. So book a car right away with all the miles free.

Bail

Be sure to find out before you rent if your rental company just blocks the deposit due on your credit card. After all, if the money is collected, it may take longer for the rental company to transfer the money back.

Safety hire car

Some hire cars in the Domincan Republic are not very well maintained. Before your first trip, check all the lights on the vehicle. Also check the oil level, coolant and tread of the tires.

Look to see if there are any first-aid kits in the car. And do a little brake test in the parking lot of the rental company. At the first gas station, you should also test the air pressure of the tires.

Suggestion for a trip by hire car

Santo Domingo: Pulsating Metropolis

Start your trip in Santo Domingo. In the capital of the Dominican Republic, you’ll experience Caribbean life in concentrated form.

Santo Domingo is a city of millions, with beauty in only a few places. Avoid the wildly sprawling suburbs and try to reach the Zona Colonal as purposefully as possible.

Here you can take a relaxed stroll and get a taste of the colonial past. Visit the monument honoring Christopher Columbus in the Parque de Colón. The cathedral is also located in this square. It was the first cathedral in the New World and was completed around 1540.

After visiting the church, it’s a good idea to stroll through the old quarter, then sit down at a café. Order a glass of rum or an ice-cold beer and watch the hustle and bustle. The Caribbean joie de vivre will quickly take hold of you. Let the road trip begin.

Azua: Journey to the Past

The next day, we set off. Azua, one of the oldest towns in the Americas is the first destination you will reach in a little over two and a half hours. The first inhabitants settled here as early as 1504. Again and again, the city was the victim of raids.

First came the pirates, and when the inhabitants decided to move the town further inland, you were often the victim of Haitian raids. Today, Azua is a tranquil little town. Stroll the streets and admire the colourful wooden houses around Parque Central.

Barahona: The dream beach awaits

Barahona is the next destination of the trip. For the journey you need just under two hours. You are now finally leaving the well-trodden tourist paths. This part of the country is little travelled. The city of Barahona has no cultural superlatives to offer.

Many houses are dilapidated and so the place makes a somewhat dreary impression. However, the beaches nearby are worth the long drive. Visit the Playa San Rafael. The dreamlike beach, lined with dense forest, is very lonely. With a little luck, you will be the only bather and can feel like Columbus when he discovered the Dominican Republic.

Lay down in the sand, let the water lap your feet and enjoy the tranquility. We also have a special hotel tip for you. The Casa Bonita offers beautiful rooms, a pool, restaurant and bar, and priceless views of the Caribbean Sea.

Isla Cabritos: Discover nature

The road trip now takes you inland. The largest inland lake of the Antilles, Lago Enriquillo, awaits you. You will reach it after about an hour and a half drive. Visit Isla Cabritos, which lies in the middle of the lake. Admire the diverse bird life.

You might even get lucky and see one of the crocodiles in the wild. After visiting the island, an overnight stay in La Descubierta is a good idea. The Hotel Iguana offers simple rooms and a restaurant. During your meal, you can then plan the next stops on your road trip at your leisure.