Road Trip Dominican Republic – More than just “All Inclusive”
Santo Domingo – Pulsating Metropolis
Start your journey in Santo Domingo. In the capital of the Dominican Republic, you will 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 in honour of 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. Already in 1504 the first inhabitants settled. Again and again the town became victim of raids. First came the pirates and when the inhabitants decided to move the town further inland, they often became victims 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 is waiting
Barahona is the next destination of the trip. You are now finally leaving the well-trodden tourist paths. This part of the country is little traveled. 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.
Discover nature
The road trip now takes you inland. The largest inland lake in the Antilles, Lago Enriquillo awaits you. Visit Isla Cabritos, located in the middle of the lake.
Wonder the diverse birdlife. You might even get lucky and spot 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.