Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Guide

Nestled between Puerto Rico and Cuba on an island that it shares with the Republic of Haiti, the Dominican Republic offers travelers the best that the Caribbean has to offer, with a unique personality rooted deeply in her Latino heritage.

Beaches, beaches and more beaches - thousands of them to be precise. If sun worshiping is your pastime of choice, the Dominican Republic is ideal. Its appeal extends far beyond its shores, however. Its complex landscape is a mixed metaphor, boasting both the Caribbean’s tallest mountains and its lowest inland point - a million year old lake the size of Manhattan. You’ll find a mountainous interior and healthy rain forests encircled by miles of white sand beaches.

One of the largest nations in the chain, travelers need more than a day or two to experience all that the Dominican Republic has to offer. A Spanish-speaking country, English is prevalent at the hotels and restaurants, but not much beyond there. You can choose from various accommodations from deluxe resorts to charming B&Bs. Don’t look for impeccable service, however. The Dominican Republic serves everything from food to entertainment with the friendly laissez faire style that is its trademark.

Boredom is the only thing that you won’t experience here. Water sports on the Dominican Republic are numerous, but its land sports are one of a kind. Exploring is a big attraction here in one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean basin. Touring the jungles, forests and mountain areas of the Dominican Republic would be any hiker’s idea of paradise. Horseback riding, sailing, deep sea fishing and whale watching add to the extensive mix of activities to enjoy here. You can even go to the horse races!

Unfairly reputed as an unsafe destination, the Dominican Republic can hold her head high as an exciting, cost effective destination for a variety of world travelers.

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful country located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, sharing its borders with Haiti. The history of this island nation is a rich and complex one, shaped by centuries of colonization, rebellion, and cultural influences.

The island of Hispaniola was originally inhabited by the indigenous Taino people, who had a sophisticated society and were skilled in agriculture, pottery, and other crafts. In 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived on the island during his first voyage to the New World and claimed it for the Spanish crown. The Spanish established a colony on the island and began to exploit the natural resources, including the native population who were forced into slavery and suffered from harsh treatment and diseases brought by the Europeans.

In the early 16th century, the colony of Santo Domingo, located on the eastern side of the island, became the first permanent European settlement in the Americas. It became a major hub for trade and the center of Spanish power in the region. However, the Spanish also faced resistance from the Taino people and other indigenous groups, leading to conflicts and uprisings.

In the late 17th century, the island of Hispaniola was divided into two colonies, with the western side becoming the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) and the eastern side remaining under Spanish control as Santo Domingo. The French colony became the most profitable colony in the Caribbean, thanks to its large-scale sugar plantations and the use of enslaved Africans as labor. However, this also led to a brutal slave rebellion in 1791, which eventually resulted in the establishment of Haiti as the first independent black republic in the world.

Meanwhile, the Spanish colony of Santo Domingo remained under Spanish control until the early 19th century, when it was briefly occupied by the French and then declared its independence in 1821. However, this independence was short-lived as the country was annexed by Haiti in 1822. This sparked another rebellion and in 1844, the Dominican Republic declared its independence from Haiti.

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Dominican Republic experienced political instability, with a series of dictatorships and uprisings. In 1916, the United States occupied the country for eight years, and in 1930, Rafael Trujillo came to power and ruled as a brutal dictator for over 30 years.

Since the end of Trujillo’s dictatorship in 1961, the Dominican Republic has made strides towards democracy and economic development. Today, it is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, diverse culture, and vibrant music and dance traditions. The country continues to face challenges, but its history has shaped it into a resilient and dynamic nation.