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Dominican Republic travel guide

The capital Santo Domingo is the social hub of the island - infusing a mixture of cultures. Out of the city, sugar plantations dominate the landscape

The Dominican Republic is Latin Caribbean life taken to a higher degree. Visit for justifiably famous beaches, hidden villages and cloud-forest treks.

Home to the highest peak in the Caribbean, sparkling lagoons, exotic wildlife and pristine shores, it has, rather unfairly, been dubbed a bit of a one-trick beach-holiday pony. But away from the all-inclusive resorts at Punta Cana in the east and Puerto Plata in the north, a more beguiling pictures emerges.

The capital city, Santo Domingo, contains the oldest buildings in the Western hemisphere, and has a great attitude, traditional feel and locals who like to party. Head for Cabarete, famous for its windsurfing and kitesurfing, if you want an aqua adventure. Or whale watching is popular with visitors: spot humpbacks returning from northern climes to give birth off the Peninsula De Samaná.

Wanderlust recommends

• Santo Domingo The capital’s historic centre is a charming time warp.
• Cachote A cool retreat up in the mountains with a beautiful cloud forest.
• Bahía de la Águilas Simply the most stunning beach in the country.
• Laguna de Oviedo A vast saltwater lagoon ideal for wildlife spotting.
• Constanza A great area for trekking and outdoor pursuits.
• Jarabacoa The adventure capital of the DR  and a springboard for Pico Duarte.
• La Vega The best place to catch the colourful Carnaval (Sundays in Feb).
• Punta Rucia A laidback beach town that has purposely avoided development.
• Playa Rincón Giving Bahía de la Águilas a run for its money.

Wanderlust tip

The Dominican Republic has an extremely good road network, and exploring the country under your own steam in a hire car is an easier option than on neighbouring Caribbean islands. If you don't want the hassle of a car hop on a local bus – the public transport system here is extensive and also easy to use.

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