Dominican Republic

Among the top things to do in the Dominican Republic is exploring the Los Haitises National Park. Many tourists travel by boat to Los Haitises, which means "hilly land" in Taino, to witness its breathtaking array of 30-meter (98-foot) high rock formations rising out of the water. The park also has large mangroves along its bay, dotted with cays, and is home to various bird colonies as well as a group of caves renowned for holding some of the nation's largest concentrations of pictographs and petroglyphs. Here you can easily spot many endangered bird species like Ridgway’s Hawk, the Hispaniolan Piculet, the Hispaniolan Woodpecker, the Hispaniolan Emerald, as well as pelicans, frigate birds, herons, and many more beautiful birds. The park is also home to one of the few remaining rain-forests of the Dominican Republic.

Jarabacoa is home to some of the best waterfalls in the Dominican Republic. It is called the “City of Eternal Spring” for its cool environment and greenery all around. The waterfalls here are one of the best Dominican Republic attractions, and visitors are rewarded with tumbling falls, and natural bathing holes that are ideal for a cool dip, when travelers hike through pine forests and lush slopes. Jarabacoa is a hub for outdoor adventures like rafting down the Yaque del Norte River, paragliding over scenic valleys, or horseback riding through mountain trails. Its genuine Dominican charm is enhanced by the small-town setting, which is surrounded by flower gardens and coffee farms.

Pedernales province, which borders Haiti and is tucked away in the southwestern corner of the Dominican Republic, is as isolated as it gets. Bahía de Las Águilas, the crown jewel of Dominican beaches, is visited by most tourists via Pedernales. It remains unspoiled since pre-Columbian times and is situated beneath the stunning karst cliffs. However, overnight visitors will discover a province that is home to some of the nation's most distinctive geographical features and protected natural landmarks. The remoteness of this area means you’ll be sharing the beach only with occasional fishermen or a flock of seabirds. This spot is one of the best-kept secrets of the Dominican Republic.

Constanza is situated in the Cordillera Central mountains, which feels like a completely different world from the topical coasts. It is known as the “Switzerland of the Caribbean,” as this valley town is covered with rolling green hills, cool air, and fields bursting with strawberries, apples, and fresh veggies. This place is home to over 70 species of birds, plenty of reptiles, amphibians, and over 500 species of plants. On weekends, Constanza's little town center comes alive with bars, fine dining places (try the strawberry shakes or the fresh vegetable pizzas), and a central park that is packed with weekend tourists from Santiago, Santo Domingo, and Jarabacoa. Hike in the Tetero Valley or go birdwatching in Valle Nuevo National Park. Take a horseback ride to see the stunning Christ the Redeemer statue at El Divino Niño–Constanza. Navigate agricultural roads with a mountain bike.