The lure of the Dominican Republic and its promise of sun-drenched days spent sipping tropical concoctions on the swim-up bar of an all-inclusive resort constantly entice guests. And to be truthful, the resorts cater to each traveler’s wants — so there’s actually no want to depart a property with a seemingly limitless stream of meals, drink and actions at your fingertips.
However those that choose to enterprise exterior the all-inclusive bubble and hit the open street are rewarded with a various island panorama that may look something like a string of sandy shorelines dotted with palms, to mountainous views enveloped by lush vegetation.
Listed here are among the finest street journeys that will help you benefit from your go to to the Dominican Republic.
What driving within the Dominican Republic is like?
The Dominican Republic boasts a reasonably dependable freeway system that retains its commuter-centric inhabitants transferring. A sturdy community of roads join 871 miles of shoreline, linking cities and cities.
Take benefit and set off on an journey in a rental automobile. You’ll want a sound driver’s license from your house nation or a global driver’s allow.
When navigating by the Dominican Republic, drive on the right-side of the street and follow touring through the daytime as some streets exterior the primary cities are typically poorly lit. Go sluggish and preserve a glance out for potholes, pedestrians and animals, all of which make appearances on the roads.
The most effective time to go to the Dominican Republic
Take the excessive street on Route 41
Finest street journey for mountainous climes and exhilarating turns
Jarabacoa de Ocoa-Constanza; 31 miles (50 km)
The trail from Jarabacoa to Constanza isn’t for the faint of coronary heart — however thrill-seekers will enjoyment of its winding roads. You’ll attain an altitude of about 2,500m (it’s the very best street on the island) as you absorb breathtaking views of the Dominican Republic’s central mountain vary and acres of unspoiled vegetation and land.
On the best way, swing by the “Colossal Pyramid” within the Valle Nuevo reserve and stretch your legs on one of many park’s brief hikes.
You’ll additionally wish to take your time on the street — for security, sure — however to make stops alongside the best way for contemporary coconuts and low at roadside stands. Close to Constanza, strawberry fields abound; it’s an excellent alternative to choose up a number of bins for snacking. Or seize a “batido” (milkshake) for a candy street journey deal with.
Take within the tropical surroundings on Boulevard del Atlantico
Finest street journey for households
Las Terrenas-Santo Domingo; 77 miles (124 km)
Connecting the cosmopolitan beachside city of Las Terrenas with the bustling Santo Domingo is the Boulevard del Atlantico, a non-public freeway that takes you from one coast of the island to the opposite.
As a result of it’s a non-public roadway, put together to pay a number of tolls alongside the route (roughly $20USD in whole; one of many highest charges within the nation) — however the worth is effectively definitely worth the ensuing view.
Count on a pointy juxtaposition between rocky landscapes and the rollicking turquoise waves of the Atlantic alongside your route.
And since the street was constructed pretty lately, you possibly can depend on a reasonably clean experience to your vacation spot with only a few potholes and bumps, making it a super drive for households with youngsters in tow.
Finest locations to go to within the Dominican Republic
Breathe within the ocean air on the Barahona Enriquillo Coastal Freeway
Finest street journey for rustic seashore views
Barahona-Pedernales; 77 miles (124 km)
One of many least developed areas of the Dominican Republic, the southwest space of the island provides ample alternative to discover the enchanting leafy bluffs and sweeping cliffs that cascade into the cerulean Caribbean Sea.
The Barahona Enriquillo Coastal Freeway will take you thru a sequence of compelling pure points of interest that the majority vacationers don’t frequent, together with Lago Enriquillo, a sizeable saltwater lake with over 200 crocodiles and several other sorts of iguanas, and Laguna Oviedo, the most important lagoon within the Dominican Republic with a hypersaline lake and prime birdwatching territory.
Alongside the best way to Pedernales, you’ll go distant fishing villages and “balnearios” (seaside/river cities) — like San Rafael and Los Patos — that make for excellent spots to refuel with a plate of contemporary fish and a chilly beer.
Store and eat alongside La Ruta Panoramica
Nice street journey for exploring rural Dominican life
Puerto Plata-Santiago; 18 miles (30 km)
Winding by the espresso and cacao farms, waterfalls, and mountain gorges of the Dominican Republic’s northern mountain vary (Cordillera Septentrional), La Ruta Panoramica takes you 800m above sea degree.
Take it sluggish — the roads might be bumpy and hilly. However you additionally don’t wish to miss the scenes that’ll unfold earlier than you: bucolic farmlands on rolling hills, small villages and verdant mountainscapes.
Alongside the best way, cease at one of many many fruit stands for a fast chew after which pop into a number of roadside outlets for locally-made souvenirs. Or, take a detour to Yasica for some ziplining; La Cumbre to discover amber mines, or the Camu River in Montellano for off-roading and horseback driving.
Discover lagoons and waterfalls from Las Terrenas to Rio San Juan
Finest street journey for aquatic adventures
Las Terrenas-Rio San Juan; 65 miles (104 km)
Heading from Las Terrenas to Rio San Juan feels such as you’ve taken the unbeaten path when in comparison with Boulevard del Atlantico — don’t anticipate a well-developed freeway system to get your from one level to the subsequent.
Nonetheless, the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic channels an actual street journey vibe: the sort that invitations you to roll down the home windows, crank up the music, and let the breezy palms and salty seashore air mellow your temper.
The most effective seashores within the Dominican Republic
Alongside the best way, you possibly can pull over into the mile-long seashore at Playa Grande or dip into the crystal clear waters at Laguna Dudu, the place you possibly can zipline 30ft within the air earlier than dropping into the lagoon under.
You can too make a pit cease at El Saltadero waterfall close to Cabrera for swimming and exploring the cave-like grottos. Native youngsters can typically be discovered scaling El Saltadero’s rock partitions and leaping into the water under with acrobatic precision for ideas from visiting vacationers.
