Exuberant Dr executive Luis Dominican ecotourism Pellerano, Vice adventures, provides Chairman of the magic countless World Free Zones beaches and Organization sport escapes Page 2 Page 4 Page 3 DOMINICAN ABU DHABI, JUNE 2014 REPUBLIC NEWS edited by the Embassy of the Dominican Republic magazine www.drembassyuae.com DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IS A SMALL CONTINENT Is a favorite Caribbean resort desƟnaƟon and popular among vacaƟoners and honeymooners The Dominican Republic is the se- cond largest nation in the Caribbean, after Cuba, with a total area of 48,442 km2 of territory. It occupies the eas- tern two third of the island of His- paniola which it shares with Haiti. The Dominican coastline stretches for 1,633 km, and is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. The geography of the Dominican Republic is greatly diverse, ranging from arid semi-desert plains, to lush valleys, to tropical rain forests with 27 different climatic zones; resulting in a wide variety of incredibly beauti- ful vegetation. The topography of the Dominican Republic consists of a di- verse range of highland and lowland areas, offshore islands, rivers and Map of the Dominican Republic, the second largest naƟon in the Caribbean. At right, Catedral Primada. lakes, all of which contribute in some way or another to the varied beauty of the country and the adventure tra- vel options to explore. Main rankings The country’s main land has four important mountain ranges. The hig- • 1st Worldwide exporter of cigars. hest point is Duarte Peak at 10,417 • 1st Worldwide exporter of bananas and organic cocoa to Europe. ft (3,175 m) and is the highest in • 1st Producer of Organic Cocoa. the West Indies. Four major rivers • 5th Worldwide exporter of sugar cane, rum and beers. drain the numerous mountains of • 5th Commercial partner of the USA the Dominican Republic. Between • 8th Worldwide exporter of footwear. the Central and Northern mountain • 11th Exporter of textiles and manufacture to the USA. ranges lies the rich and fertile Cibao • Caberete: Number 1 destination world wide for Windsurfing and Ki- valley. This Major valley is home teboarding. to the city of Santiago and most of the farming areas in the nation. The Yaque del Norte is the longest and most important Dominican river. It Agro-industrial exports carries excess water down from the Cibao Valley and empties into Monte Luxurious beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Cristi Bay in the northwest. The Dominican Republic is di- Domingo is the site of the first uni- that are part of the Dominican terri- vided into 30 provinces.The capi- versity, cathedral, castle, monastery, tory. The largest of which are Saona, tal, Santo Domingo, located on the and fortress in the New World. The in the southeast and Beata, in the southern coast was founded by Bar- city’s Colonial Zone was declared southwest. tholomew Columbus in 1496 on the as a World Heritage by UNESCO. The Dominican Republic is a fa- east bank of the Ozama River and Other major cities include Santiago vorite Caribbean resort destination, then moved by Nicolas de Ovando in de los Treinta Caballeros (Santiago), popular among vacationers and ho- 1502 to the west bank of the river, the La Vega, San Francisco de Macoris, neymooners and best known for its city is the oldest continuously inhabi- San Cristobal, San Pedro de Maco- beaches and luxury all-inclusive ho- ted European settlement in the Ame- ris, La Romana, Puerto Plata and San tels and resorts; though the island has ricas, and was the first seat of Spanish Juan de la Maguana. much more to offer visitors beyond colonial rule in the New World. Santo There are many offshore islands the beaches and resort areas. 2 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NEWS JUNE 2014 DOMINICAN 1 REPUBLIC’S EXUBERANT ECOTOURISM PROVIDES COUNTLESS ESCAPES The country has been a forerunner in protecƟng the environment The Dominican Republic is the young by the inner cove’s shallow Caribbean’s most bio-diverse waters. country, with 25 percent of its lush Los Haitises National Park, loca- land and pristine coastline protec- ted on the remote northeast coast 2 3 ted as national parks, reserves and of the Dominican Republic it takes sanctuaries. With the creation of you back in time and sense what the Dominican Republic’s Marine the world was like millions of years Mammal Sanctuary for Humpback ago, is one of the world’s most mar- Whales in 1962, the country has velous and mysterious treasures. been a forerunner in the environ- The mangrove swamps, islets and ment and marine-oriented protec- caves are meant to be explored. tions ensuring magnificent nature The 27 Waterfalls of Damaja- abounds. gua, located 30 minutes from the In the Caribbean, the Domini- city Puerto Plata in the Northern can Republic has the highest and Corridor mountain range, is one lowest points above and below sea of the Dominican Republic’s best- level. Duarte Peak rises 10,560 feet kept secrets, is a place to swim and (3,187 meters) within the Cordille- enjoy jumping from the tops as ra Central Mountain chain, while well as exploring the virgin land. Lake Enriquillo is 15 feet (42 me- Caberete beach, located in Puer- ters) below sea level. That’s why to Plata, a city in the north coast Lake Enriquillo has such a high salt of the Dominican Republic, is the content. From the upper reaches of Kiteboarding capital of the world. the country to the low sweeping Its mixture of sun drenched bea- plains, the Dominican Republic ches, perfect winds and seamless has an incredibly diverse ecology. waves create ideal Kiteboarding Nearly every form of nature can be conditions. seen here, from luscious tropic rain Jarabacoa, located in Domini- forests to arid deserts. can Republic, La Vega Province, Each area offers multiple distinct in the north central region of the activities. Areas like Jarabacoa and country is considered the nation’s 4 5 Constanza offer thrilling activities ecotourism birthplace with a steady such as mountain climbing, hiking, climate that provides ideal weather horseback riding, and rafting. Visit for outdoor adventures such as hor- Pedernales, Bahoruco, Bani, Azua seback riding and kayaking. or Barahona and you will disco- Saona Island, Is the country’s lar- ver untouched beaches, geological gest offshore island located on the formations, lagoons, dunes and de- eastern coast of the island La His- serts. paniola with a mangrove swamp If you want to get closer to the stretching 42 square miles (68km), water, you can visit the northeast it boasts more than 112 species of coast near Puerto Plata, Cabare- birds, turtles, sharks, bottlenose te and Samaná; here you can ex- dolphins and manatees. perience deep dives, windsurfing, El Limon Waterfall, in Samana 6 kite boarding, jeep safaris, water- Peninsula’s interiors, located in falls and even humpback whales. the northeast of the islands where The Dominican Republic has the mountains reach up 2,100 feet nine distinct ecological zones so (640m) is surrounded by tropical visitors can have incredible eco- vegetation, coffee, cocoa plants, adventures and witness nature’s and wildlife. wonders, nineteen national parks, Bahia de las Aguilas, on the many forest reserves, natural mo- Dominican Republic’s southwest numents and wildlife refuges are a coast, a few kilometers from the national treasure protected for ge- town of “Pedernales”, or some 320 nerations to come. kilometers from Santo Domingo, January through March is an es- is a bio-diverse area with abundant pecially exciting time in the Do- nature that includes the flora-filled minican Republic as up to 5,000 Jaragua National Park, Lake Enri- whales migrate to the Northeast quillo, the deepest point in the Ca- Coast and Samana Bay’s warm ribbean and Bahia de las Aguilas, waters. The males claim the outer a pristine beach made up of fine 1- Humpback whale in Samana. 2- Horseback riding trough the island. 3- Aerial View of Saona Island. 4- bays while the females nurse their white sand and coral reefs. PrisƟne beaches. 5- Waterfalls in Sierra de Agua. 6- Las Maravillas Caves. JUNE 2014 DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NEWS 3 DOMINICAN ADVENTURES Magic beaches in the Dominican Republic Dominicus beach Beaches on Saona The Beaches of Dominicus Beach is set on the white, pristine Island sands of Bayahibe-La Romana, in the pro- Samana vince of La Altagracia right next to the city Beaches on Catalina The beaches on Saona Island have been of La Romana. Viva Wyndham Dominicus cleared to create some of the most beautiful Beach is an all-inclusive tropical escape with white sand beaches in the Caribbean. Four- There are hundreds of beaches surrounding endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Island teen miles long and a little over three miles the Peninsula of Samana. The longest are The resort greets each guest with a refreshing wide, Saona Island is a very popular area of located on the north, those in the Atlantic drink at check-in, while the tour desk staff Facing the city of La Romana, visitors can the Eastern National Park of the Dominican Ocean (Municipality of Las Terrenas), like helps fill each day with diving, surfing and take a boat to Catalina Island from La Ro- Republic. The island is home to 112 species Playa Coson, Playa Bonita, Playa Las Terre- other exciting expeditions around the coun- mana or Cumayasa. This protected area ac- of birds, along with turtles, sharks, bottle- nas, Playa El Portillo, Playa El Limón, etc. try. Family activities, romantic outings and tually classified as a Natural Monument is nose dolphins, whales and manatees around In the town of Las Galeras, there is the best unforgettable adventures are waiting at this six square miles large.