Dominican Republic

Welcome to the Dominican Republic
The Caribbean’s First New World Destination

All the signs pointed towards the Dominican Republic. On this island, Christopher Columbus established the first permanent European settlement in the Americas in 1493. Santo Domingo, the capital, became the site of the first cathedral, the first university, and the first fortress in the New World. The island’s fertile valleys, golden beaches, and strategic location in the heart of the Caribbean made it a crown jewel of Spain’s vast empire. Little did Columbus know that more than 500 years later, the same remarkable features that once made the island a colonial stronghold would turn the Dominican Republic into one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant and visited destinations.

The signs are still there, only now they point to new wonders. The trade routes that once carried Spanish galleons now bring travelers seeking turquoise waters and endless coastlines. Santo Domingo’s cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture, once guarded by Spanish conquistadors, now draw history lovers from around the globe. The lush mountains that shielded communities from pirates and invaders now beckon adventurers to hike waterfalls, explore rainforests, and climb the Caribbean’s tallest peak, Pico Duarte. And the pristine beaches that were once the backdrop to centuries of history now host visitors who come for world-class resorts, golf courses, and music that pulses with merengue and bachata.

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Covering about 18,700 square miles, it is the second-largest nation in the Caribbean. Its highest point is Pico Duarte (10,164 feet), located in the Cordillera Central mountain range. The country is home to more than 11 million people, with Santo Domingo as its bustling capital — a city that remains the beating heart of Caribbean history and culture.