Taken from Forbes Central America
The destinations that received the most visitors in April were Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Santiago de los Caballeros, and Puerto Plata. If you want to discover why so many visitors are drawn to these places, here's what each one has to offer.
Punta Cana
The enchanting beaches of this exclusive Caribbean haven have positioned it among the fastest-growing tourist destinations in all of Latin America. This is due to its wide range of travel options, which even include the possibility of finding places far removed from the crowds. It also boasts cenotes, lagoons, and caves for nature lovers.
Santo Domingo
The capital of the Dominican Republic is considered the city with the richest history in the Americas. It was the first European city in the New World, and as such, it still boasts stunning colonial architecture. A visit to the historic center is a must to discover the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (the first cathedral in the Americas), the Ozama Fortress, the Alcázar de Colón, and Independence Park. A leisurely stroll along its beautiful waterfront promenade is also highly recommended.
Santiago de los Caballeros
It's the second most important city in the country. Therefore, it holds many surprises for those looking to explore beyond its beaches. Surrounded by the beautiful Cibao Valley, the world's epicenter of tobacco plantations, a visit to La Aurora, the oldest tobacco factory in the Dominican Republic, is a must. For history and art lovers, the Eduardo León Cultural Center and the Cathedral of Santiago Apóstol are essential stops.
Puerto Plata
Although less well-known than Punta Cana, this tourist destination also boasts idyllic white-sand beaches like Dorada, Sosúa, Cabarete, and the slightly more secluded Punta Rucia and Cambiaso. Taking the cable car offers breathtaking views of the city from above; it has become a true symbol of Puerto Plata. For a bit of history, the San Felipe Fortress offers a glimpse into how the city was defended against pirates and privateers in bygone eras.
These four destinations are the ones that most attract national and foreign visitors to reveal a new perspective in the Dominican Republic.
