Best time to visit the Dominican Republic

“The area of Punta Cana in the southeast corner has the highest concentration of all inclusive resorts in the world. That being said, there is always a Yin to the Yang. The growth of sustainable, responsible tourism has been on a steady rise over the past decade. Taken as a whole, the Dominican Republic is 48,442km². Inside this are four mountain ranges, the highest peaks in the Caribbean, the longest river, the deepest lake, countless waterfalls, incredible beaches, caves and natural beauty around nearly every turn. The all inclusive market has its place, but so has small scale, eco based tourism. The country has recently formed an ecotourism association, which has not only caught international tourism’s eye, but the local Dominican tourism market as well. The Ministry of Tourism’s official slogan is ‘Dominican Republic has it all’. They are actively striving to make that slogan true.”

“Oh where to start! My favourite thing about traveling besides adventure is food! The food here is more on the savoury side and not spicy. Dominican cuisine uses fresh garlic and oregano and any dish with the word ‘creole’ next to it is a meat or vegetable dish with a fresh tomato base. Breakfast should start with mangú, a green plantain mash. Rice and beans are a staple and there are so many different ways that they are cooked here. The seafood here is fresh and plentiful. Asopao is one of my favourite dishes and words! Pronounced ahso-pow, it is seafood rice stew. Avocados and mangos here grow to the size of a human head and usually find themselves on the side of every plate. Locally grown coffee and cacao (chocolate pods) make for a great start to any adventure. The spirit Mamajuana is a local digestif and usually drunk after dinner.”