Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. It’s the most visited spot in the Caribbean, presumably for its great beaches. It also has the Caribbean’s highest mountain, Pico Duarte. Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the first cathedral, castle, monastery, and fortress in the Americas. Dominicans are very enthusiastic about baseball, as well as dances like merengue and bachata.

Dominican cuisine has a combination of Spanish, indigenous, and African influences, and is similar to that of nearby Latin American island nations. Rice, corn, yucca, plantains, dairy products, meat, bananas, and mangos are heavily consumed. Guanimos are a local version of tamales. Arroz con almendras y pasas, a pilaf with almonds and raisins, was brought by Lebanese immigrants. You can find vegetarian-friendly Chinese, Dominican, and Middle Eastern restaurants; juice bars; cafes; and a few shops. Santiago and Punta Cana have some decent natural foods options, but the real action is going on in Santo Domingo.