The DR’s capital is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Americas, founded in 1498 by Bartolomé Colón, brother of Cristóbal (better known to English-speakers as Christopher Columbus). And its colonial core has some remarkable sights and atmospheric streets to experience, as well as top-notch dining, music offerings, and shopping (amber, cigars – see below – and rum are top local products). Cool Caves The DR has the Caribbean’s most extensive cave system, and its longest is also the one most likely the most familiar to Punta Cana resort visitors – “Fun Fun” cave in Hato Rey. But there’s also the impressive Tres Ojos in Santo Domingo, Cueva de las Maravillas out on the south coast toward La Romana (especially cool because of the Taíno Indian artwork), and El Pomier, near Santo Domingo.

Read more in my post Savoring the Diversity of the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism