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Dominican Republic Local Dialect: Words, Phrases and Sayings

Blogger — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 20:58:01 +0000

Understanding local dialects can help travelers feel right at home when communicating with those locals who speak in dialect.

The official language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish. Some use Haitian Creole. As in every dialect, Dominican Spanish has numerous vocabulary differences from other forms of the language.

Here are some of Dominican Republic, phrases, meanings available below:

Santo/Santo Domingan {a person from the Dominican Republic.}

Una chica guapa: in Spain “a pretty girl”, in the Dominican Republic “an angry girl”

the passion fruit {Spanish: la maracuyá} {Dominican: la chinola}

the papaya / pawpaw {Spanish: la papaya} {Dominican: la lechoza}

the money {Spanish: el dinero {Dominican also: los cuartos} {this is an archaism seldom used in standard Spanish also}

a bit {Spanish: un poco} {Dominican also: un chin/”chin chin”} {possibly of Arawak origin}

the coach / bus {Spanish: el autobús} {Dominican: la guagua this term is also used in the Canary Islands {Spain}, Cuba, Puerto Rico, but originating in the Canary Islands}

the motorbike taxi {does not exist in Spain} {Dominican: el motoconcho}

the scooter {Spanish: ciclomotor} {Dominican: pasola a genericized term deriving from a trademark}

the jeep / SUV {Spanish: el {vehículo} todoterreno} {Dominican: la yipeta a genericized term deriving from a trademark.}

the farm/agricultural field {Spanish: la granja} {Dominican also: el conuco possible Arawak origin}, “la finca”.

the convenience store {Spanish: “tienda de ultramarinos”} {Dominican also: “colmado”} {this is an archaism seldom used in Spanish also} “Pulperia”.

trash can {Spanish: “bote de basura”} {Dominican also: “zafacón”} {used also in Puerto Rico; possibly a corrupted anglicism of “safety can”}

the tree {Spanish: “el árbol”} {Dominican also: “la mata”}

disposable diaper: Spanish: “Pañal desechable” {Dominican: “Pamper” {a genericized term deriving from a trademark}

Ají {Hot Pepper}

Anacaona {Golden Flower}

Arepa {Corn Cake}

Bara {Whip}

Barbacoa {Four legged stand, made of sticks, used in the cooking process of roasting meat.}

Batata {Sweet Potato}

Bohío {Small square house} {typical countryside homes}

Cacata {Tarantula}

Cana {Any number of Palmetto trees} {A type of palmetto are the palms that line the malecon of Santo Domingo}

Ceiba {Silkcotton Tree}

Canoa {Small Boat}

Cibao {Stoned Mountains}

Cocuyo or Cucuyo {Small Lighting Bug with a blueish light}

Cohiba {Tabacco/Tabacco leaves}

Guagua {Bus or Car; a form of transit}

Guayo {Crater}

Hamaca {Hammock}

Hibaro {Forest Man}

Iguana {Iguana; a green lizard}

Jaiba {River Crab or Freshwater Crayfish River}

Jicotea {Turtle}

Maraca {Gord Rattle, Musical Instrument made of Higuera gourd}

Maco {Frog, in sports it can also mean someone who doesn’t throw a ball accurately}

Mime {Little insect, typically a fruit fly}

Mucaro {Owl}

Nana or Nena {Little girl}

Sabana or Zabana {Savanna; A flat grassland of tropical or subtropical regions}

Tabacu or Tabaco {Tobacco; plants in the caribbean}

Tiburón {Shark}

Yagua {A small palm native to Hispaniola}

Yola {Small boat}

Dominican Republic Map

Blogger — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:30:55 +0000

Map of Dominican Republic

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View Larger Map

Dominican Republic Calendar Of Events

Blogger — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:24:25 +0000

January

New Year’s Day – January 1 – Public holiday

Pilgrimage to Higuey’s Basilica to honour patron saint

February

Carnival Dominicano
Independence Day – February 27

Cabarete Alegria

Carnival Dominicano begins two or three days before the Dominican Republic’s Independence Day and lasts for a few days after Independence Day. It is a great bash, which features a great number of beautiful costumes, spectacular floats, partying and dancing which has a great African flair. the residents have a great time and there is an abundance of alcoholic beverages.

April

Easter Holidays – Good Friday Easter Sunday and Easter Monday (Easter Holidays are either in late March or early April)
Marine Festival in San Cristobal -last week in April
Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange – Barcelona Bavan Convention Centre

May

Labour Day – May 1 – Public Holiday

June

Puerta Plata Windsurfing Tournament
Fishing Tournament – second week June

July

Festival del Merengue – last week in July

August

Festival del Merengue
Carnival/Restoration Day – August 15 -Public Holiday

The country’s second carnival coincides with its Restoration Day on August 15. Restoration Day is the date celebrated that the Dominican declared war on Spain. This carnival is about as entertaining as the one held in February.

October

Festival de Puerto Plata -first week in October
Puerta Plata Jazz Festival

December

Dominican Christmases
Christmas Day – December 25
Boxing Day – December 26

The Ministry of Tourism organizes the Dominican Christmases every year. These events consist of music and dancing which are performed at the Malecon and Avenida del Puerto in Santo Domingo.

Dominican Republic Important Addresses

Blogger — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:18:54 +0000

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION:

Dominican Tourism Promotion Council;
Avenida Mexico 66;
Santo Domingo;
Dominican Republic
Tel: 685 9054 or 685 5254
Fax: 685 5254.

Foreign Embassies in the United States:

In addition to the embassies listed below, some Caribbean
countries have consulates or tourist offices in large cities in the
United States. Look for them in your telephone book.

Embassy of the Dominican Republic
1715 22nd Street., NW
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 332-6280

U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

Note that the Bahamas , Cuba , Haiti , and Jamaica are on
Eastern Time. All others are one hour ahead. Note: Some (809)
area codes are expected to change. If you are unable to get
through on (809), consult your telephone directory or the operator.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
American Embassy
Calle Cesar Nicolas Penson and Calle Leopoldo Navarro
Santo Domingo,
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
(1-809) 221-2171

Embassy of the Dominican Republic:
1715 22nd Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 332-6280;
Fax: (202) 265-8057.

Dominican Republic Dept of Tourism
Dominican Consulate
1 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
Tel: 212-768-2480

Dominican Republic Dept of Tourism
2355 Salzedo Avenue, Suite 305
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: 305-444-4592

Dominican Republic Dept of Tourism
1464 Crescent Street
Montreal, Quebec
Canada H3A 2B6
Tel: 514-933-6126

Secretary of Tourism
Avenues Mexico and 30 de Marzo
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Tel: 809-221-4660
Tel: 800-752-1151

Tourist Information
Avenue Hermanas Mirabel
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Tel: 809-586-3676

Medical Clinics:

Centro Médico Sosúa
(Av. Martinez, Sosúa,
Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/571-3949).

Centro Médico Universidad Central del Este
(Av. Máximo Gómez 68, La Esperilla,
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/221-0171).

Clínica Abreu
(Calle Beller 42, Gazcue,
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/688-4411).

Clínica Dr. Brugal
(Calle José del Carmen Ariza 15,
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/586-2519).

Clínica Gómez Patino
(Av. Independencia 701, Gazcue,
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/685-9131).

Hospiten Hospital Bávaro
(Bávaro, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/686-1414).

Servi-Med
(Plaza La Criolla, Sosúa,
Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/571-0964,
Calle Principal, next to
Helados Bon, Cabarete,
PHONE: 809/571-0964).

Hospitals:

Hospital General Plaza de la Salud
Address: Av. O y Gasset
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 565-7477
Fax: (1-809) 683-5712
E-Mail Address: plazasalud@hotmail.com

Liga Dominicana Contra el Cancer, Inc.
Address:
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 689-3610
Fax: (1-809) 687-4269

Pharmacies:

Farmacia Deleyte
(Av. John F. Kennedy 89,
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/586-2583).

San Judas Tadeo
(Av. Independencia 57, Gazcue,
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
PHONE: 809/689-6664).

Farmacia Baik
Address: Prol. Av. Independencia Km. 10
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 535-4626
Fax: (1-809) 534-5486

Farmacia Lantigua
Address: Av.Ch Summer 21, Los Prados
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 541-4840
Fax: (1-809) 472-3191

Farmacia Ana Luisa
Address: Av.R Betancourt,edf.6 Los Maestros, M Norte
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 482-7037
Fax: (1-809) 482-7270

Emergencies Contact Information:

Medical care is limited, especially
outside Santo Domingo. Within Santo
Domingo, there is an emergency 911
service, but outside the capital,
emergency services are extremely
limited. A private nationwide
ambulance service, “Movi-med”,
operates out of Santo Domingo,
Santiago, Puerto Plata and
La Romana, telephone 532-0000 in
Santo Domingo, 1-200-0911 outside
Santo Domingo. 711/809 472 7111

Police Emergencies (PHONE: 809/586-2804
in Puerto Plata; 711
in Santo Domingo; 809/571-2233 in Sosúa).

Ambulance & Fire (PHONE: 911).
Police Emergencies (PHONE: 809/586-2804
in Puerto Plata; 711
in Santo Domingo; 809/571-2233 in Sosúa).

Area Code – 809

Emergency Air Ambulance:

Ferry Services:

Contact Numbers for Ferries del Caribe:
Mayagüez, Puerto Rico: (787) 832-4800/(787) 832-4905
San Juan, Puerto Rico: (787) 725-2643/(787) 725-2646
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: (809) 688-4400
Santiago, Dominican Republic: (809) 724-8771

Automobile Rentals:

Dollar Rent A Car
Address: Av. Independencia No.366
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 221-7368
Fax: (1-809) 221-7270
Website: www.dollar.com.do

Hertz.
Address: Av. Independencia #454
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 221-5333
Fax: (1-809) 221-8927

Budget Rent-a-Car
Address: Av. J F Kennedy Esq. L de Vega
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 566-6666
Fax: (1-809) 567-0177
E-Mail Address: budget@codetel.net.do

Joshua Rent-A-Car
Address: Presidente Vásquez 29 / Calle 17
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 273-5103
Fax: (1-809) 273-5104
E-Mail Address: jrentcar@tricom.net.do

Honda Rent A Car
Address: Av. J F Kennedy Esq. Pepillo Salcedo
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 541-8487
Fax: (1-809) 541-0039
E-Mail Address: hondarencar@codetel.net.do

Taxi Companies:

Rafael Silva Dominican Taxi
Address:
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 766-3419
Cell. Phone: (1-809) 330-1262
E-Mail Address: r.silva@codetel.net.do

Apolo Taxi
Address: Av.27 de febrero 462
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 537-0000
Fax: (1-809) 537-7336

Mega Taxi
Address: Diagonal 2da 106
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 681-4444
Fax: (1-809) 245-0521

Taxi Anacanoa
Address: Av.27 de Febrero No.509,Esq. Privada
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 530-4800
Fax: (1-809) 534-1298

Taxi Express
Address: C/ Engombe #60, Zona Ind. De Herrera
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 537-7777
Fax: (1-809) 537-6840

Cruises:

Carib BIC Center
(Cabarete,
Dominican Republic. PHONE: 809/571-0640

La Marina Chavon
(Casa de Campo, Calle Barlovento 3, La Romana,
Dominican Republic. PHONE: 809/523-8646,

La Marina Punta Cana
(Punta Cana Resort & Club, Punta Cana,
Dominican Republic. PHONE: 809/221-2262)

Internet Service Providers:

Cibermarketing
Address: P A Campos 11
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 566-5146
Fax: (1-809) 542-6416

Connect Caribbean, S.A
Address: Av. 27 de febrero, Plaza Merengue
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 732-5911
Fax: (1-809) 565-6919
E-Mail Address: info@econnectcaribb.com

ePayLatina, S.A.
Address: Calle Fantino Falco #24, Edificio J. Báez, Ensanche Naco
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 503-5911
Fax: (1-809) 732-5087
Cell. Phone: (1-809) 818-4773
E-Mail Address: info@epaylatina.com

Grupo Interconect
Address: P Henriquez Ureña 113
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 688-3036
Fax: (1-809) 686-6352
E-Mail Address: info@civila.com

GTE Directorios Rep. Dominicana, CxA
Address: Av.27 de Febrero 247
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 220-3100
Fax: (1-809) 683-5933

Internet Cafes:

Punto Internet Luperon
Independedencia
Luperon Dominican Republic
Tel: (1-809) 571-8469
Email: pilup@dr.com

Mp Coffee-Net
Dr. Delgado #53, GAZCUE, Santo Domingo
Dominican Republic
Tel: (1-809) 686-1919
Email: tr.pimentel@codetel.net.do

Cyber City-Internet Cafe
Plaza Las Americas I.Primer Nivel. Ave. Winston
Churchill esq. Roberto pastoriza
Tel: (1-809) 549-4233
Email: cybercity@santodomingo.com.do

Website B@r
Carretera mella km 71/2 plaza fantasia frente a DGII
Tel: (1-809) 699-9005
Email: websitebar@hotmail.com
Zipcode: 809

Studio Internet Cafe
Calle Desiderio Valverde #6
Tel: (1-809) 238-5562
Email: studio_cafedr@yahoo.com

PS INternet Center
Calle Ira no.8 Urb. la esperanza
Tel: (1-809) 236-5560
Email: compuservicio20@hotmail.com

Cafe Internet / Cybercafe
A. Lincol esq. G.M. Ricart
Plaza Andalucia II, 36B
Santo Domingo, Republica Dominicana
Tel: (1-809) 562-MAIL (6245)
Email: info@cafeinternet.do

Teledominicana
Isabel Aguiar #94 (2nd Floor), Herrera,
Santo Domingo
Tel: (1-809) 537-6544
Email: pedro@teledominicana.com

Travel Agents and Bureaus:

Royal Travel
Address: Ch Summer No.14,Los Prados III
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 544-4232
Fax: (1-809) 565-4522
E-Mail Address: royal.travel@codetel.net.do

Services Travel S.A.
Address: Av. R Betancourt 1562
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 535-4290
Fax: (1-809) 535-4662

Omega Agencia de Viajes
Address: Av. M Gomez 41
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 687-9458
Fax: (1-809) 686-1369

Japan Travel Agencia de Viajes Operadora de Turismo
Address: Av. San Martin 73
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 688-4200
Fax: (1-809) 687-1940

Golf Holidays Travel (Agencia de Viajes y Operadora de Tours)
Address: Recodo
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 534-6606
Fax: (1-809) 534-7947
E-Mail Address: g.holidays@codetel.net.do

Airline Companies:

Aeronaves Dominicanas.CXA

Address: Aeropuerto Intl. De Herrera
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 567-1195
Fax: (1-809) 566-6558
E-Mail Address: aerodomca@codetel.net.do

Continental Airlines
Address: Av W Churchill Edf. In Tempo
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 562-6688
Fax: (1-809) 541-4983

IBERIA
Address: Av. L De Vega #63
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 200-1110
Fax: (1-809) 683-4544

Martinair Holland
Address: T Vieja Aila
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 549-0102
Fax: (1-809) 686-3353

Servicios Aereos Profecionales S.A
Address: Aeropuerto de Herrera
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 565-2448
Fax: (1-809) 540-4667
E-Mail Address: sap.air@codetel.net.do

Tower Air
Address: F P Ramirez
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 563-6004
Fax: (1-809) 562-5367

Banks:

Econnect Caribbean, S.A
Address: Av. 27 de febrero, Plaza Merengue
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 732-5911
Fax: (1-809) 565-6919
E-Mail Address: info@econnectcaribb.com

Bank Of Nova Scotia-ScotiaBank
Address: Av. J F Kennedy
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 544-1700
Fax: (1-809) 542-6302

B N V. Banco Nacional de la Vivienda
Address: Av. Tiradentes No. 53
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 565-6621
Fax: (1-809) 565-8543
E-Mail Address: bnv@codetel.net.do

Asociacion Popular de Ahorros y Prestamos

Address: Av. Maximo Gomez, Esq. Av.27 de febrero
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 689-0171
Fax: (1-809) 686-9882

Asoc. La Nacional de Ahorro y Prestamos

Address: I La Catolica 171
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 688-6631
Fax: (1-809) 566-3866

Tourism info centers:

Secretaría de Estado de Turismo
Address: Av. Mexico esq. Av. 30 de Marzo,
Edif. D (Of. Gubernamentales)
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 221-4660 / (1-809) 221-4661
Fax: (1-809) 682-3806
E-Mail Address: setcur@codetel.net.do

Tourists’attractions:

Coco Tours
Address: P.O. Box 4634
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 586-1311
Fax: (1-809) 586-1237
E-Mail Address: gold@cocotours.com

Omni Tours S.A.
Address: Roberto Pastoriza 204
City: Santo Domingo , Province: Distrito Nacional
Phone: (1-809) 565-6591
Fax: (1-809) 567-4710
E-Mail Address: omniexc@omniturs.com.do

Ocean World Adventure Park
Puerto Plata
Phone: (809) 291-1000
E-mail:reservation@ocean-world.info

Golf Adventures
Plaza Turisol Local 2-5
Carretera Luperon Km 3
Puerto Plata , Dominican Republic
Phone: ( 809) 261-GOLF(4653) or (809) 244-GOLF(4653)
Email: manager@golf-adventures.org

Outback Safari
Plaza Turisol, Local 7
Ave. Luperon Km 2.5
Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic
Tel.: (809) 244 4886 (North Coast)
Tel.: (809) 552 0665 (East Coast)

Sightseeing tours:

DOMENICO Cigar Manufactory
Dominican Republic
Cigar Showroom & Cigar Production:
Plaza Brisas … Bavaro / Punta Cana
Tel: 809 552 1414
fax: 809 552 1542
cel: 809 772 6873
Email: info@domenicocigars.com

Amber Coast Adventures (Cabarete,
Dominican Republic. PHONE: 809/972-3065

Go Dominican Tours (Playa Dorada,
Dominican Republic. PHONE: 809/586-5969)

Iguana Mama (Cabarete,
Dominican Republic. PHONE: 809/571-0908

TOUR OPERATOR REPRESENTATIVES:

Amigos Tours, Inc.
Casa de Campo, La Romana, Dominican Republic
Tel: 809-523-3333 ext’s 3111, 3112, 3128
Fax: 809-556-3636
Ave. Padre Abreu #1, La Romana, Dominican Republic
Tel: 809-556-5801
Fax: 809-556-2636
E-mail: office@tropicaltourssa.com

Puerto Plata Head Offices
Open From 7:00 A.M To 7:00 P.M. Every Days
Plaza Turisol Suite #16, Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic
Phone.: (809) 586-5969
Fax: (809) 586-8641
Email: go.dominican@codetel.net.do

Boca Chica Beach Resort Offices
Open From 8:00 A. M. To 6:00 P.M
(Mondays To Saturday).
From 8:00 A.M. To 12:00 P.M. ( Sunday).
Hotel Hotetur Dominican Bay
Boca Chica Dominican Republic.
Phone: (809) 523-6154
Fax: (809) 523-6020
Email: go.tours@codetel.net.do

Punta Cana Offices
From 8:00 A.M. To 6:00 P.M
Every Days
Carr. Arena Gorda, Edificio Inica, 2do Nivel
Bavaro, Punta Cana, Dominican Rep.
Phone: (809) 552-0990
Fax: (809) 552-0993
Punta Cana
Email: go.domtours@codetel.net.do

PRIETO TOURS, S.A.
Ave. Francia No. 125,
P.O. Box 646, Santo Domingo, D. R.
Tel: (809) 685-0102
Fax: (809) 682-8929
E-MAIL CONTACTS:
Sales: sales@prieto-tours.com
Incoming Tourism: incoming@prieto-tours.com
Local Tourism: t.interno@prieto-tours.com
Excursions: excursiones@prieto-tours.com
Cruises: cruceros@prieto-tours.com

Ihr Domrep-Tours Adventure Team
info@DomRep-Tours.de

Dominican Republic Things To Do

Blogger — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 22:13:40 +0000

Sightseeing:

Parks and Zoos.

National Park Zoo:

This is a unique zoo, in that the normal cages were opened and the animals released into the Park to give them a greater feel of their natural habitat. These conditions have made for the successful reproduction of the animals. The combination of flora, fauna and wildlife is a mix that is working excellently in this park. The following is a short list of some of the animals that can be seen at the zoo. There are animals such as Emus, White Rhinoceros, Hyenas, Jaguars, Elephants, Crocodiles and Lions.

The Isle Cabritos National Park:

A large population of wildlife is now present in this park. This was almost a wasteland before, due to the destruction of the vegetation, either by lumbering or by the extensive grazing of animals. The turn around has been a wonder to this park. This is made apparent by the wide variety of animal life that is currently residing there. Some of the present residents are crocodiles and almost sixty-two species of birds.

Parque National del Este:

Another unique park, this one includes a beach, caves with pre-Columbian art and writings on the walls, and a wonderful array of wildlife.

The National Botanical Garden:

With an impressive orchid population it has over 300 species. An annual orchid show is one of the highlights of this park.

The Anthropological Reserve:

Considered to be the most impressive cave system in the Caribbean. These caves are fill with a variety of wall paintings and rock drawings that make it a great archaeological value. Admission to these reserves is $5.00U.S.

The Monte Cristi National Park:

Situated on the Northwestern end of the island, this park is a vast expanse of marine and an impressive land ecosystem.

Museums:

The Alcaza Museum:

Exhibits religious and colonial objects.

The Amber Museum:

A Victorian Mansion transformed into this museum exhibiting prehistoric anber- encased specimens.

The Museum of Taino Art:

A historical trip going all the way to the first inhabitants of the island. The exhibits include the period of Slaves and the conquistadors.

The Numismatic and Philatelic Museum:

It is believed that the collection of antique coins, bills and stamps dates as far back as 1865.

Other Museums:

National Museum of History and Geography
The Museum of the Dominican Family
The Museum of Modern Art

Historic Sites:

La Torre del Homenaje:

Built in 1503, served as a prison, this is the first military building.

Casa de Cordon:

This cultural center was the first Spanish styled home built by Francisco de Garay.

SANTO DOMINGO CITY TOUR*

Enjoy a guided tour through the Cathedral, the Columbus House, the Three Eye Caves, the
National Palace, the Columbus Lighthouse, and the lively waterfront area of Malecon.

PUERTO PLATA
PUERTO PLATA CITY TOUR*

A guided tour will take you through the San Felipe Fort, the Dominican Amber Museum,
& the Brugal Rum Distillery. Afterwards, enjoy a cablecar ride to the top of Isabel de Torres
Mountain for a breathtaking view of the city and coast. Lunch included.

SAMANA CAYO LEVANTADO*

Board a bus to the fishing village of Samana, and board a boat for a sail along the bay to Cayo
Levantado Island. Enjoy lunch at the beach, and a walk near the exotic Los Cocos Waterfall.

PUNTA CANA
JEEP SAFARI*

Go out on your own adventure! Drive a 4WD jeep through fruit & coffee plantations, and
cruise the Punta Cana coast.

ALTOS DE CHAVON*

Step back in time on this visit the city of Higuey, and then onto the picturesque small artist’s
town of Altos de Chavon for an afternoon of shopping, sightseeing, and a sail along the
Chavon river.

Dominican Republic Things To Know

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Time Zone* EST+1

Summer Sunrise/Sunset: 5:06 AM to 6:22 PM

Winter Sunrise/Sunset: 6:11 AM to 5:11 PM

Average Temperature Summer: 81 degrees F

Average Temperature Winter: 76 degrees F

Average Rainfall: 55″

Rainiest Months: May-October

Water Temperature Summer: 83 degrees F

Water Temperature Winter: 78 degrees F

Average humidity: 94%

Dry Season: April; December-May

hurricane season: August-October

Dominican Republic Getting Around

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Airlines that service Dominican Republic.

American Airlines http://www.aa.com/
Direct Service From New York, Miami and San Juan Puerto Rico

Continental Airlines http://www.continental.com/
Direct Service From Newark Airport / NY City to Santo Domingo

COPA Airlines http://www.copaair.com/
Direct Service to Havana and Santiago, Cuba from Santo Domingo

IBERIA Airlines http://www.iberia.com/
Direct Service from Santo Domingo to Dusseldorf – Germany

Lufthansa / Condor http://www.lufthansa.com/
Direct Service to Munich-Germany with connections to the rest of Europe

MartinAir Holland http://www.martinair.com/
Direct Service to Amsterdam – Holland. Also service from Puerto Plata & Punta Cana

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens require a valid passport or an
original birth certificate along with a valid
photo ID. A $10 tourist card must be
purchased at the airport.

DEPARTURE TAX: $10

AIRLINES

Aeromar Airlines: (809) 533-4447

Air Guadeloupe: (011-590) 82-47-00

Air Santo Domingo: (809) 683-8020

American Airlines: (800) 433-7300

American Eagle: (800) 433-7300

Canadian International: (809) 541-5151

Continental: (800) 231-0856

TWA: (800) 892-4141

Tower Air: (800) 221-2500

Dominican Republic Getting There

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