What image comes to one’s mind while talking about the Dominican Republic? Of course, the beach chairs, resorts, and expansive hotel areas, right? But there is much more than those well-known scenes of the country. Moving out of the resort areas, there are quaint fishing towns, farming valleys, green mountains, and untouched beaches. This part of the Dominican Republic is peaceful, in touch with nature, and very close to daily life.
Before beginning such a beautiful journey, it is better to complete the DR e-Ticket to make the arrival smooth. Once all the formalities are finished, the road is opened onto a more grounded way of visiting the country, one that most travelers never witness.
What really brings a noticeable transformation is leaving the resort areas behind. The roads become less busy, the scenery is broadened, and everyday life is not in a hurry. You will not find planned entertainment; instead, you will see farmers working, small town markets, and scenery that has been more influenced by nature than by urbanization. These places are not at all hidden by design, but are often missed by the visitors who never go very far inland or to remote coasts.
Jarabacoa, which is located in the Cordillera Central mountain range, is commonly referred to as an eco-tourism center. The place carries an altitude of approximately 529 to 532 meters above sea level. The town is home to rivers, forests, and green hills that feel refreshing and open.
Natural sites, including two waterfalls named Salto Baiguate and Salto de Jimenoa in the area, are well known and can be accessed within a short distance. Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the Caribbean, which also shapes the identity of the region.
Jarabacoa itself is more chilled and lived-in. Cafes in the area are small, streets are quiet, and most of the life is based on nature and outdoor experience more than on tourism.
In a fertile valley surrounded by peaks, lies Constanza, deeper in the mountains. It is among the major agricultural areas of the Dominican Republic. The climate in this place is much colder than the other parts of the country, with an average temperature of about 18°C. Even in the exceptionally cold instances, the locality can witness almost freezing mornings.
The flowers, strawberries, vegetables, and other crops that are grown by farmers are those adapted to the high altitude. Fields cover the valley, and roadside stands regularly sell fresh produce. Life in Constanza is rather steady and silent, not shaped by the tourist schedules, but is shaped by agricultural seasons.
Bahia de Las Aguilas consists of one of the prettiest beaches on the southwest coast, which is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The white sand and the clear turquoise water cover over five miles of the beach.
The only thing that is unique about the beach is that it is situated in Jaragua National Park. No hotels, restaurants, or shops are located on the beach, and the development is limited to conserve the environment. To get to Bahia de las Aguilas is a challenge, but the reward is a beach that seems broad, serene, and nearly untouched.
Lush scenery, seasonal whale watching, and some of the areas that are more local can be found in the Samaná Peninsula. Las Terrenas and Las Galeras are towns located on this coast. Las Terrenas has developed, and it has an evident tourism presence, although it still has a beach-town pace. Las Galeras, on the other hand, is smaller and more subdued, and the beaches are easy to get to and not very crowded.
The airport that serves the region is the Samaná El Catey International Airport, linking the road transport to these towns. Out of the major centers, it is easy to lead a simple day to day life, boats come with the daily catch, nights are quiet, and beaches are not crowded at all.
You will get to see a broader picture of the Dominican Republic once you explore more than the resorts. Cooler climates and farm life are reflected by mountains such as Jarabacoa and Constanza and on the other side, the natural beauty and harmony of the country is defined by places such as Bahia de Las Aguilas and remote areas of Samanam.
This is a Dominican Republic by community, land, and time. It provides room to slow down, observe, and connect. These destinations offer a lot more than just a simple itinerary and substantial experience of the country to those who would consider going beyond the major tourist attractions. So, when are you planning to visit the places?
