Where to go in the Dominican Republic by a rented car?

To highlight, for example, the top 10 best places to visit in the Dominican Republic, frankly, is a difficult task: there are much more than ten such places. Therefore, we have tried and compiled a unique list, which, along with the well-known Dominican sights, included the so-called «chamber» places with little attendance, but no less interesting. And the most important thing: you can visit and see all this on your own, simply by renting a car. When making a route, it is worth stopping at one region, because it is still impossible to go around the whole island in a few days.

So, let's start with the central part of the Dominican Republic.
In the eastern part of the country, most likely you are stay there having your vacation, there are many attractions. We are talking about the resort area of Bavaro and Punta Cana. A busy tourist life, many beachfront establishments, shops, cafes and restaurants. Certainly there are several supermarkets and a couple of closed gated communities, like the famous Cap Cana, which stands out for its gorgeous beach and yacht club.

The most popular point to visit, which is close to your hotels, ideal for day trips, is Mount Redonda. Or Round Mountain. An incredibly spectacular place. The famous mountain with swings. It takes about an hour to get there. At the top of the mountain you will be greeted with a gorgeous view of the bay of the Samana Peninsula, from a height of 300 meters. Swing to the sky, zip-line and the opportunity to taste delicious lunch of real Dominican cuisine.

In the central part of the Dominican Republic is located the cultural capital of the country — the city of Santiago. Its full name is Santiago de los Treinta Caballeros, which literally means «the city of thirty gentlemen. This name was invented by Christopher Columbus in order to perpetuate the memory of thirty aristocrats from Spain, who founded the first settlement here at the end of the 15th century.

Santiago is a relaxing family holiday destination. There are many beautiful corners here for pleasant calm walks and interesting sights. Here are some places to visit in Santiago:

• Monument to the heroes of the revival of the Republic. This is the famous 67 m high white marble tower, on five floors of which there are exhibitions dedicated to the main historical battles in the Dominican Republic. The fifth floor offers stunning panoramic views of Santiago from a circular balcony overlooking the Central Cordillera mountain range.
• Cigar factories. Santiago is rightfully considered the cigar capital of the world: it is here that several cigar industries are located. The factories are open for visiting, here you can see how cigars are made, learn about the history of cigars, taste products and buy souvenirs. And in February, the famous "ProCigar" cigar festival is held every year in the city.
• Eduard Leon Jimenez Cultural Center. Its visitors can appreciate the collection of unique anthropological artifacts, art and ethnographic exhibits. In addition, the center organizes cultural and educational programs aimed at promoting Dominican art and culture.
• Museum of Folklore named after Thomas Morel. It presents guests with a collection of interesting artifacts dating back to colonial times. One of the most valuable in the museum is the collection of carnival masks. The museum is located on the Restauración Street.
• Park Duarte is a great place to relax, where you can just walk or ride a horse-drawn carriage. The colourful Calle del Sol shopping street is also nearby.
• The Cathedral of the Apostle Santiago is located next to the park. Visitors can admire exquisite mahogany decorations, as well as incredibly beautiful stained glass windows and delicate carvings.
• The Tobacco Museum is located in the southern part of the Duarte Park. Here you can familiarize yourself with the history of the origin of tobacco products and see with your own eyes how the process of growing tobacco and rolling cigars takes place.
• In the Casa de Arte (translated from Spanish "House of Arts"), meetings of representatives of the creative environment take place. The rotating exhibition of the gallery will allow you to get acquainted with the works of Dominican artists. In addition, there is often live music and theater performances in the evenings.
• Carnival in Santiago. Every year in February, locals celebrate a grand event - the traditional Dominican carnival. On Sundays, procession participants march, dressed in colorful devils' costumes and adorned with small mirrors and bells.
• The Cibao Grand Theater is renowned for its luxurious roomy halls, made of white marble and mahogany. Numerous national and international performances, dance performances, operas and concerts can be seen here all year round.
• The Cascade water park covers an area of about 40,000 square meters and offers visitors a huge selection of attractions, including for small kids.
• In the Gurabo Zoo, you can see the typical inhabitants of the local rainforest.
• Cibao Stadium. This is where baseball fans spend all their free time.

Here, in the central Dominican Republic, is located the popular mountain resort of Jarabacoa (yes, the Dominican Republic is not only beaches, palm trees and sand :)). This place attracts fans of extreme ecotourism: rafting, canoeing, mountain biking or horse riding — all this can be done here. Jarabacoa is called the city of eternal spring, because here tropical flowers bloom and savor all year round. From here, you can climb Peak Duarte, the highest point in the Caribbean, for stunning views.
By the way, the movie «Jurassic Park» was filmed near one of the local waterfalls.

Not far from Jarabacoa lies the picturesque and fertile Constanza Valley, which is called the Dominican Switzerland. They grow strawberries, raspberries, all kinds of vegetables and even flowers.

The roads in this part of the country leave much to be desired, so you should be careful during your trip.