Dominican Republic: back to the roots of Eden

On the peninsula of Samana, Dominicans flock to Las Terrenas to find the original version of their island. Wild beaches, lagoons and mangroves form a background of hills flooded with waterfalls.

For the Amerindians, the Dominican Republic was at the time Quisqueya, “the mother of all lands”. Over time, new specimens have developed, including more than 300 species of birds and 300 orchids. In this nature, composed of subtropical jungle and dry forest, the Tainos live on corn and manioc. They shape the earth, weave cotton and, to a lesser extent, hunt and fish. When cyclones arrive, they take shelter in huge caves.

Los Haitises National Park:

In the bay of Samaná, Los Haitises National Park hides 135 caves, 3 of which are accessible to visitors. Outside, you can observe the mogotes and the 49 islets covered with cactus and colorful mangroves. On foggy days, these rocks in the sea are reminiscent of Along Bay in Vietnam.

Jorobadas Whales :

A few nautical miles away, the Samaná Peninsula has been home to a marine mammal sanctuary since 1986. From mid-January to mid-March, tourists from all over the world come here to watch the humpback whales. They come here to mate and give birth before continuing their journey to the cold waters of the North Atlantic.

Playa Fronton:

From Las Galeras, you can take a boat to Fronton, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Landing :

Christopher Columbus landed on December 6, 1492 and founded the first colony in the New World which he named La Hispañola. In 1945, the Dominican government colonized the island of Saona, its largest possession in the Caribbean Sea.

Dance :

Boats sail along the port, couples dance to the sound of merengue and bachata, vendors offer the faceless Limé doll, symbol of the mixture of histories, communities, cultures and colors.