The Dominican Republic is located on the Island of Hispaniola, which it shares with it's much smaller neighbor to the east - Haiti. The country has an area of about 18,000 square miles, which take up about 2/3 of the island. 

The Dominican Republic offers some of the most beautiful and diverse topography in the Caribbean. To give you and idea of its size, The Dominican Republic is larger than the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands all combined. The Dominican Republic offers an estimated 1,000 miles of gorgeous beaches. In addition, should you like the idea of year round tropical weather, but are not a beach fan, The Dominican Republic also offers a collection of four mountain ranges including Pico Duarte, the tallest mountain peak in the Caribbean, at 10,700 feet above sea level. Snow or frosts have been reported at the highest elevations of Pico Duarte. 

Like any Caribbean island, expect warm year round weather and tropical breezes. The average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius. It does cool down slightly during November to January. While the temperature and climate is constant, May to July and September to November does experience higher levels of rainfall than the other months. The mountainous regions located in the northern part of the country can be somewhat cooler, especially in the late evening. 

Two-thirds of what Columbus ,“ Hispaniola “named, is now the popular destination of the Dominican Republic. Old world charm and historic sites from Santa Domingo, the capital, combine with stretched sugary white beaches and turquoise waters.

Known as “ the New Caribbean “, because of the newer resorts, where they take advantage of the stretched out beaches, here you find excellent values for the travelers who prefer all inclusive. 

Punta Cana - Bavaro

Punta Cana - Bavaro has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are over two dozen beautiful hotels in this area, spread over more than 23 miles of white sand beaches, dotted with groves of palm trees, as well as several golf courses. You can fly directly into Punta Cana, with it's thatched-roof airport, like something out of Gilligan's Island. Most hotels are within 30 minutes of the airport.

Located in the Southeastern region of Dominican Republic is the city of La Romana. Bordered to the south by the Caribbean Sea and to the east by the river "Rio Dulce" the city has the third largest population on the island with 150,000 inhabitants.  Located 20 minutes from La Romana is the town of "Bayahibe". Originally a fishing village it offer a typical Caribbean atmosphere. The excellent beach here is open to the public, and there are many restaurants and bars that are moderately priced.

Puerto Plata

Located on the north side of the island (which is also known as the Amber Coast - Costa de Amber) is the city of "Puerto Plata". Christopher Columbus was first to sight the port in 1493 and named it "Port of Silver" because of the silver color the sea casted along the coast at sunset. In 1496 Columbus' brother Bartholomew officially founded the city and renamed it San Felipe de Puerto Plata. During the governorship of Nicolas de Ovando in 1502 the city grew in size and by1508 was granted an official coat of arms by the king of Spain.