For us, travelling is synonymous with wonder, it’s the gateway to the world. At Transat, our employees are travel enthusiasts who live this love for travel each day. Always on the lookout for authentic experiences, we accompanied Christopher, our Public Affairs Coordinator at Transat, to the Dominican Republic, to discover his second home, as he lived there for two years. Returning for the first time in four years, he revisits his favourite places and happily shares them with us.
While the majority of travellers visit the Dominican Republic to bask on its beautiful beaches, Christopher, an adventure buff, willingly wanders off the beaten path to explore its lush nature and hidden treasures. He takes us into the jungle to discover breathtaking waterfalls, the colourful streets of Puerto Plata and the spectacular view from the top of a cable car.
Dive into the magnificent Waterfalls of Damajagua
Ready for a high dose of adrenaline? Located 45 minutes south of Puerto Plata, the Waterfalls of Damajagua will not disappoint. To get here, you’ll need to hike (an easy hike) to the heart of the rainforest accompanied by a guide. Once at the top, you’ll be dazzled by the breathtaking view of these waterfalls carved into limestone! There are 27 in total, but you can opt for completing a circuit of the seven, 12 or 27 waterfalls. Then, jump (up to eight metres) into its crystal clear waters or descend on its natural slides at full speed. If you’d rather not – or don’t have the courage to – jump into the falls, take the stairs and suspended bridges to make your way back down.
Tips:
- Visit the waterfalls in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowd. Only visitors aged 12 and up are allowed.
- Bring your swimsuit and towel.
- Wearing a helmet and a lifejacket is mandatory. Rubber shoes and socks are also provided on-site at a small price.
- Guides will accompany you along the way. Be sure to follow their instructions to ensure a fun and safe experience.
Wander through colourful Puerto Plata
It’s as if time has stopped in Puerto Plata’s old town, the oldest on the northern coast. The city’s charm will surely delight you as you stroll through while admiring its colourful 19th century Victorian houses.
Bike ride on the Malecón
There’s nothing better than a bike ride to enjoy Puerto Plata’s Malecón. You can stop to admire the view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Statue of Neptune, erected on an island facing the beach, all along this boulevard by the sea.
Savour local specialties
The Malecón is lined with several beach huts and restaurants that provide drinks and local specialties. We recommend cooling yourself off with a jugo of chinola, a Dominican favourite made up of passion fruit. Next, don’t skip out on trying delicious empanadas. These little stuffed turnovers are a street food staple – it doesn’t get more typical than this! According to Christopher, this is also the perfect opportunity to interact with the locals and practice your Spanish.
Panoramic view from the top of Puerto Plata’s cable car
Puerto Plata is surrounded by beautiful green valleys and mountains. Located 800 metres above the sea, take a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres for a magnificent view. If the weather permits, you’ll have a spectacular view of the city, the coastline and the botanical gardens around the mountain. The summit’s microclimate sometimes generates a very thick fog, and although it’s not always possible to see the panoramic view or the statue of Christ the Redeemer, it’s worth the experience.
Tips:
- Visit in the morning before the clouds cover the mountain.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday between 8.30 am and 5 pm.
- Price: RD $350 per adult and RD $200 for children between five and 10 years old.
For Christopher, Transat’s Public Affairs Coordinator, the country’s lush nature, dreamy beaches and typical Dominican joie de vivre are what keep him coming back. Discover more of his adventures in the Cabarete region and in Santiago. The Dominican Republic is waiting for you, book your flight with Air Transat!
Photo credits: Air Transat
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