Things to do in  Dominican Republic

There's far more to the Dominican Republic than sandy beaches and rum bars, as the country also boasts a diverse array of natural landscapes, with scenery that swings between fertile farmland, forest-shrouded waterfalls, and majestic mountains. Punta Cana, the country's easternmost tip, entices travelers with idyllic beaches and luxury resorts. It's also an ideal jumping-off point for a handful of adventurous day trips, and active travelers will love the variety of recreation-based tours available. Explore off-road terrain in a dune buggy, take a catamaran cruise to Saona Island, go for a swim at El Limón Waterfall, or careen through the treetops on one of the longest ziplining circuits in the Caribbean. Tours to Catalina Island, where you can snorkel above a pristine coral reef, depart from Punta Cana, too. The island capital of Santo Domingo, home to a colonial Old Town that's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just two hours from Punta Cana. Sightseeing tours that include transportation allow visitors to hit many of its top attractions such as Calle de las Damas, Columbus Lighthouse, and Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (Catedral Primada de América) in one day. Santo Domingo is also a logical gateway to Lago Enriquillo and Isla Cabritos National Park (inhabited by crocodiles, flamingos, and iguanas), and tours that combine both mean you don't have to choose between them.