Caribbean
Day Trip to Monte Plata in the Dominican Republic
After spending a day or two exploring the Colonial City, you’ll be ready to discover attractions near Santo Domingo. If you’re a nature lover there’s a destination close to the capital that you absolutely shouldn’t miss: Monte Plata, also known as the emerald province.
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Carnaval Dominicano: Masks, Traditions, and Culture
Meet the diverse (and devilish) cast of characters that make up the myriad and ongoing party that is the Dominican Republic’s Carnival.
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National Parks in the Dominican Republic
Revealing a growing consciousness of the country’s rich biodiversity and the need to preserve it for future generations, the Dominican Republic now oversees 18 national parks, nine natural monuments, and six scientific reserves.
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Santo Domingo Nightlife: Bars and Clubs
Dominicans from around the island will tell you: they love Santo Domingo at night. Here’s a roundup of the city’s best clubs, and a great barhopping circuit.
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Visiting Parque Nacional del Este, Dominican Republic
With excellent birding, spelunking, and protected sealife, the magnificent Parque Nacional del Este is the crown jewel of the Dominican Republic’s southeastern coast.
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Dominican Republic Culture and People
Learn about the various peoples and culture of the Dominican Republic, from public and family life to cultural norms and everyday interactions.
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Festivals in the Dominican Republic
Learn more about the various festivals in the Dominican Republic, from the riotous Carnaval to Santo Domingo’s annual jazz festival and everything between.
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Ethical Travel in the Dominican Republic
Ethical travel in the Dominican is a win-win for travelers looking to experience the real Dominican and for locals working to secure a sustainable future.
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Best Shopping in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is a great place for all your shopping needs, whether you’re looking for fine art and jewelry, everyday staples, or perishable souvenirs like Dominican rum, cigars, and coffee.
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Dominican Dance: Merengue and Bachata
Merengue and bachata are at the core of Dominican life every day, in every neighborhood, in every corner. Learn their history, social role, and movements.
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Moon Guides Author Spotlight
Lebawit Lily Girma
Travel writer and photographer Lebawit Lily Girma was nine months old when her parents moved the family from Ethiopia to Côte d’Ivoire. She grew up and studied in francophile Africa, England and the United States, and fell in love with travel and exploring cultures. After graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law and practicing in Washington DC at a top US firm for several years, Lily took a leap of faith to pursue travel writing and photography. She focused on the Caribbean, a region she has now explored and loved for the past 10 years. The Dominican Republic, Belize and Jamaica kept her returning, including for long term stays.
While writing and researching this updated guide to the DR, Lily spent a full year living in the Dominican Republic and traveled the entire country solo, in addition to her past visits. Her Spanish fluency helps her blend in like a local, finding those uncrowded spots that travelers crave and capturing the nuances of Dominican culture. Her favorite base is the Puerto Plata coast, for its diverse landscape, cultural activities and proximity to the Cibao Valley. Lily’s writing and photography on the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean destinations have been published in Sunday Times Travel Magazine, AFAR, Here & Beyond Magazine, CNN Travel, BBC Travel, MorningCalm Magazine, Every Day With Rachael Ray, The Travel Channel, New York Magazine, and American Way, among others. When not living in the United States, Lily splits her time between the Dominican Republic and Belize.
Follow Lily's adventures on Instagram @sunandstilettos