Photo by Brian Major
As far as Caribbean destinations go, the Dominican Republic remains unknown to the herd, especially American travelers. And while the island nation known for its gorgeous sandy beaches, shallow waters and lush forests has its share of well-known spots-Punta Cana, Santo Domingo and La Romana, to name a few, it still has a few sights under the radar that are just as stunning as their popular counterparts.
For the more adventurous type, and for travelers that want to veer off the beaten track, here are five Dominican Republic sights that only a few tourists see but many locals love.
Bahia de las Aguilas
Located in the southern part of the island nation, very close to its border with Haiti, is Bahia de las Aguilas (Eagles Bay). It's considered by many locals as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Indeed, its five-mile white sand beach, clear turquoise waters and rock outcroppings make a very good case for the claim. It is part of Jaragua National Park and a bit arduous to get to, as the closest town is about 15 miles away and visitors would have to take a 15-minute boat ride from the nearest fishing village; but that can be a good thing. The beach is deliciously serene and mostly deserted, devoid of any hotels and even shops and restaurants.
Higuey Sugar Cane Fields
The one drawback to staying in a resort is forgetting to actually leave your resort and explore the surrounding area. In a destination like Punta Cana that's famous for its gaggle of all-inclusive properties, there's even less chance of doing so. It's a shame really, as the area has many amazing spots that need visiting. One of them is Higuey's Sugar Cane Plantations. Take a guided excursion from your resort, to make things easier, and visit seemingly endless sugar cane fields. You can even visit a couple of local families, witness firsthand the hard work farmers put into harvesting the stalks, and learn about the other crops they grow in the area.
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