Why buy property in the Dominican Republic
Through Signatureoverseasproperties
in the year 1492 Christopher Columbus touched the coasts of the Island and discovered in its inhabitants an Indian unknown race called Taínos –which in the arawac language means good or noble. The Taínos lived in the Island since the year 800 A.D. Dedicated to a sedentary life, simple but rich in religious and agricultural traditions, created in our Island one of the most outstanding cultures of the Caribbean area. Nevertheless, the discovery and its conquest methods exterminated this race in a period of approximately 50 years, which limited the impact of such Indian culture on the Dominican life.
Indian Art.
Samples of cave paintings have been found in different locations of the Island, such as in the caves of “Las Maravillas” and “Pomier”, also, when going around the Enriquillo Lake we can appreciate the famous “Caritas” or Little Faces.
Other caves, well known for their Indian paintings are in the National Park of the East in “Los Haitises”
The Tainian hand crafts of the Island are of superior quality of those of the other islands, most of the artefacts, besides for daily life activities, where used for religious-magical purposes. Two of the most famous artefacts of the Tainian art are the Hammock and the Macuto (wicker bag).
With the establishment in the year 1492 of the first Fort in La Espanola –name given to the Island after the discovery- the Island starts a trans-cultural process which defines the Dominican, son of the cultures encounter, product of the race mixture, “population mixed in beliefs and costumes; product of the Spanish conquer and the African slave, with a drop of Indian blood on its background”.
La Hispaniola was the first European colony of the New World, and in it’s Capital City, Santo Domingo – also called First City of the Americas – where originated the first colonial cultural and social institutions, the first fortress where built as well as the first churches and the first cathedral, the first hospital and the first monuments and the first university.
At the end of the XVI century La Hispaniola was the source of great benefits thanks to its mineral abundance and the system of sugar cane plantations. Nevertheless, the gold mines where emptied, which caused a massive exodus of the population of the colony. French buccaneer who used the island as contraband bridge took advantage of this situation to invade and appropriate of the western part of the Island where they founded the colony of Saint Domingue, based on the exploitation of the plantations with African slaves.
With the Agreement of Ryswick, in 1697, Spain tolerated as a fact the occupation of the French in the Western part of the Island. A century later, in 1795, during the Haitian revolution, Spain ceded the colony of Saint Domingue to France. Toussaint Louverture invaded in 1801 the Eastern part of the Island, for which the French responded sending in 1802 a representative, Mr. Leclrec, Napoleon’s brother in law, accompanied by a powerful army in order to claim the territory.
The French governed Santo Domingo for a period of six years until they were expulsed out of the territory by a Dominican group headed by Juan Sanchez Ramirez who reincorporated the Eastern part to the Spain colony.
In 1822, after 12 years of relative peace, the Haitians again invade Santo Domingo. In 1844 a group of Dominican patriots headed by Juan Pablo Duarte, proclaimed the independent State of Dominican Republic.
Internal differences impaired the development of the governmental institutions, which led to a new annexing to the Spanish crown (1861 – 1863); this caused the denominated War of Restoration and the re-denomination of independent Republic.
NATIONAL PARKS
With colours straight out of a crayon box and landscapes too diverse and magnificent for words, the Dominican Republic provides a picture-perfect view, regardless of where the spectator stands. Proud of its beauty and careful to maintain it, the government has taken a very systematic approach to ensuring these colours do not fade for future generations.
Setting aside 20 percent of the country's land for preservation has resulted in 83 areas: 19 national parks, six scientific reserves, 32 natural monuments, 15 natural reserves, two marine sanctuaries and nine protected parcels of islands also called panoramic views.
From tropical forests to semi-deserts, the Dominican Republic is comprised of various climate conditions, the largest being sub-tropical moist and sub-tropical dry forests. Four mountain ranges elevate the island and are capped by four of the tallest peaks in the Caribbean: Pico Duarte at 10,128 feet above sea level (ASL), La Pelona at 10,072 feet ASL, La Rucilla at 9,990 feet ASL and Pico Yaque at 9,055 feet ASL. However, being the tallest isn't its only colossal claim. The Dominican Republic also has the lowest point in the Caribbean at 144 feet below sea level at Lake Enriquillo.
These mountain ranges, valleys, deserts, lakes and islands serve as home to 5,600 plant species. Thirty-six percent of the country's floral species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on the planet, of which, 300 endemic orchids have been identified. The Dominican Republic even has an endemic palm tree called the "manacle palm."
Of the 303 bird species living in the country, 27 are endemic, including the yellow and brown Hispaniola woodpecker and the narrow-billed tody. Many of the birds are also listed as endangered or threatened throughout the world. One bird, listed as critical, is the Ridgway's hawk.
Other creatures also call the national parks home including 300 species of butterflies and 33 land mammals. Many naturalists will hope to get a peek of the endangered solenodonte, a small shrew-like critter with a long nose that eats ants. The hutia, a small gerbil-like rodent, is also rarely seen. Much larger than these tiny beings are the American crocodile, reaching lengths of 15 feet, and the rhinoceros iguana which grows to four feet and gets its name from the horn-like bump on its nose.
Several marine areas have been classified as national parks and many animals have found refuge here where 14 percent of the world's coral reefs reside. Six of the world's seven marine turtles live in the DR including the mammoth leatherback which can grow to over six feet and weigh 800 pounds. In addition, the endangered Antillean manatee, humpback whale and bottlenose dolphin are often observed in the Dominican Republic's bays.
While the country has invested a significant amount of time and funds to conservation efforts, it has established several partnerships with internationally recognized environmental organizations to further this cause. In 1984, the country joined the Caribbean Conservation Association. Since 1990, the Cornell International Institute for Food, Agriculture and Development (CIIFAD) has worked in the country to develop strategies for managing agricultural and ecological resources, with particular emphasis on the Los Haitises National Park and the coastal border region of Samaná Bay.
CIIFAD recently received a grant from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) to further its work. And, the Nature Conservancy is collaborating with local organizations to protect the island's areas with a current emphasis on the Madre de las Aqua’s Conservation area in the west. It also has programs at Parque Nacional Del Este with funding from the Rescue the Reef (RTR) program.
Entrance Fees
Although entrance fees to the national parks vary from location to location, the amount is nominal ranging from $1 to $5. Guides are nearly always mandatory and fees can usually be negotiated. When exploring the national parks, authorities recommend having the appropriate gear on hand: shoes with proper traction layered clothing for temperature changes at different elevations, flashlight for descending into caves, binoculars for bird-watching, insect repellent and water.
National Parks Offices
Dominican Republic National Parks Office
Av Independencia 539 esq Cervantes
Santo Domingo (Apartado Postal 2487)
Eoturisa, Santiago 203, B
The Ecotourism Department of the National Parks Office
Located next to Santo Domingo's zoological gardens
(809) 472-3717
Offices open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
CENTRAL REGION
Home to some of the country's lushes and most fertile lands, the central region of the Dominican Republic includes the towns of Santiago and La Vega, as well as the stunning Cordillera Central mountain ranges and the Cibao Valley. Well endowed with rich soil and incredible natural resources, this region regularly attracts nature lovers, cigar connoisseurs and adventurers
NORTH COAST REGION
It seems that each of the Dominican Republic's major regions has a nickname and the North Coast is no different. Featuring the popular towns of Puerto Plata, Cabarete and Sosua, the north coast has been referred to as the Amber Coast due its the prevalence of this semi-precious gem the Discovery Coast thanks to Christopher Columbus discovery of the island of Hispaniola at Cape Isabela and the Silver Coast, after Columbus named the area Puerto Plata or silver port because of the effect the sun made on the water as he approached.
Regardless of what visitor’s call it, the north coast brings together some of the countries best features - lush jungle forests, rolling mountain ranges, ethereal blue waters and golden sand beaches. And it is because of these characteristics that this area is today considered the country's most versatile playground. Here vacationers can jump river beds on a mountain bike, fight the waves on a kite board, test their strength on a rock face or rub elbows with the rich and famous who come for the north coast's luxurious new accommodations. No matter what activity visitors choose to partake in, however, they'll find that everything here is done with legendary Dominican flair.
NORTH EAST COAST
The Dominican Republic really does offer something for everyone. For those who dream of a one-on-one with Mother Nature, a visit to the Samana peninsula on the Northeast Coast is like pulling up a chair on her front porch.
Samana's beauty lies in her simplicity. Here, unspoiled beaches serve as a threshold to vibrant coral reefs while mountain waterfalls intersect lush rain forests. But while Samana is a top destination for eco-tourists and naturalists, some come to this off the beaten path peninsula to interact with humpback whales. After all, Samana is home to one of the largest and best breeding grounds in the world for this elusive mammal.
But while Samana's beauty is the stuff of legends, its history is fodder fit for a fairytale. Columbus stopped here on his discovery of the New World but the area didn't become populated until late in 1756 when people began migrating from the Canary Islands. Soon Samana became a lair for pirates who pillaged passing ships. What followed was a short ownership by Napoleon Bonaparte and later, settlement by freed American slaves.
All this history and meshing of cultures has left Samana as one of the most impressive melting pots in the Dominican Republic. Americanos, descendents of the African-American inhabitants, mix with Europeans from France, Spain and Italy. Not only do people here look different from their Dominican brethren, but the food and even the language has a twist all its own.
EAST COAST
The East Coast region contains the most popular and fastest growing tourist area in the country – Punta Cana/Bavaro. One look at the surroundings and there is no question as to why. This is the place to be if tourists are seeking an all-inclusive style vacation set on one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
Vacationers don't have to travel far for a change of scenery. Just south of the thriving area is environmentally forward Bayahibe. This area not only contains one of the most celebrated national parks, but has also received two awards for its conservation efforts in tourism.
Another popular east coast destination is La Romana. Most people who know a thing or two about the Dominican Republic instantly think of Casa de Campo when asked about this quaint area. While the luxurious resort frequented by many celebrities is a top attraction, the city of La Romana is historically important, especially for baseball fans, and worth a visit.
SOUTH WEST COAST
If the Dominican Republic has a well-kept secret, the western region of the country is it. Essentially, this region includes the area west of Santo Domingo, and it is still an undiscovered territory by many tourists. Visitors seeking areas less travelled would be wise to experience this peaceful region before it becomes a popular destination. The farthest part of the region is only about a three hour drive from Santo Domingo or Santiago airports.
Although the Dominican Republic provides a change of scenery at just about every turn, this region is the most diverse ecologically. Two salt water lakes, one being the largest in the Caribbean, provide a haven for massive populations of birds and reptiles. And while some sections of the area are mountain rainforest, other parts are pine forest and arid desert.
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
While the Dominican Republic's coasts provide relaxation at every turn, Santo Domingo and the South Central Region are all hustle and bustle. With just over three million people, Santo Domingo serves as the Caribbean's most diverse destination and, arguably, the most vibrant. The city itself displays contrasts at every turn. Contemporary hotels sit on ancient cobblestone streets, luxury Cars Park beside well-worn scooters, and eclectic cuisine at hip restaurants is served next to street vendors serving traditional Dominican fare.
As the oldest city in the New World, Santo Domingo features the first cathedral, first university and first hospital of the Americas. In fact, visitors often note that the well-preserved Zona Colonial makes them feel as though they've been transported in time.
Despite all this history, Santo Domingo is quite modern and very continental. The city's restaurants offer just about any cuisine in the world, boutiques and major chain retailers from the U.S. and Europe have set-up shops, and a wealth of museums, galleries and theatres ensure countless cultural events. |
