Puerto Rico (PWAR-toh-REE-koh)

Puerto Rico Flag

Why visit Puerto Rico?

Known for beautiful beaches, casino gambling, caves, culture deep-sea fishing, golf, hiking, history, horseback riding, horse racing, mountains, nightlife, rain forests, scuba diving, shopping, snorkeling, tennis, water-sports and world class surfing.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Beth/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, cigars, embroidered goods, hammocks, jewelry, masks, paintings, religious goods, rum, and wood products.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bacalaitos (cod fritters). Chillo (red snapper). Empanadillas (filled turnovers). Lechon Asado (roast pig). Pasteles (traditional). Pescado Frito (fried fish). Piononos (fried plantain rolls). Plantain Soup. Sancocho (beef stew). Tembleque (coconut dessert).
• Local Drink to Try: Bacardi (rum). Coquito (nog). Malta (malt). Medalla (beer). Piña Colada (national). Pitorro (cocktail).

Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

History

• In 1493, island sighted by Christopher Columbus.
  
• In 1521, Old San Juan was found.
• In 1540, La Fortaleza was built.
• During the 1600-1700, sugar plantations boosted the island's economy.
• In 1898, the U.S. invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War.
• In 1927, the U.S. Congress granted Puerto Ricans U.S. Citizenship.
• In 1949, the Caribe Hilton opened, boosting their tourism economy.
• During 1950, the island's economy shifted from agriculture to manufacturing with the support from Operacion Manos a la Obra (Operation Bootstrap).
• In 1919, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel opened contributing to their upscale tourism. Reopened anew in 2012 after ten years of renovations.
• In 2007, the world's oldest person by Guinness World Record, native Emiliano Mercado del Toro died at 115. His long life said to contribute with a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol.

Old San Huan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Andrew/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• The native Tainos called the island, Borinquen (Land of the Valiant Lord) was renamed by the Spanish, Puerto Rico (Rich Port).
• The 17 lakes are all man-made and over 50 rivers.
• Caribe Hilton claims to be the birthplace of Pina Colada.
• There's nothing better than around the holidays, "Coquito" a egg nog like drink with rum and coconut milk.
• The Rockefeller Family built a private vacation home in Dorado during the 20th Century. Later expanding to Dorado Beach Hotel & Golf Club. Today a luxury hotel, Ritz Carlton property.
• Mona, an island inhabited by iguanas, sea turtles, red footed boobies, seabirds is supported by Puerto Rico Department of Natural Resources.
• One of the largest rum producers in the world.
  
• The rain forest has an average rainfall of 120 inches per year, which equals around 160 billion gallons of water. Said to be enough to supply the half-million residents of San Juan for more than two years.
  
• Citizens can't vote in our U.S. presidential elections, and their representative to the U.S. Congress can't vote on legislation.
  
• Arecibo is the biggest municipality (northern coast).
• A territory of United States.

Photo Credit: Rick Lipsett/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Martin Luther King Jr Day, Day of Illustrious Puerto Ricans, Washington's Birthday, American Citizenship Day, Emancipation Day, Good Friday, Birthday of José de Diego, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Birthday of Don Luis Muñoz Rivera, Puerto Rico Constitution Day, Birthday of Dr. José Celso Barbosa, Labor Day, Day of the Races, Veterans Day, Discovery of Puerto Rico Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
• Annual Events: (January) Festival de la Novilla, San Sebastián Street Festival, (February) 

  Carnaval Ponceño​,​ Casals Festival,​ ​Coffee Harvest Festival, Festival del Frío, San Blas de Illescas Half Marathon,​ ​​(March) Puerto Rico National Rum Festival​, ​​​(April) Be Bike Rally​, ​Comic Con​, ​Green Fest​, ​Sugar Harvest Festival,​ ​Vegfest​, ​​(May) Festival de la Piña Paradisíaca​, ​Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueño e Internacional​, ​Heineken JazzFest,​ ​La Campechada,​ Puerto Rican Danza Week​,​​​ (June) Aibonito Flower Festival,​ ​Coffee & Chocolate Expo​, ​Noche de San Juan​, SoFo Culinary Festival, (July) El Gigante Marathon,​ ​Festival de Santiago Apóstol​, Loíza Carnival​, (August) Cuadragésimo Cuarto Torneo de Pesca Interclub del Caribe,​ ​International Billfish Tournament, ​(October) Ifa & Osun Festival​,​ National Plantain Festival,​ ​(November) Festival Nacional Indígena​, Hydro Festival​,​ Jayuya Indian Festival,(December) Festival de las Máscaras de Hatillo​,​​​ ​Hatillo Masks Festival,​ ​Old San Juan's White Christmas Festival,​ and Puerto Rico Heritage Artisans Fair.

Photo Credit: Simao Esteves/Pixabay 

Neighboring Sister Islands:

Cuelbra (Snake Island)

• "Isla Chiquita" (Small Island) is sparsely populated island cay off the east coast of Puerto Rico.
  
• On October 27, 1880 island found by Cayetano Escudero.
  
• Culebra was used as a bombing practice site.
• Punta Melones Beach is well- known for dramatic sunsets views.
  

Vieques 

• "La Isla Nena" (Little Girl Island) located on the southeast coast of Puerto Rico.
• In 1493, Christopher Columbus arrived.
  
• In 1816, Simón Bolívar visited when his ship ran aground there while fleeing defeat in Venezuela.
  
• In 1843, found by Francisco Saínz.
  
• Well-known for secluded beaches, Bioluminescent Bay (or Mosquito Bay), roaming wild horses and snorkeling.
• Internationally known for a series of protests against the United States Navy's use of the island as a bombing range and testing ground, leading to their departure in 2003.

Both of these islands are inexpensively accessible by ferry boat from Farjardo.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Andrew/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• USA Citizens do not require a passport to visit since the island is a Commonwealth to the USA. 
• A non-stop flight from most U.S. airports and popular cruise hub for the Caribbean.
• Nature lovers enjoy Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Preserve on the northeastern coast. The area offers seven different tropical habitats. Only 230 visitors are permitted daily.
• Most caverns are found in the north.
• Major highways are well maintained, but secondary roads can be narrow, steep and bendy.
• In the evening, coqui (a tree frog) can be heard. Local wisdom says, while the coqui may survive if taken away from his native land, he will never sing again.
• Salsa music and dance is most popular.
• Movies which may inspire you to visit are Golden Eye (1995), Contact (1997), The Rum Diary (2011) Lord of the Flies (1990), Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Fast Five (2011).
• Birthplace to Baseball Hall of Fame Roberto Clemente (1973), Orlando Cepeda (1999) and Roberto Alomar (2011). Grammy Award winner Ricky Martin.
• Culebra has a wildlife refuge and coral reefs, and Vieques attracts snorkelers and boasts some of the best beaches.
  
• Public smoking is banned.
  
• Christmas Eve supersedes our Christmas Day. A time for family and friend gatherings.
• "Parrandas" (Christmas Caroling) is still a thriving tradition usually starts in November around 10PM with a small group of unprofessional singers and instrument players caroling to their family and friends. Some secrecy and desire to awaken the homeowner, whom is to welcome them into their home to serve drinks and snacks. Dance! Before long, they depart and venture to the next home. Often growing in size as the festivities continue into the wee morning hours.
• English is not widely spoken.
• Currency is the USA dollar.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: sbazaar/Pixabay 

                                                                      

           

                                                                   Hurricane Season is from June - November.

• Coolest Season: January
• Humid & Hottest: August
• Peak Season: Mid December - Mid April
  
• Shoulder Season: June - November

Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Armstrong-Poventud Residence, Caguana Ceremonial Indigenous Heritage Center, Casa Blanca, El Morro, Fort San Cristobal, Hacienda Buena Vista, La Fortaleza, San Jose Church, San Jose Plaza and Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. 
• Museums: Carolina Children’s Museum Museo, Casa Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier, Museo Dr Pío López Martínez, Casa Paoli, Children's Museum, Coffee Museum of Puerto Rico, El Cemí Museum, MADMi - Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar, La Casa del Libro Museum, La Casa de los Contrafuertes, Museo Casa Antonio Roig, Museo Casa Canales, Museo Casa Cautiño, Museo Casa Escuté, Museo Castillo Serrallés, Museo de Arte de Bayamón, Museo de Arte - Casa Amarilla Dra Concha Meléndez, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Museo Histórico de Culebra, Museo de la Historia de Ponce, Museo de la Música Puertorriqueña, Museo del Deporte, Museo de los Próceres, Museum of Americas, Museum of Art and History, Museum of the Indian, Pablo Casals Museums, Puerto Rican Museum of Comptemporary, The Museum Of Transportation Art, Puerto Rico National Guard Museum and Wildlife Museum San Juan.
• Popular Attractions: Arecibo Observatory, Bacardi Rum Distillery, Bioluminescent Bays, Camuy River Cave Park, Centro Cultural de Ponce Carmen Solá de Pereira, Cueva Ventana, El Yunque, Fajardo, Flamenco Beach, Gilligan's Island, Hacienda Buena Vista, Iglesia Porta Coeli, Laguna Grande, La Parguera, Luquillo Beach, Mayaguez, Mosquito Bay, Old San Juan, Palmas del Mar, Parque de Bombas, Plaza Colon, Plaza Las Americas, Ponce, Ponce Catherdral, Puerto Rican Sports Hall of Fame, The Plaza Las Delicias and Yabucoa.

San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Credit: Mariam/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Haiti (HAY-tee)

Haiti Flag

Why visit Haiti?

Appeals to the adventurous traveler with interest to a developing country known for their African influenced dance, beaches, casinos, fine arts, folk paintings, historic sites, nightclubs, rugged landscape, shopping, voodoo culture and water sports.

Abaka Bay & Resort, La Hafte, Haiti. Photo Credit:  Claudia Altamimi/Pixaby

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Copper jewelry, hand embroidered clothing, mahogany carvings, music, oil paintings, wrought iron sculpture, and voodoo goods.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Achards (pickled vegetables). Bouillon (soup). Djondjons (rice dish). Grillot Cochon Avec Banane Pesee (pork chop dish). Griyo (fried pork). Pâté Haïtien (snack). Pois du Riz Coles (rice dish). Poul Lakay (spicy chicken). Soupe au Jiroumon (pumpkin soup). Taso (grilled goat).
• Local Drink to Try: Akasan (soft drink). Clairin (spirit). Cola Couronne (soft drink). Cola Lacaye (soft drink). Prestige (beer). Rhum Barbancourt (rum).

Photo Credit: Donna Wickerham/Pixabay 

History

• In 1789, slavery was abolished. Former slave, Toussaint Louverture crowned himself King Henri Christophe I.
• In 1802, Napoleon sent troops to retake the island. Captured by the French, Louverture was taken to France for trial.
• In 1803, Louverture died of exposure and TB.
• In 1804, the first Caribbean country to gain their freedom.
• In 1914, British, German, and U.S. entered forces, the U.S. Marines stationed until 1934.
• In 1957, Francois Duvalier (Papa Doc) was elected president. Upon his death his son, Jean Claude (Baby Doc) was the predecenter. 
• In 1886, Jean Claude (Baby Doc) was driven out of the country. Seeking refuge in France.
• During 1980, Jean Aristide, President was thrown out of power by the military.
• Late 1994, the U.S. forced the military to give up power and stayed to help the country establish order.

Photo Credit: gamble34/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Voodoo is a highly developed ritual estimating nearly half the population practice: elements of magic, dance, music and drumming. Open ceremony consisting of three drums: boula, mamman and segon.
• The flavor to Grand Marnier and Cointreau liquors is sun drying orange peels.
• Rhum Barbancourt Distilleries use sugarcane juice instead of molasses.
• Birthplace (1969) to Nel Ust Wyclef Jean (aka: Wyclef Jean), Actor & Musician. A member of the New Jersey hip hop group the Fugees.
• One of the highest unemployment rates in the Western Hemisphere (around 70%), its people are known for their work ethic and were instrumental in the building of the Panama Canal. 
  
• Prestige is brewed by Brasserie Nationale d'Haiti and owned by Heineken.
• Labadee is Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCI) private beach on the northeast coast.
  

Citadelle Laferrière (aka: Citadelle Henri Christophe or Citadelle), Nord, Haiti. Photo Credit: Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Port-au-Prince International Jazz Festival, Rara, (February) Carnival, (March) Krik? Krak! Festival, (July) Jacmel Film Festival, (August) Carifesta, and (November) Paris Rum Fest & Festival. 
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Independence Day, Ancestry Day, Shrove Tuesday, Good Friday, Agriculture & Labor Day, University Day, Haitian Flag Day, Feast of Corpus Christi, Feast of Assumption, Dessalines Day, All Saints' Day, All Souls Day, Battle of Vertières Day, Discovery Day, and Christmas Day.

Photo Credit: smattern/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Political upheavals and natural disasters have kept them off of Tourism mainstream.
• Tropical storms with floods and mudslides have killed many locals.
• Literacy levels are low, around 50%.
• The best beaches are on the South Coast along the Southern Peninsula and North Coast. Otherwise, dark volcanic sand.
• To inspire you, read Lydia Bailey (1947) and The Comedians (1966).
• A movie that may inspire you The Comedians (1967).
• Prone to beggars, frequent delays, poor roads and power outages.
• Doux doux (pronounced doo-doo) means Sweetheart in Creole.
  
• Don't expect world-class snorkeling and scuba diving, as the country's reefs have been devastated by overfishing.
  
• Iron Market (Port-au-Prince) offers a wide selection of local goods.

Labadee, Haiti. Photo Credit: kbmars/Pixabay 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.

                               Hurricane Season is June - November, Haitis impact usually around August - October.

• Coolest Season: December
• Humid & Hottest: August
• Peak Season: November - March
  
• Shoulder Season: April - June

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites:  Bassin Bleu, Cathédrale de Milot, Cathédrale Notre-Dame du Cap Haitien, Champ de Mars, Citadelle Laferrière, Fort Picolet and Grotte Marie Jeanne.
• Museums:  Bureau d'Ethnologie, Haitian Heritage Museum, Musée du Panthéon National, National Museum of Art and Sans-Souci Palace.
• Popular Attractions:  Cap Haitien, Cascade Touyac, Citadelle, Iron Market, Kokoye Beach, Port-au-Prince and Wynne Farm Ecological Reserve.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Cayman Islands (KAY-muhn)

Cayman Islands Flag

Why visit the Cayman Islands?

Ideal island destination for the luxury traveler seeking a beach lovers, deep-sea fishing, diving, duty-free shopping (George Town), fine dining, glass-bottom boat tours, golf, horseback riding, low crime rate, friendly English-Speaking islanders, marine life, seclusion, snorkeling, sport fishing, and water sports. 

As the "Underwater Capital of the Caribbean", undoubtedly a premier diving destination! Underwater weddings, couples must have a proper Ceremony above water to make it legal.

Photo Credit: Bob Spicer/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Caymanite, collector coins, crochet goods, jewelry, paintings, pepper sauces, rum, sculptures, semi precious stones, sketches, and wood carvings. 
• Local Cuisine to Try: Turtle Stew (delicacy).
• Local Drink to Try: Buca Kiss (cocktail). Caybrew (beer). Cayman Lemonade. Jager Bomb (cocktail). Macabuca Punch. Mudslide (cocktail). White Tip Larger (beer).

History

• In 1503, during his fourth voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus discovered Grand Cayman's two sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
  
• In 1586, Sir Francis Drake changed the islands' names to "Caymanas".
  
• In 1670, Spain ceded the islands to the British under the Treaty of Madrid.
• In 1794, a group of ten merchant ships struck a reef and ran aground. Rescued by Caymanians it's rumored that one of the ships had a member of King George III England's family. Tales of "Wreck of Ten Sails". In appreciation and gratitude, King George III promised not to impose taxes. 
• In 1834, slavery was abolished. Most slaves were brought from Africa.
• In 1959, Cayman Islands got their first constitution.
  
• Until 1962, governed as part of Jamaica to become a Crown Colony.
• In 1994, Cayman Islands revised their constitution.
  
• On April 29, 2012, the well-known Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William of Wales & Miss Catherine Middleton reported an official gift from the island was the local stone of Caymanite.
  

Fun Facts

• Grand Cayman is the largest of the three coral islands; separated by easterly sister islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
  
• Cayman Trough is a massive subterranean ridge that rises 8,000 ft from the seafloor and is the deepest part of the Caribbean. 
  
• Do not levy an income tax, capital gains tax, or estate and death tax.
• "Las Tortugas" (The Turtles) was named by Christopher Columbus considering how many were in the surrounding waters.
• Local stone, Caymanite occurs as a fine-grained or vug filling a variety of the mineral dolomite CaMg(CO₃)₂. It occurs as white to red and black filling in fossil molds, small cavities, and caves. It is used as a semi-precious stone.
  
• Considering there's no direct taxation, the Cayman Islands are a mecca for banking, with about 500 registered banks and trust companies, including more than 40 of the world's largest banks. Which is impressive given their size.
  
• Birthplace (Rum Point Club's Wreck Bar) of the popular cocktail Mudslide.

Photo Credit: Hans Schwarzkopf/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Cayman Cookout, Cayman Islands Cancer Society Stride Against Cancer Walk, (February) Agricultural Show, Coco Fest, Light Up the Night Breast Cancer Beach Walk, Mercuryman Triathlon, Super Bowl, (March) Cayman Islands Orchid Show, Rundown (April) Batabano Carnival Junior Parade, Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, Kaibo Kitefest, Red Sky at Night, (May) Batabano Adult Parade, Cayman Carnival Batabano, Furball Gala, Taste of Cayman, (June) Flowers Sea Swim, (July) CayMAS Carnival, Summer Moonlight & Movies, (September) Oktoberfest, The Big Shave, (October) Cayman Cocktail Week, Cayman Restaurant Month, The Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation Gala, (November) Cayman Islands Triathlon, Gimistory, MOvember,
  Pirates Week, TBC, Tree Lighting, (December) Cayman Islands Marathon, Christmas Evening Market, New Year’s Eve Fireworks, The Pink Ladies Annual Tea & Bazaar, and Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, National Heroes' Day, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter, Discovery Day, Whitsunday, Queen's Birthday, Constitution Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

Good to Know

• A premier diving destination with 160 unique dive sites!
  
• Read Caribbean, written by James Michener 1989.
• Boasts a high standard of living, service, and amenities.
• Car Rental Drivers must be 21 and need a temporary Driver's License.
• Choose a weekday to best enjoy a golf non-crowded course.
• Cayman Carnival Batabano is a salute to Cayman's Turtling Heritage. Parades with music and dance for the Batabano tracks left in the sand by turtles dragging themselves onto the beach to nest.
• The island restricts the number of passengers visits per day.
• The famous Seven Mile Beach sustaining significant hurricane damage is currently only 6 miles long, now.
  
• Prevalent Diseases: Chikungunya, Dengue Fever and Zika Virus. 
• Little criminal activity.
• Traffic moves on left hand side of the road.
• Captain's Table (Cayman Brac) is a popular restaurant.
• The Turtle Farm is the world's only commercial green sea-turtle farm, housing more than 16,000 endangered sea turtles.
• Alexander Hotel (Cayman Brac) and Brac Reef Beach Resort (Cayman Brac) known for their outdoor bars.
• Legal drinking age is 18.
• Avoid open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption.
• Halloween is a very popular event.
• There's been many rumors that a Pirate Treasure is buried in the caves on Cayman Brac.
• The USA, Canada, and the UK have signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, therefore it is illegal to buy turtle products and import them.
  

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.

Hurricane Season is June - November.

• Coolest Season: November - April
• Humid & Hottest: July - September
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Shoulder Season: May - October

Your Must-See & Do

• Historical Sites: Camana Bay Observation Tower, Mission House, and Pedro St James National Historic Site.
• Museums: Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum, Caymon Island National Museum, Cayman Motor Museum, and National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.
• Popular Attractions:  Bioluminescent Bay, Black Pearl Skate Park, Bloody Bay Wall, Blowholes, Cayman Crystal Caves,  Cayman Ridge, Dart Family Park, East End, Hell,  George Town, Cayman Spirits Co Distillery, Cayman Turtle Farm, Dolphin Discovery, Jackson Point, Mastic Trail, National Trust for the Cayman Islands, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Rebecca's Cave, Red-Footed Booby Bird Nature Reserve, Seven Fathoms Rum,  Seven Mile Beach, South Hole Sound Lagoon, Stingray City, The Pirate Caves, and Wreck of the Ten Sails Historic Park.

Photo Credit: Heidi Kiss/Pixabay 

My industry designation earned as a Caribbean Specialist combined with our local connections with Cruise Lines, Tour Operators, Hotels, Resorts, Airlines, Villa Rental Companies, Adventure Travel providers and Limo companies will offer you Exclusive Benefits that you won't be able to achieve on your own. Such as: Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily, Dining or Resort Credit, Spa Treatment, Airport Transfer, or other privileges. Even Room Upgrades, Early Check-In and Late Check-Out when available. 

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Flag

Why visit the Dominican Republic?

Best known for their baseball games, beautiful beaches, casinos, caves, cigars, colonial architecture, Columbian art, golf courses, historical sites, kiteboarding, latin nightlife, merengue dancing, mountain scenery, national parks, natural beauty, reef and wreck diving, windsurfing and warm tropical waters.

Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Amber, art, carnival masks, ceramics, cigars, coffee, larimar jewelry, perfume, soapstone carvings, straw goods, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Aguají (soup). Almibar de Frutas (dessert). Bandera Dominicana (national). Bizcocho Dominicano (cake). Casabe (flatbread). Chimichurris (burger top). Habichuelas con Dulce (bean dessert). Lambi (conch). Mangu (plantain dish). Mero (grouper). Pan de Coco (coconut bread).  Pastelón (casserole). Pescado con Coco (fish dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Mama Juana (cocktail).

Photo Credit: Rita/Pixabay 

History

• December 1492, Christopher Columbus came upon the island of Hispaniola.
  
• In 1493, Christopher Columbus established La Isabela upon his second voyage. 
  
• In 1844, Juan Pablo Duarte led them to the movement as an independent nation.
• In 1877, a box of bone fragments was found marked Columbus' in Santo Domingo. However, DNA tests reveals not to be his DNA.
• In 1916, U.S. Marines were stationed in Santo Domingo.
• In 1930, General Rafael Trujillo seized power.
  
• In 1961, General Rafael Trujillo was assassinated.
• During the 1970s, a group of investors developed Punta Cana as a beach resort destination.
  
• In 2003, every fours they hosted the Pan American Games.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Photo Credit: falco/Pixabay 

Fun Facts

• Cordillera Central is the largest mountain, Pico Duarte reaching 10,417 feet.
• Amber Coast derives from the Amber gem known to have rosin of an ancient tree. The tree exuding sap upon injury, spa globules failing to earth over millions of years ago. These rosin chucks collected plans and insect material, hardening to the gem we appreciate today. The islands is transparent with a higher ratio of fossils, Baltic Amber.
  
• Dictator Trujillo, commanded musical groups to compose merengue (dance music) to praise him.
• Birthplace to major league baseball players: David Ortiz, Sammy Sosa and Pedro Martinez.
  
• Three sisters: Patria, Minerva and Maria Mirabal were leaders to the movement to overthrow Dictator Trujillo. Said, to have been found, tortured and murdered by Trujillo's secret police. Today, they're honored as national heroes, "Las Mariposas" (The Butterflies).

Las Galeras, Dominican Republic. Photo Credit: Eve/Pixabay 

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Carnival, (March) Santo Domingo International Book Fair, (June) Mango Festival, Seafood Festival, (July) Cabarete Kite Festival, Festival del Merengue, (October) Dominican Baseball Tournament, Puerto Plata Festival, Santo Domingo Restaurant Week, and (November) Dominican Jazz Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Epiphany, Altagracia Day, Duarte Day, Independence Day, Good Friday, Easter, Labour Day, Feast of Corpus Christi, Restoration Day, Our Lady of Mercy Day, Constitution Day, and Christmas.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Photo Credit: Abel Ojeda/Pixabay 

Good to Know

• The most tranquil beaches are along the southern coast of the island.
• Not all resorts accept credit cards.
• Celebration & Events: Carnival (Late February-Early March) and Merengue Festival (Late July - Early August).
• You may wish to read: In the Time of the Butterflies (written by Julia Alvarez 1995) and Feast of the Goat (written by Mario Vargas Llosa).
• Movies that may inspire you to visit: In the Time of Butterflies (2001) and Road to the Big Leagues (2008).
• Many travelers consider Dominican Republic cigars to be the best in the world, surpassing even the Cuban cigars.
  
• Blackouts are frequent, known to last up to 14 hours or more. Most hotels and restaurants have generators.

                   Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs between August - October.

• Coolest Season: November - January
• Humid & Hottest: June - August
• Peak Season: December - April
  
• Rainy Season: November - January & May - November
• Shoulder Season: May - November

Altos de Chavón, La Romana, Dominican Republic. Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay 

Your Must-See & Do

• Activities: Cave exploring, deep-sea fishing, golf, hiking, horse back riding, jeep safaris, parasailing, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, whale watching and zip lining.
• Historical Sites: Alcazar de Colon, Boca de YumaCasas Reales (Royal Houses), La Isabela and Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone).
• Museums: Amber World Museum, Aromas Museum, Casa Museo Hermanas Mirabal, Cathedral Museum, Larimar Museum, Memorial of Dominican Resistance, Museo Carnaval Vegano, Museo de la Altagracia, Museo de la Porcelna, Mundo King Art Museum, Museo de Arto Moderno, Museum of Dominican Man and Museo Histórico y Arqueológico Doctor Estrada. Torres, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Royal Houses, Natural Museum of Natural History, Trampoline Children's Museum and Wax Museum.
• Popular Attractions: Agua Splash, Brugal Rum Distillery, Cathedral of Santa Maria, Columbus Lighthouse, Gallery of Modern Art, Los Haitises National Park, Macorix House of Rum, Manati Park, Mt Isabel de Torres, National Library, National Theater, Ocean World, Parque Central (Central Park) and Santo Domingo's National Zoo.

Photo Credit: Faustino Medina/Pixabay 

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                                        All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.