Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic. The city is located on the Caribbean Sea, at the mouth of the Ozama River, on the south coast of the island.

Founded by Bartolomé Colón on August 5, 1498, on the eastern bank of the Ozama River and later transferred by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502 to the western bank of the same river. Known for being the place of the first permanent European settlement in America, and for being the first seat of government of the Crown of Castile in the New World. It is located within the limits of the National District, Santo Domingo province. It limits to the south with the Caribbean Sea, to the east with Santo Domingo Este, to the west with Santo Domingo Oeste and to the north with Santo Domingo Norte; together they form Greater Santo Domingo, whose metropolitan area already exceeds 4 million inhabitants.

In Santo Domingo are the first cathedral and the first castle in America; both located in the Colonial City, an area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Thanks to this, the city, especially its Historic Center, receives approximately one million international visitors each year.

Today, Santo Domingo is the largest cultural, financial, political, commercial, and industrial center of the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo also serves as the country’s main port. One of the city’s ports is located at the mouth of the Ozama River. It is the tenth most populous city in Latin America, and the most populous in the Caribbean. In addition, its historic center, known as Ciudad Colonial, was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1990. In the Little Colonial Train (Chu Chu Colonial) you can take a walk through the different streets and contemplate the architectural richness of the historic center.

In the city of Santo Domingo, you will be able to witness an entire era through the different buildings, streets, squares and parks. Stroll through centuries-old streets and contemplate the colonial houses and fortifications that, despite time, maintain the charm of past centuries, both on their facades and inside. Admire the numerous religious temples that withstand the ravages of time and climate. Visit small churches such as the Nuestra Señora del Carmen church, or more impressive ones such as the Templo de las Mercedes, or contemplate the Primada de América cathedral and travel to the origins of Christianity in the New World.

In Santo Domingo you can not only see buildings and objects made by man, but you can also contemplate nature in all its splendor. Visit the beautiful botanical garden, the Zoo, or the incredible aquarium, or stroll through any of the countless parks in the Dominican capital. You will be able to find in the Mirador del Este Park both the typical vegetation and the characteristic fauna of the area, and, in addition, discover the pre-Columbian art that decorates some of its caves. You can also take a refreshing bath in one of the beaches near the city. The beaches Playa Boca Chica, Playa Caribe, and Playa Guayacanes await you with their fine sands and warm tropical waters.

When night falls, you will not be able to avoid dancing to the sound of Caribbean music, enjoying its gastronomy or participating in the traditional festivals that the city offers you to celebrate throughout the year.