This is drawn from our larger guide to the entire Dominican Republic; it zeros in on the capital city and its surroundings. There is a detailed walking tour of the Zona Colonial, where you can still see and explore the house where Columbus' son lived, the first church built in the Western Hemisphere and a remarkable number of houses dating from the early 1500s. The the many parks, the museums and other attractions are explored, plus all the hotels and restaurants worth your attention. An extensive introduction to the Dominican Republic as a whole gives you all the practical information you will need about getting here, getting around, the climate, flora & fauna, culture, history and much more. A language phrasebook and dictionary is included at the end of the guide. The authors — one of whom is a Dominican Republic native — share their intimate knowledge of this island nation. Virgin beaches, 16th-century Spanish ruins, the Caribbean's highest mountain, exotic wildlife and vast forest reserves will lure you here. And this book will show you around. Diving, hiking, wildlife, parks, tours, getting around, carnivals and celebrations, services, shopping — all are covered in detail. Accommodations run the gamut from luxury resorts to bare-bones camping facilities. The authors recommend places to eat, too — including roadside shacks selling local delicacies.  Packed with all the practical travel information you could ever need, from places to stay and eat, tourist information resources, destination-specific travel advice, emergency information, plus sections on history and geography that provide readers with the background knowledge essential to a fantastic holiday. The authors' passion for the destination comes across in the lively, revealing and detailed text, which is always packed with the very best and most up-to-date information. Whether you want to discover hidden waterfalls and secluded beaches, explore crumbling colonial ruins, or experience local festivities, this is your perfect companion. Adventures covered range from from town walking tours and beach-combing to whitewater rafting and organized horseback riding excursions. Cultural activities might be dance lessons, art classes, attending a language school or visiting traditional communities in the area. The guide still contains all the practical travel information you need - places to stay and eat, tourist information resources, travel advice and more. The text is filled with interesting tips, while town and regional maps make planning day-trips or city tours easy.