Puerto Rico - "rich port" - is Latin American way of life mixed with American Way of Life.
The island state of Puerto with its side islands is a paradise for bathers with secluded sandy beaches and untouched forests. The capital San Juan impresses with a gigantic city wall and the fortress San Felipe del Morro from the 16th century.
The Dominican Republic offers pure Caribbean. Thanks to different altitudes, nature is very diverse - in over ten national parks you will find wonderful hiking paradises. Typical Caribbean, white sandy beaches, lined with coconut palms, e.g. at Punta Cana, but also on the Samana peninsula.
In the capital Santo Domingo one can discover the oldest Spanish buildings of the colonial period. Worth seeing are the fortress Ozama or the Alcazar de Colon. A short trip to the smaller cities Puerto Plata and Sosua on the north coast or Barahona in the southwest of the country is also worthwhile.
TRAVEL TIPS
Culture:
Pre-Columbian site Centro Ceremonial Indigena de Tibes near Ponce, old town of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Old town of Santo Domingo (UNESCO World Heritage) Cathedral. Republic.
Nature:
El Yunque National Park, Puerto Rico, National Park los Haitises (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), Cathedral Rep.
Sports:
Ziplining, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Diving, Trekking, Rafting, Golf
Festivals:
Carnaval de Ponce in Puerto Rico and Carnaval de Santo Domingo or la Vega in the Cathedral. Rep. (February / March).
Culinary delights:
Cathedral. Rep: spicy and uncomplicated. Influences from Europe, Africa and Asia. Typical: Taino-Yuca bread made from manioc flour (often filled with minced meat) or Sancocho (Creole drip). Puerto Rico: The Cocina Crilloa originated from the cuisine of the Tainos with African and Spanish influences such as Mojo Isleno, fried fish with sauce of olives, onions, garlic, vinegar and capers.
Tip:
Observe the phenomenon of fluorescent Merrwasser (by certain microorganisms in the water) occurring in the Caribbean. In Puerto Rico there are two "glowing" bays (Viegues Bay and la Parguera Bay) where you can experience this natural spectacle all night long.
DATA & FACTS
Country & People:
10.65 million people live on 48.3 thousand square kilometers in the Dominican Republic. Capital is Santo Domingo with 3 million inhabitants.
Currency:
Dominican Republic DOP)
Language:
Spanish
Best travel time:
All year round destination with tropical climate. Best travel time Feb. to July.
Country & People:
In Puerto Rico live on 9 thousand sqkm 3.75 million inhabitants.
Currency:
US dollar (USD)
Language:
Spanish and English
Climate & travel time:
All year round destination with tropical climate. Best travel time Dec. to Apr.
Entry:
Dominican Republic
Passport valid for at least 6 months for stays of up to 60 days.
Puerto Rico:
Valid passport for visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days with US "Visa Waiver" program.
