Multi-Sport Heaven: The Dominican Republic

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When Columbus spotted the coral-rimmed Dominican Republic, he proclaimed, "This is the fairest land under Heaven." See the country's overwhelming diversity—870 miles of coastline, high peaks, sunken lakes, the impossibly fertile Cibao Valley, karst caves, unexplored coral reefs and offshore islands, and year-round near-perfect weather—and you may be equally convinced. And for those willing to turn their backs on the postcard-perfect beaches a multi-sport Mecca awaits. River-threaded valleys, limestone caves, misting waterfalls, and twin cordilleras (10,414-foot Pico Duarte is the Caribbean's highest peak) create the convincing illusion that the DR is a Central American export. Stay in Cabarete and spend your days tearing along single-track before passing out on the beach. The town also has the best windsurfing in the eastern Caribbean, with water temps in the mid-70s and reliable 20-knot winds. Horseback across the foothills of the Cordillera Septentrional, hike through the lush gardens of Mount Ysabel del Torres, raft El Yaque del Norte, or explore the jungle landscape of El Choco National Park.

Last Updated: 14 Sep 2010
Published: 13 Feb 2002
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.