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The Dominican Republic is a paradise for nature lovers thanks to its array of eco-friendly hotels and resorts and stunning tropical scenery. From remote-white sand beaches to lush jungles that abound with well-maintained hiking paths, travelers can enjoy endless choices when it comes to natural attractions. This year, the national government is focusing on investing in three new eco-focused regions, with new hotels and resorts, airports, and infrastructure.
Although mostly known for its resort hotspots — Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná, just to name a few — the Dominican Republic is home to many hidden natural wonders. In 2023, three new regions in the Dominican Republic are poised to become a hit among nature lovers, with the government announcing massive investments to prepare them for more visitors. In this article, we’ll highlight why these three regions will be a hit with nature enthusiasts.
El Seibo: The Country’s Leading Eco-Tourism Hotspot
Situated on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, El Seibo is the crown jewel of the country’s vast ecotourism potential. With verdant nature stretching in all directions and untouched beaches along its coastline, El Seibo is home to the likes of Miches, where several new resorts have been built.
Miches is the ideal location for travelers seeking peace of mind away from packed resorts and crowded beaches. While travelers can find plenty of traditional all-inclusive resorts such as Temptation Miches, they can also opt for more eco-chic options, including Club Med’s Miches Playa Esmeralda, where modern comforts meet traditional villas.
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Over the following years, El Seibo is expected to see massive growth in new accommodations, with Grupo Puntacana announcing a massive 500-room resort for 2024. The $150 million all-inclusive resort takes advantage of Miches’ gorgeous white-sand beaches and rainforest-covered hills, providing visitors with a unique backdrop.
Hato Mayor: Top Destination For National Parks
The northeastern province of Hato Mayor is home to some of the most impressive natural attractions in the Dominican Republic. Its stunning coastline and remote inland areas make it one of the most versatile regions for exploring, and travelers can find more than 200 square kilometers of protected areas in the province, with several tours departing from Punta Cana.
Eco-friendly accommodations are a growing trend in the Dominican Republic, and Hato Mayor is no exception. Located deep in the region’s lush rainforests, visitors can spend a relaxing few days in the Colinas del Rey eco-ranch. Despite its rainforest location, travelers at the resort won’t have to sacrifice modern comforts, with wi-fi, air conditioning, and even a family-friendly water park all located within the premises.
Aside from its expansive national parks, Hato Mayor is full of hidden waterfalls and lagoons, ideal for a refreshing dip. The region currently lacks the infrastructure to welcome mass tourism, so it is best explored by renting a car in Punta Cana or Puerto Plata.
Durate: Where Nature Meets Culture
Duarte is a landlocked province in the northern part of the Dominican Republic and home to some 300,000 residents. The province is rich in nature and is covered extensively by rainforests and mountainous countryside. The region is already home to some of the best ecotourism activities in the country, such as El Sendero del Cacao, one of the largest organic cacao plantations in the country.
The province’s vibrant capital, San Francisco de Marcorís, is home to a range of cultural and historical attractions that complement the region’s rich natural attractions. Head to Duarte Park to escape the hustle and bustle of the provincial capital, where sculptures, greenery, and local flora and fauna delight visitors.
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