Why This Underrated Dominican Republic Region Is Perfect For Off-Path Travelers

Last Updated 3 months ago

Travelers are constantly discovering new destinations in the Dominican Republic that offer much more than just beach and sun.

Officials recently declared La Vega, a stunning insular province in the heart of the sun-soaked country, an ecotourism province.

A beautiful and remote waterfall in the Dominican republic

The decision to grant the growing tourism hotspot has a few important implications for travelers and opens the doors to endless opportunities for visitors.

Offering everything from adrenaline-spiking mountain adventures to more easygoing activities, La Vega is gaining prominence for its nature and cultural activities.

Mountain scenery in the inland part of the Dominican Republic

With that in mind, here’s the latest on the trending hotspot and why travelers should include La Vega on their next Dominican Republic getaway.

La Vega To See Massive Tourism Boost With New Decree

The Dominican Republic has seen its popularity skyrocket with travelers in recent months, as the country reports back-to-back records in arrival numbers.

With so many travelers flocking to the Caribbean destination, more and more visitors are keen on discovering new and exciting regions to explore beyond the regular hotspots of Punta Cana, La Romana, and Samaná.

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@adventures_in_retirement 🌿🌊 Discovering the hidden gem of El Limón Waterfall in Samaná, Dominican Republic! This enchanting cascade nestled amidst the lush jungles of Samaná will leave you spellbound. Immerse yourself in its refreshing waters and let the wonders of nature amaze you. 🌴💦 #ellimonwaterfall #samana #dominicanrepublic #natureadventure #waterfalls ♬ Disfruta la Vida – Rania

And officials, too, are aware of travelers’ growing appetite for new experiences and are ramping up efforts to promote other regions within the country. The latest focus of their efforts is La Vega, a largely rural province characterized by lush and mountainous terrain in the Dominican Republic.

What La Vega lacks in massive all-inclusive resorts, it makes up for with its unparalleled variety of outdoor and cultural activities, providing travelers with a unique experience far from the mass tourism offerings found in other parts of the country.

Large waterfall in the dominican republic with traveler

The decision to declare La Vega an ecotourism province was made after careful deliberation, taking into account the region’s vast variety of breathtaking scenery and rich culture.

According to Rogelio Genao, a Dominican senator who has led the initiative to bestow La Vega with the important distinction, the province “is home to over 20 protected natural areas, from national parks to natural monuments, as well as a handful of panoramic roads,” the official said in a statement.

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These La Vega Attractions Are Trending WIth Travelers Right Now

La Vega is the capital and the largest city of the province which has the same name, and is a central destination for most travelers in the region. Founded in the late 15th century by Spanish colonizer Cristopher Colombus, the capital is steeped in history, with several centuries-old structures still remaining in the town’s oldest parts.

Travelers can visit the ruins of the Old La Vega, which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. The ancient fort played a central role in defending La Vega from outside influence, as the outpost quickly developed culturally and commercially.

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Nature lovers will also find plenty of attractions to explore in this emerging ecotourism hotspot. From remote waterfalls to jungle treks, travelers can opt for a range of outdoor activities, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s verdant nature.

The Jarabacoa municipality in La Vega boasts some of the most impressive landscapes in the entire country. Due to the region’s soaring popularity, travelers can find a growing number of excursion companies specializing in nature retreats and waterfall tours.

@eddiejohnsonphotos 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua (27 Charcos) was amazing. We jumped off rocks, slid down rocks and swim down the mountain. We didn't have time to do the whole park but we were all happy with the section we did. It took about an hour to hike up the mountain and another hour to get down. Here is short GoPro video I made. #27waterfallsofdamajagua #Damajagua #dominicanrepublic #water #adventure #travel #travelgram #gopro #27charcos #27charcosdedamajagua ♬ The Nights – Avicii

One of the most popular companies in the area is Rancho Baiguate, which offers a comprehensive set of boat and water sports activities in the La Vega region. They also organize guided hikes to Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the country.