The Dominican Republic is a beautiful Caribbean nation characterized by white beaches and friendly faces. Known as much for its colonial ruins as for its world-class baseball players, the country makes up two-thirds of the island of Hispañola and is situated about 600 miles southeast of Florida. Discovered by Columbus on Christmas Day 1492, this landmass constitute a natural gateway to the Americas between the Panama Canal and Central and South America .
You can enjoy a variety of nature-oriented activities in the Dominican Republic due to its impressive variety of landscapes. Trek through lush jungles and semi-arid deserts, hike the mountains or simply bask in the warm Caribbean sun on pristine beaches. While the country is a popular tourist destination, much terrain remains uncontaminated and largely undiscovered. Whether exploring the island’s natural beauties or dancing to merengue rhythms with locals, the Dominican Republic offers a vast array of possibilities for the Spanish immersion student.