Dominican Republic flights and travel guide

The Dominican Republic is fast becoming one of the most travelled-to resort destinations by Canadians. Sugar-soft white-sand beaches, fantastic year-round climate, excellent snorkelling and well-preserved colonial towns combine to make it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola (Haiti occupies the west). The coastline is rich with perfect Caribbean beaches and the interior is diverse, with rainforests, 27 waterfalls, mangrove swamps, mountain ranges and savannas.

While many travellers book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic to explore the natural paradise, this country has one of the more illustrious histories of the Caribbean islands. Its history dates back to the Taino inhabitants whose cave paintings can still be seen in caves around the country. Christopher Columbus landed here too, on his first voyage in 1492, claiming the island for Spain and exploring the northern coast of the Republic.

Santo Domingo, the capital, was founded by Columbus's brother and became the Americas' first colonial capital. Today, it's a city with many "firsts" - first Catholic cathedral, first monastery, oldest fortress, gilded palaces and historic squares.

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Dominican Republic climate

The Dominican Republic’s climate is great all year long. In the summer, temperatures range from 21 C to 32 C, and it only drops a bit in the winter. The weather can get much cooler in the mountains, and rainstorms are usually brief.

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When to fly to Dominican Republic

Peak season:
December and January are the busiest and most expensive time to visit the Dominican Republic. July and August are very busy months too due to school vacation. March, April and May attract fewer visitors but this is a good time to book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic as the weather is still warm and sunny.

Off season:
April through November is considered off-peak season. November/early December is a great time to book cheap flights to the Dominican Republic. Hurricane season has passed and it's not as hot as during the summer months.

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Getting around Dominican Republic

Aerodomca and Takeoff Destination Service offer regular and charter domestic flights around the Dominican Republic. There are seven international airports and airlines include Air Century, Caribair, Helidosa, SAP (Servicios Aéreos Profesionales) and Helidosa.

Rental cars are another option for getting around the Dominican Republic. Vehicles including sedans, four-wheel drives, scooters and mopeds are available for hire.

Buses are comfortable and reliable. There are three privately owned air-conditioned bus lines - Autobuses Metro/Metro Bus, Caribe Tours and Expreso Bávaro - that travel from Santo Domingo to cities such as Puerto Plata and Santiago among others. Gua-guas (pronounced "Gwa-Gwas") are collective taxis that run fixed routes. The fares are very cheap but the vans can be crowded.

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Dominican Republic insider information

• Sosua, on the Dominican Republic's north coast, has a fascinating history. In the 1930s, in a great humanitarian gesture, Rafael Trujillo, then dictator, welcomed Jewish refugees. The Sosua that the refugees arrived at is a far cry from the tourist town today. Traces of the old Jewish settlement have survived. The synagogue is one of only two in the republic, the original school is still there, and there is a Jewish Museum that tells the story of the community in Sosua. The beach is Sosua's greatest attraction, a sweep of soft sand and turquoise waters backed by towering cliffs.
• The Dominican International Film Festival takes place in Puerto Plata. The festival has an emphasis on first-time fillmakers. The Dominican Republic Global Film Festival takes place in Santo Domingo and seeks to raise awareness and deepen understanding of global issues through stories.
• Santo Domingo has many "firsts" to boast about. It was, for one thing, the first seat of Spanish colonial rule in the New World and it's the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas. Among the many stunning buildings in Santo Domingo is the governor's mansion. Nicolas de Ovando, Governor of the Indies between 1502 and 1509, built his magnificent residence here in 1502 on Las Damas, the first paved road of the New World. It's a World Heritage Site today, its central building part of a carefully restored compound of the Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando.
• The country is the largest producer of cigars in the world, considered by many taking cheap flights to the Dominican Republic to be of superior quality to Cuban cigars. Cojimar is a sugar-tipped cigar made with Dominican tobacco. There are seven flavours in total, including amaretto and vanilla. Romeo y Julieta is the brand favoured by Jack Nicholson. Ensure you check the customs limits permitted if you're planning on bringing some back to Canada.

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Dominican Republic airports

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is situated within 30 minutes of most hotels in the Punta Cana resort area.

Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) (website: www.aerodom.com) is situated 29km (18 miles) east of Santo Domingo.

Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP) is located 18km (11 miles) from Puerto Plata.

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Passport/Visa

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Entry requirements

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