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The Dominican Republic's Best Attractions

The oldest European city in the Americas, and a waterfall hike that's more fun than any zip-line.

The two standouts: Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest European settlement in the Americas (founded 1498), where you can walk streets and buildings from the early 1500s for free; and the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua near Puerto Plata, where a guide leads you jumping and sliding down a canyon of natural waterslides (from about $45–65 per person, half a day).

Most Dominican Republic itineraries never leave the resort, which means most visitors miss the two things that actually make this country historically and geographically unique: a genuinely ancient (by New World standards) colonial city, and a canyon you climb by jumping into it. Here's what's worth the trip out of the resort gates.

The Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Attractions

The Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo

The oldest European city in the Americas — walkable, cheap, and genuinely fascinating.

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
Attractions

The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

A canyon full of natural waterslides — genuinely more fun than it sounds.

Questions people actually ask

What is the oldest city in the Americas?
Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial, founded in 1498 by Bartholomew Columbus (Christopher Columbus's brother), is widely recognized as the first permanent European settlement in the Americas — home to the first cathedral, first paved street, and first fortress in the New World.
Is the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua safe?
Yes, with a licensed guide — it's a regulated national attraction, everyone wears a helmet and life vest, and guides control the pace jump by jump. It's physically demanding (a lot of climbing and some genuine height on the jumps) but doesn't require swimming ability beyond basic comfort in water.
How far is Damajagua from Punta Cana?
About 3.5–4 hours by car or organized tour one-way, which makes it a very long day trip from Punta Cana — most visitors doing it from the east coast either commit to a full day or base themselves in Puerto Plata instead, where it's a 30–40 minute drive.