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🌴 Travel With Purpose: Exploring the Dominican Republic 🌴
1. San Pedro de Macorís: The Heart of Baseball and Culture
San Pedro de Macorís, often called La Sultana del Este, is world famous for producing legendary baseball players. But beyond the stadiums, this city is alive with culture, history, and community life.
What to Do:
- Walk the malecón (seaside promenade) for sunsets and street food.
- Explore historic sugar mills that shaped the city’s identity.
- Taste local specialties like yaniqueques (fried bread) and fresh seafood.
Culture Tip: Music and baseball flow through daily life. Don’t be surprised if kids are playing ball in every corner.
Travel With Purpose: Fundación 23 was born in honor of San Pedro de Macorís, and we continue to give back by supporting nursing homes and families here.
2. Bávaro: White Sands and Turquoise Waters
Bávaro is a beach lover’s dream. Famous for its long stretch of soft sand and turquoise waters, it’s a place where relaxation meets adventure.
What to Do:
- Spend the day on Bávaro Beach, ranked among the Caribbean’s best.
- Snorkel or dive the coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
- Visit local markets beyond the resorts for artisan crafts and Dominican flavors.
Culture Tip: Many workers in Bávaro come from nearby towns — supporting local shops and family-owned restaurants helps the community thrive.
Travel With Purpose: While Bávaro shines with beauty, Fundación 23 reminds travelers that just beyond the resorts, families face real needs. Your support helps us provide food and care where it’s most needed.
3. Punta Cana: Beyond the Resorts
Known globally for its resorts, Punta Cana also offers nature, culture, and adventure if you step outside the hotel gates.
What to Do:
- Explore Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve with its lagoons and walking trails.
- Take a boat trip to Saona Island, with crystal-clear waters and palm-lined shores.
- Experience local music — merengue and bachata are everywhere.
Culture Tip: Punta Cana is where visitors from all over the world meet Dominicans who share their culture through music and hospitality.
Travel With Purpose: Fundación 23 encourages travelers to enjoy Punta Cana and remember the communities beyond the resorts who benefit from your donations and awareness.
4. Samaná: Nature, Whales, and Waterfalls
Samaná is one of the Dominican Republic’s most breathtaking regions — wild, natural, and authentic.
What to Do:
- See humpback whales in Samaná Bay (January–March).
- Hike to El Limón Waterfall for a refreshing swim.
- Relax at Playa Rincón, a secluded world-class beach.
- Tour Los Haitises National Park, with caves, mangroves, and ancient Taino art.
Culture Tip: Samaná is slower-paced and more community-oriented than resort hubs. Here, you’ll feel everyday Dominican life.
Travel With Purpose: Fundación 23 shares Samaná’s natural beauty while reminding visitors that your generosity helps strengthen Dominican families and nursing homes in need.
5. Puerto Plata: History Meets Adventure
Puerto Plata, on the northern coast, blends history with natural beauty.
What to Do:
- Ride the cable car to Mount Isabel de Torres for panoramic views.
- Visit the Fort of San Felipe, a colonial-era landmark.
- Explore the Amber Museum, showcasing Dominican gemstones.
- Swim at Playa Dorada or Cabarete, known for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Culture Tip: Puerto Plata is known for its friendly locals and lively music scene. Dance is part of everyday life.
Travel With Purpose: As we enjoy Puerto Plata’s beauty, Fundación 23 works to bring dignity and resources to communities across the country.
6. Santiago: The Cultural Capital
Santiago, the second-largest city, is the Dominican Republic’s cultural and industrial heart.
What to Do:
- Visit the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración, the city’s iconic landmark.
- Tour a cigar factory or rum distillery for authentic Dominican heritage.
- Explore art galleries and live music venues.
Culture Tip: Santiago is less touristy, giving you an authentic Dominican city experience full of energy and pride.
Travel With Purpose: Fundación 23 works to strengthen Dominican communities, reminding travelers that culture and compassion go hand in hand.
7. Hiking and Nature Escapes: Jarabacoa, Constanza, and Pico Duarte
For travelers who love the outdoors, the Dominican Republic offers lush mountains and cool climates away from the coast.
What to Do:
- Jarabacoa: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it’s perfect for river rafting and waterfalls.
- Constanza: A high-altitude valley with farms, strawberries, and fresh air.
- Pico Duarte: The highest peak in the Caribbean — a multi-day hike for adventurers.
Culture Tip: These mountain towns feel different from the coast — cooler climate, slower pace, and strong agricultural traditions.
Travel With Purpose: As Fundación 23 works to uplift communities across the Dominican Republic, these regions remind us that the country’s richness is not just in beaches, but in its people.
✈️ Travel With Purpose
Traveling the Dominican Republic is about more than sightseeing. It’s about connecting with the culture, history, and people that make this island unique. At Fundación 23, based in New Jersey, our mission is to support nursing homes, families in need, and community programs across the Dominican Republic.