7 Off-the-Beaten-Path Towns Worth Visiting in the Dominican Republic

While there are many popular tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic, the island country has much more to offer!

From quaint coastal towns and agricultural communities to mountainous villages along the coast, this Caribbean island is home to endless treasures.

Discover all of the island’s best underrated spots with our handy guide to off-the-beaten-path towns in the Dominican Republic!

Lesser-known Towns Worth Visiting in the Dominican Republic

7. Jarabacoa and Constanza

Nestled in the Dominican Republic’s mountain areas are Jarabacoa and Constanza, both must-visit destinations on the island.

Jarabacoa’s remote location and lush tropical surroundings make this area stand out from many of the Dominican Republic’s major cities.

With a diverse collection of natural attractions such as fresh rivers and dense pine forests, Jarabacoa is the ideal destination for hiking and kayaking!

Take the time to explore Jarabacoa with these tours.

Constanza is the highest town in the Caribbean and therefore enjoys relatively cooler temperatures throughout the year.

Complete with rolling valleys and thick pine forests, this mountain town is the perfect natural escape.

Constanza is flanked by four national parks, where a diverse range of activities await you.

Explore the area with a private tour and get a tailored experience of Constanza’s natural wonders!

How to get there: While Jarabacoa and Constanza are technically off-the-beaten-path, both towns are still reachable by highways due to their agricultural production.

6. La Descubierta

Located in the Independencia Province, La Descubierta is close to the border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

This side of the country is mainly made up of natural attractions and quaint towns overlooked by looming mountains.

La Descubierta is one such town!

Taking a stroll around the town center will give you a taste of local life in the Dominican Republic.

Venture west of the town to find Reserva Cientifica Las Caobas national park.

Alternatively, heading south will take you to the most popular destinations in the Independencia Province, Lake Enriquillo.

This large lake has frequent sightings of crocodiles.

What’s more, you can sail across the lake and visit other small towns on the end of the lake, all situated within the Isla Cabritos National Park.

Explore Lake Enriquillo with these tours.

How to get there: La Descubierta is reachable by road, with several routes from the capital Santo Domingo.

5. San Juan de la Maguana

San Juan de la Maguana is a city in western Dominican Republic.

As one of the first cities established on the island, you will find colonial architecture throughout the city.

Particularly worth visiting are the La Culata’s Ruins!

You will find a rich influence of indigenous Tahino culture in Maguana!

Most notable is the Fiesta de Palos celebration that takes place from time to time around the city.

Beyond San Juan de la Maguana, you will find natural attractions such as the José del Carmen Ramírez National Park and the Neyba Mountain Range.

How to get there: San Juan de la Maguana is reachable by road, with routes from the capital Santo Domingo.

4. Montecristi

Located in the northwest region of the Dominican Republic, Montecristi is the capital town of the province with the same name.

Another destination situated along the border between Dominican Republic and Haiti, the town boasts exciting waterside activities and is a sought-after town in the DR.

Nature lovers must visit El Morro National Park!

Consisting of a limestone outcrop, this destination is flanked by endless ocean views on one side and subtropical forest on the other.

Venturing about 10 kilometers out to sea from Montecristi’s coast will get you to Los Siete Hermanos.

The seven cays in the area are made up of coral sands, offering a one-of-a-kind destination for beaches and a range of water sports.

How to get there: Montecristi is well-connected to other major cities in the Dominican Republic by road.

3. Sabana de la Mar

Located along the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Sabana de la Mar is a quaint bay side town on the south of Samaná Bay.

Popular attractions include Los Haitises National Park, where you can take part in a diverse range of activities whilst submerged in the lush tropics of the Dominican Republic.

Particularly, adventurous travelers can venture into the Cueva del Ferrocarril Cave, where pictograms, paintings, and petroglyphs decorate its inner walls.

Alternatively, take a leisurely sail out to Bahia de San Lorenzo and enjoy the stunning views within the bay.

Finally, don’t forget to pay Sabana de la Mar’s beaches a visit!

Another popular way to explore Sabana de la Mar is by water.

Check out these tours and plan your day ahead!

How to get there: Sabana de la Mar is easily accessible by road. If you’re staying on the Samaná Peninsula, you can simply take a ferry across the bay to reach this town.

2. Lagunas de Nisibón

Lagunas de Nisibón is a city in La Altagracia region of the Dominican Republic.

Despite being a lesser-known destination, the town is located relatively close to the popular tourist hotspot, Punta Cana.

Playa La Vacama is the perfect destination for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Its crystal-clear waters are sure to impress!

For a piece of nature, head to the Río Maimón Natural Park, where wild tropical flora and fauna await your discovery.

Alternatively, engage with tropical animals up-close at Eco Park Punta Cana.

For a comprehensive guided tour of the region, hop on an ATV and explore!

How to get there: Lagunas de Nisibón is connected by major roads in the Dominican Republic. The closet destination is Punta Cana.

1. Oviedo

Located in the southernmost province of the Dominican Republic, Oviedo is a small town situated on the edge of the Jaragua National Park.

Jaragua is home to some of the Dominican Republic’s most significant reserves.

You will find a diverse and complex range of ecosystems in Jaragua, alongside impressive natural features such as lagoons, Taino caves, a pristine coastline, and several offshore isles.

Another natural attraction near Oviedo is the Laguna de Oviedo to the east.

As the largest lagoon in the Dominican Republic, this body of water is home to diverse species of birds.

Here, you’ll have the chance to meet pelicans, parrots, flamingos, and more!

You can book one to three-hour tours of the lagoon and its surroundings at the nearby information center.

How to get there: Oviedo is reachable by road, but be prepared for quite a long journey!