TERRA Dominicana, our new
agency in the Dominican Republic
Our network is expanding into a new region: the Caribbean islands! Based in Santo Domingo, TERRA Dominicana was born from a strong conviction: the history and culture of the Dominican Republic are rich, yet often overlooked by travelers who still associate the country with all-inclusive resorts.
Laura aims to offer meaningful encounters with committed rum and cigar producers, dance enthusiasts, and local stakeholders, in order to showcase an authentic and diverse Dominican culture.
Laura, a committed and passionate travel specialist
Why did you decide to launch this project in the Dominican Republic?
I worked for 7 years in Costa Rica, in a country highly committed to environmental issues. I learned a great deal from national programs and also contributed to transforming our activity by carefully selecting our partners, training myself, and redesigning itineraries to make them more environmentally friendly.
I wanted to develop a project that truly reflects who I am, with my vision of environmentally-friendly tourism and my ideas about creating genuine connections between travelers and the destination.
When I first visited the Dominican Republic, I was surprised. It’s a vibrant island with a deeply rooted Caribbean culture. There’s dancing in the streets, music everywhere, lively conversations, stunning beaches, and a fascinating history and heritage!
I also realized that the country is often misunderstood, poorly represented, and reduced to Punta Cana and its all-inclusive resorts.
That’s when it clicked for me, I wanted to showcase a Dominican Republic that is lived and told by Dominicans themselves.
What the Dominican Republic offers beyond the clichés
The Dominican Republic is often wrongly reduced to Punta Cana, surrounded by persistent clichés:
- “The country is all about large resorts with 500–1000 rooms, pools, restaurants, lively parties, and dream beaches”
- “It only offers beach holidays”
- “It’s a cheap destination because you book flights + all-inclusive hotels”
It’s time to break these stereotypes!
Far from being just about beaches, the Dominican Republic is a destination slightly smaller than Switzerland, offering remarkable geographical diversity. It allows for a rich and varied 15-day (or longer!) itinerary, from the wild beaches of the southwest to the mountains of Jarabacoa and Constanza, and the northern region combining coastlines, lagoons, culture, and history. You can go hiking, canyoning, rafting, and visit responsible tobacco and cacao fincas.
Did you know that Santo Domingo was the first city established by Christopher Columbus, and that its Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Did you know that bachata (the dance found everywhere from Paris riverbanks to Colombian clubs) originated in the Dominican Republic?
Laura has sought out preserved beaches and unique accommodations: glamping by the Caribbean Sea, sleeping in the heart of nature, exploring Santo Domingo with locals, sharing a family cooking class, or taking a painting lesson with a local artist.
The destination is incredibly rich, and those who choose to experience it this way are almost guaranteed to fall in love with it.
Laura's highlights
Laura, do you have a favorite place in the Dominican Republic?
Yes, the southwest region, especially Bahía de las Águilas. It’s a raw, untouched area with truly breathtaking beaches.
Beyond these postcard-perfect shores, the region offers a wide variety of landscapes: lagoons with pink flamingos, the coffee route in the mountains rising above 2,000 meters, cenotes to explore, and even visits to larimar mines, the turquoise-blue stone known for its soothing properties, where you can create your own piece of jewelry.
This region is still very little visited, yet it is absolutely worth it. And the best part: there are no hotel infrastructures in Bahía de las Águilas, so I’ve selected a lovely and comfortable glamping experience right by the sea for an unforgettable night.
If you had to introduce “your” Dominican Republic to someone in just one day, what would you have them experience?
I would have them spend a day with us in the capital, Santo Domingo! It’s the beating heart of Dominican culture. In fact, it’s where our agency is based and where we welcome each traveler.
We would start by discovering the “other side” of the capital, taking a cable car ride to get a glimpse of everyday life, local living conditions, and that charming Latin “chaos.” A stop at a colmado is a must to understand a Dominican’s favorite pastime.
Then, we’d dive into history in the Colonial Zone, exploring monuments dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus. It’s the first city of the New World, incredibly well preserved, and I can tell you that every Dominican you meet knows the history of their island and its many conquests by heart.
Of course, we’d take a lunch break to try a typical mofongo, before heading to the Los Tres Ojos reserve, where you can admire stunning turquoise cenotes right in the heart of Santo Domingo.
In the late afternoon, we’d settle on a lively terrace, like Plaza España, and soak up the music, the dancing… all while enjoying a glass of local rum.
Finally, we’d end the day with a few salsa or merengue steps alongside locals in one of the city’s squares. Guaranteed Latin vibes 🙂
Why travel to the Dominican Republic with TERRA Dominicana?
Laura: I want you to experience the Dominican Republic through the eyes of Dominicans! I’ve sought out intimate and unique places to stay, so you can enjoy unforgettable nights in the Caribbean. And trust me, the most beautiful beaches are not in Punta Cana! I want you to explore the entire destination without missing its history, mountains, agriculture, people, cenotes and waterfalls, turquoise lagoons, and diverse landscapes.
We design each trip as a unique project. There is no catalogue, we select accommodations and activities based on who you are and what you’re looking for. Our journeys are built around encounters and emotions: preparing mangú with Raïna, playing dominoes with children in Santo Domingo, cheering on a baseball team, dancing salsa with Alejandro!
We choose small-scale producers, responsible fincas, and committed hotels.
We support you every step of the way and remain available throughout your trip, reachable 24/7 in English by phone or WhatsApp, to book a great restaurant or recommend a nice café.
Discover the true Dominican Republic, in complete freedom and at your own pace!
Learn more about TERRA Dominicana
Would you like to discover Laura’s project or start planning a tailor-made trip to the Dominican Republic?
Contact TERRA Dominicana:
🌍https://terra-dominicana.com
📧 contact@terra-dominicana.com
📞 +1 (849) 585 8268
