Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012 - (Page 36)

Opposite, clockwise from top right: Santiago, Jarabacoa, Constanza central the dominican alps a bout an hour south of Puerto Plata, the abundantly fertile heartland of Dominican Republic unfolds before you. The Cordillera Central mountain region and Cibao Valley together create some of the most dramatic geography and ecological diversity in the Caribbean Basin. It’s called the “Land of Eternal Spring,” where lush alluvial plains undulate below the tallest mountain in the West Indies, Pico Duarte. Bring your group here to get lost in Mother Earth. For instance, a total of 18 waterfalls cascade over chasms cutting deep into this rugged land. The region is home to Dominican Republic’s most prolific coffee and cigar plantations, owned by families that for generations have produced these two key Dominican exports. The topsoil here is said to be among the deepest in the world, and farmlands thriving with strawberries, coffee and cacao contribute to the island’s reputation as the “Breadbasket of the Caribbean” for groups interested in agricultural tourism and sustainability. The hub destination in the valley is Santiago, the second largest city in DR, accessed via Cibao International Airport, or 90 minutes south from Puerto Plata or two hours north of Santo Domingo. Surrounding Santiago, two charming mountain towns are within an hour’s drive. By far, whitewater river rafting is the #1 group event throughout the entire central region, and planners can’t miss creating a spectacular event due to both the scenery and adventure. During the 3.5-hour ride, you’ll pass through Class II-IV rapids including the 12-foot “Mike Tyson” vertical drop and the “Cemetery,” where boulders stand straight up in the air. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many groups, with an inherent teambuilding aspect due to everyone’s need to make sure the person next to him or her remains in the raft. For those groups seeking a little more peaceful of a program, the Armando Bermudez and Jose Carmen Ramírez National Parks in the western part of the country offer a bewildering mix of flora and fauna highlighted by the many varieties of orchids and bromeliads. More than 250 different bird species have been spotted in Hispaniola, more than half of them can be seen in these two parks, including chicui, zumbador de las montañas, papagayo, and cotorra. Also be sure to check out Salto Baiguate waterfall with a towering drop into a pool of water where visitors can swim in the warmer months. Just getting there is part of the attraction along the edge of a ravine with spectacular views. Rancho Baiguate is part of the Grupo Baiguate collection, including the 43-room Hotel Pinar Dorado, with modern conference space for 350 persons. JaraBacOa Streaming down from the high peaks, the Yaque del Norte and Jimenoa rivers intersect outside the rustic town of Jarabacoa— a Taino word meaning “place where the water flees.” Up here in the higher altitudes, the air is ripe with the scent of pine trees and cooling mountain breezes, where the temperature rarely climbs above 72 degrees. For groups, the 27-room, lodge-style Rancho Baiguate is your base camp for adventure, teeming with young and old adrenaline seekers from around the world. From here, innumerable tours venture into the country for whitewater river rafting, canoeing, horseback riding, 4-wheel ATVs, serious canyon rappelling and mountain biking. cOnStanZa The closest city to the base of Pico Duarte Mountain, the city of Constanza is the highest in the country so it’s best to dress warm, especially in the winter. Groups come here for an authentic and relaxing look at local Dominican culture, unfettered with the mass transportation and hustle of the larger tourism destinations. The city has seen a rise in popularity with the evolution of the farm-to-table trend around the world. Long tables can be set up outdoors at a collection of small inns and hotels like Rancho Guaraguao, where everyone can sit down for leisurely meals in the fresh misty air. 36 GoDominicanRepublic.com http://www.GoDominicanRepublic.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012

Planning Points
Meeting Hotels
Punta Cana & Bavaro
La Romana, Bayahibe & More
Cruise
Puerto Plata
Samana
Santo Domingo
Santiago & Central Region
Food & Music
DMC List
Tourism Offices

Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012

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