Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic: Things to Know Before Visiting
Dominican Republic is the birthplace of bachata, merengue, and dempow (a dance genre I discovered on this trip! 😃) and is where I danced from morning till night. My trip to DR was wonderful and hassle free due to Empire Amargue who host Dominican Republic cultural experiences. I immersed myself into the local culture and connected with such warm and welcoming individuals!
Recommendation: 10/10
Table of Contents
SAFETY | TRANSPORTATION | LANGUAGE | MONEY | TOURISTY LEVEL
Las Terrenas strikes a balance between tourists and locals, and I always felt secure, whether I was dancing at the clubs or walking the streets. Even though I often hung out with a big group, I can assure you, dancing with different people was always comfortable and worry-free.
I was in DR on an organized bachata dance retreat. We had private buses, cars, and even zipped around on ATVs, all conveniently included. Plus, if you ever need them, Ubers and taxis are readily available in the area.
While in this town, having basic Spanish skills (or at least one person in your group who speaks Spanish) can be quite handy. I found that some restaurant and store staff didn't speak English, providing the perfect opportunity for me to sharpen my Spanish-speaking skills.
CHEAP OR EXPENSIVE?
Very cheap! I adore destinations where the American dollar stretches, and Las Terrenas was no exception. From a cup of coffee priced at just $1 to a refreshing bottle of water at the club for $2, every moment felt like a win. A very happy Robin!
CASH OR CREDIT CARD?
I used cash for all my transactions, and there's a certain charm in using the local currency. It bridges the gap between being a tourist and feeling like a local, creating a more immersive and authentic experience. I also did not have a choice as many places only accepted cash.
The primary goal of the bachata dance retreat I attended was to foster connections between participants and the local Dominican community. They chose a town that struck a perfect balance between tourists and locals, providing me with an authentic experience.
As part of our community engagement, we visited Advocates of Love, an orphanage, where I had a heartwarming experience. In spite of my less proficient conversational Spanish skills at that time (which have since improved significantly, as seen in my successful solo trip to Spain!), I was able to connect deeply with a little girl that looked just like me as a child. Our bond transcended the language barrier, creating a profoundly beautiful experience.
To learn more about Latin culture and dance, please read Latin Dance: An Exploration of the World and Yourself.
