All over the world, selfies have become an integral part of everyday life. Amstar data expert and Dominican cultural curator Luicewil Ramirez shares with us some of the best places to take a selfie in the Dominican Republic.
We all know that the most important tourist destinations in the world have emblematic and iconic places whose histories, architecture or location make them a must stop for picture taking while on vacation.
If you visit Paris, you really haven’t been there unless you take a picture featuring the Eiffel Tower. On a trip to Brazil, who doesn’t take a picture of the giant Christ the Redeemer Statue? And then, of course, there’s New York, where everybody who’s anybody takes a picture in front of the Hudson River with the Statue of Liberty towering over in the background.
But what about our beloved Dominican Republic, with his charming, colorful towns, breathtaking beaches, and historical monuments? In other words, if you were to visit the Dominican Republic, where should you take your selfie?
Allow me. Here are my five tips on where to take a selfie in the Dominican Republic.
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia (Higuey)
Located in the city of Salvaleón de Higuey, just a 50 minute drive from Punta Cana, this cathedral is dedicated to the patroness of the Dominican Republic, Our Lady of Altagracia. French architects André-Jacques Dunoyer de Segonzac and Pierre Dupré built the basilica, which was inaugurated in 1971, at the site where each morning a young girl would find a picture of Our Lady of Altagracia placed under a tree. Mysteriously, however, she would bring the picture back into the house only to find it under the tree again the next morning. You can visit the Basilica on our Hispaniola Explorer VIP tour.
Christ the Redeemer (Puerto Plata)
Much like its heavenly counterpart in Rio de Janeiro, Christ the Redeemer towers above the Dominican town of Puerto Plata. With arms outstretched like a welcoming beacon of Caribbean seafarers, the statue is located 2,805 feet above sea level. To arrive, take a fun ten-minute cable car ride up to the top. Not only will you have spectacular views of Puerto Plata, you’ll also have the opportunity to take a celestial selfie.
El Limon Waterfall (Samana)
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Nature is a wonderful thing. The intensity of colors, the sounds of a waterfall rushing down to meet its destiny, the smell of flowers, and fresh waters, the sense of freedom and peacefulness at being at such a beautiful place. And selfies. Yes, not only is the El Limon Waterfall a wondrous work of natural art and a great place to visit for a fun adventure into the Dominican Republic countryside, it’s also the ideal place to take a great selfie; one that makes all those who didn’t experience it green with envy about not having been there with you to enjoy such Caribbean beauty.
Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor (Santo Domingo)
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Have you ever wondered where the first church was built in the New World following the arrival of the first Spanish conquistadores? Probably not, but now you can impress your friends with your detailed knowledge of colonial history. This cathedral, built from 1512 to 1540, is a mixture of Gothic and Baroque styles with an elegant if not expensive touch of silver chiseled into the cathedral’s high altar. This holy house is also home to a fine collection of gold, silver and ancient woodcarvings. And while the dread pirate Francis Drake used the cathedral as his headquarters when he conquered Santo Domingo in 1586, for you it’s enough to take a nice selfie. I recommend Amstar’s fun Santo Domingo City Tour, which also includes a visit to Latin America’s very first church.
Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration (Santiago de los caballeros)
Every country has their heroes, and their monuments to those very heroes, and the Dominican Republic is no exception. This 229 foot monument stands in honor of those brave soldiers who gave their lives fighting in the struggle for independence from the Spanish crown. Located on a hilltop in the eastern end of the city, it is one of the most beloved attractions for locals and visitors alike for simply hanging out and people watching. And selfies.
At the Beach
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Of course, we couldn’t do a post on selfies without mentioning the picture perfect destination and undisputed selfie paradise… the beach!
Have some selfies of your own from the Dominican Republic? Share them with us on our Facebook page or Twitter account @amstardmc!
