Daniel Sanchez Gonzalez: Local expert for Terra Dominicana

When I tell people that I now live in the Dominican Republic, the first reaction is almost always the same:

« You must spend your days on the beach! »

I smile, because in reality, our days rarely look like that.

Our job involves traveling around the country to select new partners, visit accommodations, try out activities, and meet the people who will bring our clients’ future trips to life. 

Mountains I never imagined would be in the Caribbean

My biggest surprise? In the heart of the Cordillera Central stands Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean at 3,098 meters. As I drove along these mountain roads, I encountered landscapes that reminded me of my native Costa Rica: lush forests, cooler air, and nature all around.

It was also in this region that I discovered Constanza, often nicknamed the “Switzerland of the Caribbean.” Surrounded by agricultural valleys, this town is renowned for its vegetable, strawberry, and flower farms. Its surprisingly cool climate and peaceful atmosphere offer a striking contrast to the typical image of the Caribbean.

It was then that I realized the Dominican Republic is a country of many faces, capable of surprising you at every turn of your journey.

The scenery impressed me, but what made the biggest impression on me in the Dominican Republic were the people I met.

Let’s start with a little travel anecdote:

I especially remember stopping at a small empanada stand on the road to the east. Several people were already waiting when a saleswoman spotted me. She stopped her conversation, turned to me with a big smile, and said, “Mi amor, let him through—I’m definitely going to serve him first!” (“My love, come on, let him through—him, yes, I’m going to serve him first!”).

I burst out laughing. So did the other customers. It was the first time I’d encountered this spontaneous and affectionate way of addressing people. In the Dominican Republic, the letter “r” often becomes an “l, ” and expressions like “mi amol” are simply part of everyday life.

As I explored further, I was also touched by the way they enjoy the simple things in life. On the weekend, it’s not uncommon to see families or groups of friends set up in a park with a few chairs, a cooler, some music, and the desire to share a good time together. Here, friendliness is part of the culture.

Before moving to the Dominican Republic, I knew very little about its history.

While exploring Santo Domingo, where I live today, I discovered the first colonial city on the American continent, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990. Its cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and monuments tell the story of more than five centuries of history.

Of all the places I’ve visited, the one that left the deepest impression on me was the Museum of the Dominican Resistance. There, I learned about the struggles the Dominicans waged to defend their freedoms, particularly during the dictatorship of Rafael Leónidas Trujillo. 

I also love to wander aimlessly through the Ciudad Colonial, without a specific itinerary. Walking down Calle Las Damas, admiring the Primada de América Cathedral, stopping at Plaza Colón, or simply watching the bustling life on the terraces as the day draws to a close.

And if I had to recommend a good restaurant, it would be Buche Pericowithout a doubt . Its tropical garden, its Dominican fusion cuisine, and its chicken-mango-cashew dish make it one of my favorite restaurants in the capital.

All these discoveries have completely changed the way I see the country. Today, I’m lucky enough to experience them every day as part of the TERRA Dominicanateam .

My role is primarily to develop and maintain our network of local partners. I regularly set out to discover new accommodations, guides, producers, and activity providers to explore new experiences andensure that the quality of what’s offered meets our travelers’ expectations.

I love building genuine connections with the people we meet. Behind every hotel, every excursion, and every bed-and-breakfast, there are, above all, passionate men and women. This relationship of trust is essential for creating authentic trips and ensuring an experience that meets our clients’ expectations.

If I had to choose two regions that have made a particular impression on me, I would say, without hesitation, Las Terrenas and Punta Rucia.

1 – In Las Terrenas, I appreciate the balance between nature, the long beaches, the small restaurants, and the relaxed atmosphere there. 

2 – In Punta Rucia, my favorite spot is still Playa La Ensenada. Its calm waters, white sand, and peaceful atmosphere make it, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.

But my fondest memory is, above all, a chance encounter.

During a location scouting trip, we were welcomed by Johnny, one of our partners, who shared his experience with honey production with us. Beyond the activity itself, his entire family opened the doors of their home to us with incredible generosity and a touch of shyness. We shared a meal, chatted with them, and tasted some absolutely delicious honey.

When I arrived in the Dominican Republic, I thought I was going to discover a beach destination. Today, I see a deeply human country, where each region has its own identity, landscapes, and traditions.

This is the Dominican Republic we want to share at TERRA Dominicana: a country that reveals itself through encounters, mountain roads, villages, local producers, and the moments of life that make every trip unique.

I hope that my perspective will inspire you, in turn, to look beyond the clichés and set out to discover this island, which is as surprising as it is endearing.

Daniel Sánchez has been in charge of operations and partnerships with local suppliers at TERRA Dominicana since its founding. Originally from Costa Rica, he now travels throughout the Dominican Republic to meet new partners, visit accommodations, and select the best local experiences.

Passionate about connecting with people and authentic tourism, he helps develop TERRA Dominicana’s itineraries by drawing on extensive fieldwork and a relationship of trust with local stakeholders. His favorite regions are Las Terrenas and Punta Rucia, where he loves to return to discover new initiatives and share his favorite spots.