Santo Domingo, on the south Caribbean coast of Hispaniola Island is the main port and capital city of Dominican Republic.

It is the oldest European settlement in the New World and professed burial place of Christopher Columbus. Built in the early 1500s, the city was the first hub of Spanish culture and commerce in the western hemisphere.

Haiti is a poverty-stricken land of urban overpopulation, denuded hillsides and a people suffering the wounds of civil strife and oppression.

It is also a vibrant country of colourful art, fantastic music, cloud forests and an intensely spiritual people whose humour and passion are legendary.

A rich history is certainly one of the things the city of San Felipe de Puerto Plata can boast of with pride. More commonly known as Puerto Plata, this enchanting resort community takes its name from the inspiration of famous explorer Christopher Columbus.