A safari-style vehicle tour that allows us to get to know the Dominican countryside with its great fauna and flora, visiting the different coffee, cocoa and sugar cane plantations of the Dominican Republic is one of the best ways to familiarize ourselves with the secrets of the different Dominican crops.
The best cocoa and coffee plantations are located in the community of El Caño, less than an hour from most of the hotels in the area.
It has an area of more than 500 square meters of different plants, including coffee and cocoa, as well as tobacco, sugar cane, pineapple, banana, etc.
TOUR OF COFFEE, COCOA AND SUGAR CANE PLANTATIONS
The tour of the cocoa, coffee and sugar cane plantations will begin with a visit to the lush rural area of Punta Cana (Anamuya), one of the most authentic experiences in the area where one can learn about the traditional and relaxed life of the locals, a lifestyle that many tourists would like to have, surrounded by nature and peace.
After the visit to the typical house, having learned how they live, how they prepare their meals and having a cup of coffee, the guided tour inside the coffee, cocoa and sugar cane plantations will take place.
COFFEE
Coffee is an essential part of the Dominican Republic’s culture and economy. It is one of the national drinks par excellence (as well as rum), which tourists wish to taste only at dawn or after a good meal during their visit to Punta Cana.
Its origin dates back to 1735 when it began to be cultivated in Barahona and other southern provinces of the Dominican Republic. Its cultivation spread very quickly to other regions until it became one of the main crops.
Some of the most significant varieties of coffee from the Dominican Republic are:
- Cibao Altura: A greenish-bluish colored bean with a fruity and tangy flavor. It is a real delight in infusion with a soft explosion of flavors and colors.
- Neyba: With a measured body, it is characterized by its accentuated citric fruit touch of soft and sweet acidity.
- Barahona: The first region where coffee began to be cultivated is one of the most recognized for the excellence of its coffee. Its aroma is of great intensity and leaves a soft flavor of nuts and chocolate on the palate.
CACAO
The Dominican Republic is one of the largest producers of organic cocoa in the world. Organic cocoa from Anamuya is used to manufacture well-known chocolate brands such as Green & Black.
Dominican cocoa is one of the best in the world. The Dominican Republic’s own ecosystem favors the cultivation of cocoa of exceptional quality.
Visiting the caco trails is one of the best excursions that invites you to learn many curiosities: see how the natives work, admire the organic production methods that are still preserved in the country, ensuring the best possible quality, learn about the different stages of the production process, etc.
To finish the cocoa route, the last stage includes a visit to the chocolate factory where you can see how a bar is made and, of course, taste it.
SUGAR CANE
Sugarcane is a tall tropical perennial grass (2 to 6 meters high) used for sugar production.
It makes important contributions to the Dominican Republic in several aspects: it contributes to the economic growth of the country, provides employment to thousands of people in rural areas either directly or indirectly, which helps to improve the living conditions of the communities, it is an excellent source of income, it is a very important export product, it is used for the production of other products such as molasses and rum, etc.
The largest sugarcane producers are concentrated in the eastern part of the country: La Altagracia, La Romana, Barahona province (southern part of the country), etc.
Typical liqueurs of the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, besides having important coffee, cocoa and sugar cane plantations, is also known for its excellent liqueurs, alcoholic beverages and tobacco.
MAMAJUNA
Mamajuana is a liqueur originating in the Dominican Republic with a flavor very similar to port wine and an intense red color, which is prepared by letting rum, red wine and honey soak in a bottle with tree bark and herbs.
It is commonly rumored among the Dominican population that this liquor boosts sexual desire in both men and women.
There are 2 types of Mamajuana:
- With alleged medicinal benefits: Made with exotic roots.
- As an aphrodisiac: Made with squid and mollusk broth.
RON
Rum is one of its most internationally recognized products. This alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting molasses, the liquid obtained from the juice of sugar cane.
There are several brands of rum to satisfy different tastes and needs.
They are usually found in small bottles so that tourists can take them back to their countries of origin as souvenirs of the area.
MOJITO
The mojito is one of the most popular cocktails in the area and in the world. It is made by mixing white rum, brown sugar, mint, lime and soda.
PIÑA COLADA
Piña colada is a light, creamy-flavored drink made with a mixture of pineapple, white rum and coconut milk.
Whether in a bar or lounge next to the sea or lying on the beach under the shade of an impressive palm tree are perhaps some of the places to enjoy these pleasant and smooth cocktails, contemplating the wonderful and spectacular view offered by the Caribbean.
