Mexico is far from the Dominican Republic. Which is better: Dominican Republic or Mexico? Dominican Republic or Mexico: what to choose

It is considered one of the most interesting resort places in the world, providing foreign tourists with a wide variety of recreation. In Latin America, Mexico is one of the 10 best resorts, annually receiving a huge number of tourists from neighboring countries, the USA, Canada, etc. For Russian citizens, the only disadvantage of a holiday at Mexican resorts is the flight duration (from 13 to 15 hours depending on the airline, for example there on two planes, back on three (from Cancun. In total, flights with waits at transfer points take more than a day). The high tourist season in Mexico is considered to be the period from December to July (inclusive). The capital of the country is Mexico City, the major cities of Guadalajara, Puebla, Monterrey, Merida, and Orizaba. Tourists who prefer to relax against the backdrop of beautiful natural landscapes will enjoy Mexico with a wide variety of natural landscapes, from cacti and low-growing trees in the northern part of Mexico, to rainforest, tropical forest (in the southern half of Mexico) and alpine meadows near snowy mountain peaks. Mexico has 58 parks and biosphere reserves (including the El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve, the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, etc.) with the most diverse and exotic fauna.

There are a lot of coral reefs off the coast of Mexico, also with a rich and diverse underwater fauna, attracting their own category of tourists - divers (the most interesting dive sites are: Barracuda Reef, vertical walls of Maracaibo Deep (up to 50 m deep), and many others) .

Mexico boasts a large number of beach resorts located in the Gulf of Mexico of the Pacific Ocean (resorts of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos) and on the Atlantic coast (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel Island). The most popular resorts among tourists: Acapulco, Cozumel and Cancun, known to many from the Mexican television series.

located in Acapulco Bay (one of the four most beautiful bays in the world) on the Pacific coast, in the state of Guerrero. It offers its guests a wonderful climate for relaxation, a very developed hotel chain, an active and varied nightlife (it has many decent restaurants, bars, casinos and other entertainment venues), a huge number of outlets for shopping, snow-white beaches created by nature specifically for tourists, amazing beautiful natural scenery of the bay. Acapulco has several interesting historical and cultural attractions: the statue of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, which guards the sailors who went to sea (installed off the coast, on the seabed); 42-meter cross blessing travelers; old Spanish castle Chapel of Peace on the hill; fortress of San Diego (XVII century) and many other churches, temples and historical monuments. The coast of the resort stretches for 35 km along the coastline, and there are the beaches of Caleta, Caletilla, Condeza and others, where you can go water skiing and surfing. For children, it will be interesting to visit: a modern water park, a zoo on the island of Roqueta and the Mundo Marino aquarium. For eco-tourists, there is Papagayo Park, and for those interested in the Mayan civilization, the local Museum of Archeology, with interesting exhibitions, awaits.

occupies the territory of one of the largest islands in Mexico, located 20 km from the Yucatan Peninsula. The resort of Cozumel in Mexico is recognized as one of the best places for an active pastime. With a huge coral reef and extremely picturesque underwater world, the resort has ideal diving conditions, including hotels and dive schools for beginner divers. Due to the fact that strong winds constantly blow from the ocean, there are high waves off the coast, which are great for surfers and kite surfing. For lovers of a classic beach holiday, another resort is needed, since there are not many beaches suitable for swimming on the island. Nature lovers can explore the island's jungle with all the diversity of local fauna. And history buffs can look in the virgin jungle for traces of the Mayan civilization. The Cozumel resort offers its guests accommodation in numerous hotels, campsites and chalets, right on the seashore, excellent Mexican cuisine and a wide range of entertainment.

Cancun Resort , washed by the clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, is located on the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. Cancun is one of the most popular resorts in Mexico, which has a mild climate for tourists, many hotels and hotels of at least 4*, youth clubs, casinos, various nightlife and other entertainment industry; many shopping complexes, shops and souvenir shops for shopping lovers; for active recreation: water sports, surfing, diving, fishing, golf on green lawns, fitness centers. This entire rich tourist infrastructure of the Cancun resort is located on a twenty-five kilometer sand spit formed by the Nichupte Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The Cancun resort is perfect for families with children, for this there are beaches with calm water and convenient entry into the sea. The excursion trips offered by the resort are interesting not only to the Yucatan Peninsula, but also to the most interesting and significant places in Mexico, for example, to the local Botanical Garden, to the orchid farm, to the Xcaret amusement park, to the ancient cities of Chichen Itza and Tulum and other sights related to the Mayan civilization. With children you can visit the local aquarium with dolphins (you can swim with them). Everything related to the Dominican Republic can be found out in detail on our website.

Vacation planning begins with choosing a tourist destination. To do this, you need to take as a basis several offers from travel agencies that are closest to the traveler in spirit, and compare them according to different parameters. Today we will try to compare holidays in Mexico and Dominican Republic- two countries remote from us, each of which is of significant interest to vacationers.

General information

Mexico- a state on the North American continent. In the east, its shores are washed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, and in the west the country faces the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. It borders on the north with the United States, and on the south with a couple of Central American states.

Dominican Republic- an island state, occupies the eastern part of the famous island of Haiti and the territory of numerous coastal islands. It borders only with the Republic of Haiti in the east of the island of the same name.

As you can see, even in terms of their location, these two places are very different from each other. But there is a lot in common between them. In particular, there are rich opportunities for beach holidays.

So anyway, Where is it better to relax, in Mexico or the Dominican Republic?? This question is not so simple, especially since these two areas of tourism are approximately equally popular and in demand. Let's compare several of the most relevant parameters.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Approximate prices for tours to Mexico and the Dominican Republic

The specific price of the tour depends on the star rating of the hotel, the level of services and the duration of the tour. A vacation for two in Mexico (including flights, meals, accommodation, transfer and insurance) costs from 120 to 300 thousand rubles.

Not much cheaper than the prices for trips to the Dominican Republic - quite comparable to Mexico. So this parameter can be ignored when choosing.

In both countries you can relax cheaper, if there are no special requirements for comfort in the hotel. In this case, it is possible to spend even less than 100 thousand for two on vacation.

Climatic conditions

Experienced travelers claim that there is no more heavenly climate than in these two countries anywhere in the world. So if you want to spend your next paid vacation in paradise on earth, go to a travel agency and choose between resorts in the Dominican Republic and Mexico. You just have to take into account that the climate in the Dominican Republic is milder, the rainy season begins in May and ends in August.

In Cancun, one of the most popular resorts in Mexico, rain occurs from late August to early October.

Features of the beaches

So still - Mexico or Dominican Republic? It's time to compare beaches in both countries.

You will not be able to find any special differences between the beaches of the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Both there and here the traveler will be greeted by wonderful beaches that provide truly heavenly pleasure to vacationers. True, the whole impression is slightly spoiled by the Caribbean Sea, which is not calm during the rainy season (from time to time quite serious waves roll onto the eastern coast of Mexico), but they do not interfere with your vacation at all, and surf lovers, on the contrary, will like them.

But the abundance of algae off the coast of the Dominican Republic can sometimes spoil your mood.

Features of local cuisine

If the Dominican Republic and Mexico are practically the same in terms of the availability of beaches, climate characteristics and prices for tours, then the cuisines of the two countries differ radically. Although it can be said that gourmets will find many attractive dishes in both the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

In resort restaurants Mexico Naturally, Mexican cuisine predominates, which is characterized by an abundance of spicy dishes. This may seem unacceptable to our fellow citizens and Europeans. However, restaurants are not limited to Mexican cuisine - you can choose an establishment with European, Chinese and even Mediterranean cuisine. But what is Mexico without burritos and tacos?

IN Dominicans serves very special local cuisine. These include rice, beans, a variety of seafood, goat meat and bananas. By the way, here you can try bananas not only fresh, but also fried. For the body of “our” person, Dominican food will be much less stressful than in Mexico. But, again, there is no point in arguing about tastes - everyone has their own preferences.

So what is better to choose for your upcoming vacation - Mexico or Dominican Republic? So far there is no clear leader in this competition - both of these tourist destinations are equally unique and attractive, and so far we have only been able to find differences in cuisine.

Flora and fauna

The flora and especially the fauna of Mexico are unusually rich and diverse. Here you can find a huge number of birds and different types of animals. Deserts and tropical forests, cacti and evergreen trees, vines and agaves - almost everything is here.

The fauna of the Dominican Republic is represented only by birds and marine animals. But the flora of the islands is unusually rich, diverse and magnificent. Everywhere the traveler is surrounded by lush flowers and an abundance of fruits. There is no such amazing beauty anywhere else.

There is a lot to think about if you are faced with the question of where is better: Mexico or the Dominican Republic. These countries are very close in terms of holidays, so the choice is not the easiest. Let's try to figure it out in order.

Holidays in Mexico

Mexico offers tourists beautiful sandy beaches washed by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, picturesque mountain ranges, excellent opportunities for water sports: diving, surfing, snorkeling and others.

The country has a lot of interesting attractions and national parks. Vacationers will discover the ancient cities of the Mayans and Aztecs, get acquainted with the colonial architecture, rich traditions and culture of the country.
Mexico combines Spanish culture and Indian traditions. This is the land of hot chili peppers, tequila, Miriachi music and world-famous gastronomy.

The Cancun beach in Mexico, popular all over the world, is chosen by tourists from many countries for their holidays.

Beach holidays in Mexico are wonderful both on the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Although tourists prefer the sea.

Everywhere, vacationers will find snow-white sand beaches, clear emerald-colored water, picturesque landscapes, and a variety of flora and fauna.

The most popular resort is Cancun, located on the Caribbean Sea. Here are the best hotels, which are usually very crowded. Vacationers are attracted here by the proximity to many attractions, the ancient Mayan cities of Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba.

Holidays in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic can give you an excellent vacation, organized at the highest level. Snow-white beaches and clear seas are the calling card of the country and its pride.

The Dominican Republic combines picturesque landscapes, a magnificent underwater world, beautiful villages and many natural attractions. The country attracts tourists with excellent beach holidays surrounded by very beautiful tropical nature.

The Dominican Republic has luxury hotels with the highest level of service. Many of them operate on an all-inclusive basis and are located on the first coastline.

The Dominican Republic is beautiful all year round. There is no winter here, and the thermometer never drops below + 24°C. The sea water is always warm, around 26°C throughout the year. In the “winter” months the weather is most comfortable for relaxation, as it is not so hot. At this time there is a large influx of tourists.

The most popular tourist destinations are Santo Domingo, Punta Cana, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, Bayahibe and Samana. From December to March, huge humpback whales come to the country. Thousands of giant individuals gathering off the coast of Samana for mating games attract vacationers from all over the world.

Mexico or Dominican Republic: which is better? How to make the right choice? These questions can be answered by taking a closer look at each country.

Where to go on vacation: Mexico or the Dominican Republic

If you are faced with a choice which country, the Dominican Republic or Mexico, is better for vacation, then you really have something to think about. Both of these tourist destinations have their own advantages and disadvantages. A good holiday awaits you where the conditions will best suit your wishes.

Which is better for you, the Dominican Republic or Mexico, depends on the type of vacation you prefer. When choosing a country, you should take into account the main criteria for a comfortable vacation.

1. Hotels.

Both countries can boast of comfortable and cozy hotels with a wide range of services and spacious areas. Many of them belong to leading hotel chains (Riu, Barcelo, Melia, Gran Bahia) and are part of entire complexes.

It’s not worth choosing a destination, the Dominican Republic or Mexico, based on the level of hotels. There are even very similar hotels in these countries.

1. Entertainment outside the hotel.

In both places, tourists prefer to stay within hotels, many of which can provide a good rest in their territories. Only occasionally do vacationers venture outside to go to a restaurant, go shopping and watch the locals.

1. Excursions.

Mexico is richer in attractions. In the Dominican Republic, excursions are made mainly to interesting natural places.

1. Price.

One of the most important questions is which is more economical: ? The cost of tours in both directions is approximately the same. However, tourists claim that flights and accommodation are more expensive in Mexico.

1. Service.

The quality of service and maintenance in the Dominican Republic is better.

1. Flight.

The flight duration to Mexico is 1.5-2 hours longer.

1. All-inclusive holidays are cheaper in Mexico.
2. According to vacationers, the food in the Dominican Republic is tastier.

Just a couple of years ago, Mexico was a serious competitor to the Dominican Republic, but now everything is far from the same. Currently, most tourists, if they are faced with the question “Dominican Republic or Mexico,” will choose the first option. Why? Below we will talk about the main advantages of the Dominican Republic over Mexico.

Flight

The main reason that Mexico has recently lost popularity among Russian tourists is the lack of direct flights to this country from Russia. If at the beginning of 2016 planes of Nord Wind Airlines flew to Mexico, and even earlier - planes of Transaero Airlines, now (beginning of 2017) you can only get to Mexico on flights with transfers. This is an inconvenient and rather expensive option. Let's hope that the situation will change in the near future, but for now you can go to the Dominican Republic on one of three airlines! Yes, yes, currently direct flights to the Dominican Republic are offered by Rossiya, Azur Air, IFly and Nord Wind airlines. Moreover, at least one plane departs from Moscow to Punta Cana every day.

In general, the lack of direct flights to Mexico forces many tourists to immediately abandon a possible trip to this country.

Even when charters flew to Mexico, the flight time to this country was quite long, about 2 hours longer than the flight time to the Dominican Republic. Now, due to the lack of direct flights, you have to fly with transfers in cities in Europe or America, and such a trip takes even longer.

Hotels

If we compare all-inclusive hotels, then, other things being equal, hotels in Mexico are more expensive than in the Dominican Republic. This is another reason why the Dominican Republic is a better option. However, it is worth taking into account the availability of inexpensive hotels in the resort area of ​​​​Cancun, offering only a room or room with breakfast. Such hotels are suitable as an inexpensive base for excursions.

Beaches

The beaches in the Cancun resort area have two drawbacks. The first is that there are often rocks in the water near the shore that can pose a danger. There are only a few areas in the entire Cancun resort area where these stones are almost absent. The second drawback of Mexican beaches is strong waves. Although some beaches in the Dominican Republic also have high waves, in the most popular area of ​​the country, Punta Cana, the waves are noticeably lower than in Cancun, Mexico.

Dominican Republic or Mexico: what to choose

Currently, when choosing between the Dominican Republic and Mexico, the vast majority of tourists will choose the first option. The main reason, as we said above, is the lack of direct flights to Mexico. But there are other reasons to choose the Dominican Republic: shorter flights, lower flight and hotel prices (hence lower package tour prices), and more attractive and swimmable beaches.

Holidays in the Caribbean - what could be better? In our review, we will compare two popular destinations and try to answer the question - which country is better: the Dominican Republic or Mexico.

At first glance, these countries have a lot in common: a rich Indian and colonial past, Spanish culture, Christian traditions, tropical climate. But upon closer examination, the Dominican Republic and Mexico are very different from each other.

Geographical position

Mexico

Mexico is located in the continental Americas and extends from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California in the west to the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico in the east. Mexico also includes many small islands. In the north, the country borders the United States of America.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic, although geographically it belongs to the American continent, is actually located on one of the large Antilles islands - Haiti, and occupies the eastern part of the island. The southern coast of the Dominican Republic is washed by the Caribbean Sea, the northern coast by the Atlantic Ocean. In the east, the Mona Strait separates the country from another island nation, Puerto Rico. The territory of the Dominican Republic also includes a number of small islands.

Climate

Mexico

The climate in Mexico varies depending on the region. So, in the north of the country subtropics predominate, and in the south - tropics. On the coast most of the year the air temperature is very comfortable, +27 C degrees. The beach season lasts all year round. The rainy season is from June to September.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has a subtropical climate. On the coast, the air temperature throughout the year ranges from +27 in winter to +32 degrees in summer. The beach season here lasts all year round. The rainiest period is from May to October, but the rains are most often short-lived and fall at night.

Nature

Mexico

Mexico occupies a fairly large territory and has many climatic zones. Thanks to this, the natural world of Mexico is very diverse. There are humid subtropical forests, desert zones, and mountainous regions, where near the snowy peaks the landscape is very reminiscent of the alpine regions. Mexico is home to 58 parks and biosphere reserves, home to a wide variety of exotic fauna.

Dominican Republic

Although the Dominican Republic is much smaller in area than Mexico, the nature here is extremely diverse. As you move from the coast to the center of the island, you can see 12 climate zones. The island has tropical forests, pine forests, bamboo thickets, desert regions with cacti and thorny bushes, and even dwarf forests in the high mountainous regions of the central part of the country.

Here you can see waterfalls, bays, lagoons, caves, salt lakes and mountain rivers. In the Dominican Republic there are several dozen nature reserves with unique, including endemic, plants. The big advantage of the Dominican Republic is that the distances between various natural attractions are relatively small, from 1 to 5 hours drive.

As for the animal world, it is represented here rather poorly: mainly insects, reptiles and birds. But there are no poisonous reptiles on the island, so you can safely walk through the forests and National Parks.

Resorts

Mexico

Resorts on the Pacific coast:

• Acapulco
• Puerto Vallarta
• Los Cabos

Resorts on the Caribbean coast:

• Cancun
• Playa del Carmen
• Cozumel island

The most popular resorts are Acapulco, Cozumel and Cancun.

The level of service in Mexican hotels is quite high, although it does not always correspond to the declared star level. When choosing a hotel, be sure to pay attention to reviews from other tourists. Mexican hotels offer various food systems: breakfast only, half board or all inclusive. Hotel areas are usually very large. Among the service staff there are many Cubans and Puerto Ricans who speak very little English (a small set of Spanish words in your vocabulary will come in handy).

Dominican Republic

Resorts located on the Caribbean coast:

• Boca Chica
• Juan Dolio
• La Romana

Resorts located on the Atlantic coast:

• Punta Cana
• Puerto Plata
• Cabarete

The most popular resorts: Boca Chica, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata.

Dominican hotels are famous for their excellent service. There are much fewer budget hotels here than five-star ones. Most hotels in the Dominican Republic operate on an All Inclusive basis. Dominican hotels usually have everything you need for a wonderful holiday: many restaurants, bars, casinos, discos and all kinds of entertainment, so many tourists do not go beyond their hotel at all. Despite the consistently excellent service, you should be prepared for the fact that Dominicans operate at a slightly slower pace, and hotel staff are no exception.

Attractions

Mexico

The history of Mexico is extremely rich, so it will be extremely interesting for lovers of historical sights. Much of Mexico's historical heritage dates back to the heyday of the Inca, Mayan and Aztec civilizations. Tourists are invited to visit the ancient cities of the Indians, their sacred places and amazing pyramids, shrouded in many mysteries and legends. The Yucatan Peninsula, considered the cradle of the Mayan civilization, has many archaeological sites, including Uxmal, Merida and the famous Chichen Itza.

In addition to historical excursions, Mexico has a good selection of active entertainment - diving, snorkeling and surfing are popular in all Mexican resorts.

Dominican Republic

The history of the Dominican Republic is not nearly as rich as that of Mexico, but it was here that one of the most significant events in the history of the American Continent took place - the discovery of America by Christoformus Columbus. On a historical excursion to Santo Domingo, you can hear a story about the amazing and mysterious events of that era, as well as see with your own eyes the first European city in America.

Although there is only one historical excursion on the island, the choice of active entertainment is unusually rich. Divers, surfers, speleologists, rafting and trekking enthusiasts come to the Dominican Republic. Among less extreme sports, popular trips around the country in buggies, jeeps or quad bikes, paragliding, helicopters, small planes and hot air balloons, various eco-tours, horseback riding and, of course, sea trips on boats, yachts and catamarans.

But the main highlight of the Dominican Republic is the mating season of large humpback whales, which annually swim to Samana Bay. Whale watching period is the highest tourist season in the Dominican Republic.

Souvenirs

Mexico

From Mexico they usually bring:

• national drinks (tequila, mezcal, pulque, stabentun)
• sweets made from cacti, coconut, milk, nuts or exotic fruits
• spices, more than 80 types of peppers and spicy Mexican sauce
• poncho
• hammocks
• Jewelry
• handmade souvenirs
• figurines of Indians, skeletons, mythical creatures, animals, gods
• masks, symbols or costumes of Indians of different tribes
• national women's and men's clothing and hats, such as sombrero

Dominican Republic

• national drinks (rum, fruit and coconut liqueurs, mama juana)
• cocoa
• cigars
• cosmetics based on natural oils
• souvenirs with Dominican symbols
• jewelry with local stones: larimar and amber
• souvenirs with Indian and mythological symbols
• national musical instruments
• paintings by local artists in the Haitian naive style
• Lima dolls

Currency and prices

Mexico

The national currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso. Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and exchange offices. In Mexico, tipping service staff is highly encouraged. In cafes and restaurants, it is customary to leave 10% of the order amount, and you can leave 2-3 dollars or more for the porter, guide or driver, at your discretion.

Fruits and vegetables are fairly cheap in Mexico, but bottled water is expensive.

Tickets to Mexico are much more expensive than to the Dominican Republic. For example, the cheapest tour to Mexico in 2017 for 7 nights in a 3* hotel without meals will cost about 65,000-85,000 rubles per person.

First of all, such prices are due to the cost of a very long flight. For example, a plane from Moscow to Cancun takes 13 hours. To other cities in Mexico you will have to fly with a transfer in Europe, Cuba or the States.

Dominican Republic

The national currency in the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. In resort areas you can freely pay in dollars. Just like in Mexico, it is customary to leave a tip here. Keep in mind that many restaurants will add 18% tax and 10% tip to your bill. In the Dominican Republic, local fruits and vegetables are also inexpensive, but all imported products and things are very expensive.

But prices for tours to the Dominican Republic are on average cheaper than to Mexico. In 2017, you can buy a trip for a week to a 3* hotel in Punta Cana with All Inclusive meals from 50,000 rubles per person. If you are ready to consider resorts more distant from the airport, then you can spend 80-90 thousand rubles for two.

Today, Dominican Republic resorts are becoming an alternative to holidays in Egypt and Turkey. Many large tour operators (Anex Tour, Biblio Globus) have launched their charter programs, thereby significantly reducing the overall cost of a trip to the Dominican Republic.

Combined tours: Dominican Republic and Mexico

The flight to Latin America is very long, so many tourists are interested in the opportunity to combine visits to several countries at once in one tour. Today, some tour operators offer combined tours to the Dominican Republic and Mexico. This option is suitable for those tourists who are willing to spend a little more time and a little more money on their vacation than when booking a standard tour to one country.

Tour operators that offer combined tours to the Dominican Republic and Mexico:

• Biblio Globus
• Tez Tour
• Pegasus
• Sard Travel
• Caryatid

The cost of combined tours to the Dominican Republic and Mexico starts from $1,500 per person (without air tickets). The full cost of a combined tour is calculated individually for each tourist, because the total price directly depends on the cost of all flights. It is most profitable to go on a combined Dominican Republic-Mexico tour in the summer, because this time is considered the low season in both countries.

If you still need to make a choice in favor of one country, we recommend the following:

• Choose Mexico if you like multi-day historical excursions, are not afraid of long journeys around the country and are not going to save on your vacation.
• Choose the Dominican Republic if you love nature and active entertainment, or if your style is an all-inclusive holiday without leaving the hotel premises.

Wherever you go - to the Dominican Republic or Mexico - magnificent beaches, a comfortable tropical climate and generous Caribbean sun await you in any case!