THE BEST WAY TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

From LAX, American, Continental, Copa and Delta offer connecting service (change of planes) to Santo Domingo.

Restricted roundtrip fares begin at $409. Visas not required for U.S. residents; however, there is a $10 fee payable upon entry.

WHERE TO STAY

Casa Doña Elvira, 207 Padre Billini, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo; (809) 221-7415,

www.dona-elvira.com. Renovated 16th century villa; doubles start at $90.

V Centenario Santo Domingo (InterContinental), 218 George Washington Ave., Santo Domingo; (888) 424-6835, www.ichotelsgroup.com/inter continental. Hotel with casino. Doubles from $105.

WHERE TO EAT

Pata é Palo, 21 La Atarazana, Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo; (809) 687-3171. Excellent food in the heart of Zona Colonial in a building dating to the 1500s. Dinners from about $20.

WHERE TO PLAY

Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic; (809) 574-6890, www.ranchobaiguate.com. This outfit organized our hike up Pico Duarte. Cost for party of five, including one night at guesthouse, transportation, guides, mules, food and camping equipment, $1,050.

TO LEARN MORE

Embassy of the Dominican Republic, 1715 22nd St. N.W., Washington, D.C.; (202) 332-6280, www.domrep.org.