Christopher Columbus' brother founded the Dominican Republic's capital city of Santo Domingo in 1496. A number of New World 'firsts' occurred here, including the first cathedral, university, monastery and hospital. This is also where Spanish conquistadors set off to conquer the rest of the Caribbean, and regions of North, Central and South America.

The city definitely experienced its share of trouble over the following centuries. For example, It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1562; captured, looted and burnt down by Sir Francis Drake in 1586; attacked by both British and French forces over most of the 17th century; and dominated by Haitian forces, more or less until the early part of the 20th century when peace was restored.

Since that time it has exploded with industry and urban migration. Today Santo Domingo is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with 2.5 million inhabitants. It boasts activities for everyone - museums, ballet, opera, baseball games, and the best nightlife, restaurants and shopping to be found in the Dominican Republic.

The average temperature doesn't vary a lot in city because the tropical trade winds help mitigate the heat and humidity throughout the year. December and January are the coolest months and July and August are the warmest months.

You can learn Spanish in Dominican Republic in Santo Domingo:

• Corsi Spagnolo in Santo Domingo

• EcuadorEcuador arguably has the most intensely varied landscape in South America. You get it all here: the collosal Andes, the Amazon, Pacific beaches, and of course the naturalist's paradise of the Galapagos Islands.
• BoliviaBolivia may be one of the poorest countries in South America, but its cultural wealth, the Andean landscapes and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination for those looking for more than postcards.
• PeruThe landscape of Peru is as epic as its history. The shadows, canyons, and plateaus of the vertiginous Andes hide the remains of one of the world's most extraordinary empires - the Inca - while their eastern slopes are the cradle of the Amazon River itself.
• ChileIn Chile, nature runs the gamut of its most dramatic forms - enormous glaciers, craggy granite spires, and towering volcanic cones dominate the landscape. Torres del Paine National Park is widely held to be the finest park in the Americas.
• ArgentinaA country of wide-open pampas and ancient forests, Argentina is as wild as its capital city, Buenos Aires, is sophisticated.
• CubaCuba is a beautiful country, it also has a population that is very hospitable in spite of the economic difficulties in the last few years. It is a country of music, poetry, dancing, singing and chatting. People have time for each other and for their guests. Cuba is like going back in time to the 50´s: old cars, a relaxed atmosphere, no hurry.
• Costa RicaIn recent years, Costa Rica has nearly become synonymous with the term "ecotourism." Its pristine rainforests are painstakingly protected, and an ever-increasing tide of people comes to witness the astounding abundance of plant and animal species each year.
• Dominican Rep.The white sand beaches, impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls, and saltwater lakes teeming with exotic wildlife are just part of the Dominican Republic’s appeal. Whether you’re looking to party, relax or explore, the Dominican Republic has a lot to offer.
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• MexicoWith both the most populous city in the world, and some of the most beautiful beaches, Mexico is a lively destination. A variety of natural wonders from lush tropical rainforests to mountains and deserts make Mexico a gem for the adventurer, but its real treasure is in the spirit of its people.