Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic, located in the Caribbean, is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Santo Domingo, the capital, is home to the first European settlement in the Americas, featuring historical sites like the Zona Colonial. Punta Cana offers pristine beaches and luxurious resorts, while Puerto Plata is famous for its cable car rides and scenic coastlines. Adventure lovers can explore Samaná’s waterfalls, Jarabacoa’s mountains, or the hidden gems of Bahía de las Águilas. The Dominican Republic blends Spanish, African, and Taíno influences, offering a unique mix of history, music, and gastronomy.
Itenarary
Day 1: Arrival in Santo Domingo – Colonial & Cultural Wonders
- Arrive at Las Américas International Airport
- Check-in at a hotel in the Zona Colonial
- Explore the historic Zona Colonial (Alcázar de Colón, Parque Colón, Catedral Primada de América)
- Walk along Calle El Conde for shopping and local cuisine
- Dinner at a traditional Dominican restaurant
Day 2: Santo Domingo – Caves & Malecón
- Visit Los Tres Ojos (The Three Eyes) Cave
- Explore the Malecón of Santo Domingo with ocean views
- Visit the National Pantheon & Columbus Lighthouse
- Enjoy a lively night at a Merengue & Bachata club
Day 3: Punta Cana – Beach & Resort Relaxation
- Drive to Punta Cana (2.5-hour drive)
- Check-in at an all-inclusive beachfront resort
- Relax at Bavaro Beach or Macao Beach
- Optional: Catamaran cruise or snorkeling at Saona Island
- Dinner at a beachfront restaurant
Day 4: Punta Cana – Adventure & Water Activities
- Enjoy activities like parasailing, jet skiing, or diving
- Explore Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park
- Take a buggy or ATV tour through the countryside
- Relax at the resort or enjoy a spa treatment
Day 5: Puerto Plata – Cable Car & Historical Sites
- Drive to Puerto Plata (4-hour drive)
- Take a cable car ride to Mount Isabel de Torres
- Visit Fortaleza San Felipe, a historic Spanish fortress
- Explore Amber Cove & local markets
- Enjoy a sunset at Playa Dorada
Day 6: Samaná – Whale Watching & El Limón Waterfall
- Drive to Samaná (3.5-hour drive)
- During whale season (Jan–Mar), go on a whale-watching tour
- Hike to El Limón Waterfall
- Relax at Playa Rincón, one of the most beautiful beaches
- Return to Puerto Plata in the evening
Day 7: Jarabacoa – Mountains & Eco-Tourism
- Drive to Jarabacoa (3-hour drive)
- Visit Salto de Jimenoa waterfalls
- Try river rafting in the Yaque del Norte River
- Enjoy a peaceful evening in the Dominican Alps
Day 8: Departure
- Return to Santo Domingo
- Last-minute souvenir shopping
- Transfer to the airport for departure
Places to Visit
Cabarete
Downtown Puerto Plata
El Limon Waterfall
Fort San Felipe, Puerto Plata
Jarabacoa
Kite Beach
Las Galeras
Las Terrenas
Paradise Island (Cayo Arena)
Playa Grande
Puerto Plata Cable Car
Punta Cana
Punta Rucia
Samana
Santo Domingo
Bahia de las Aguilas
Must-Know Facts About Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is home to the first European settlement in the Americas.
Merengue and Bachata, two popular music genres, originated in the Dominican Republic.
Punta Cana is one of the most visited beach destinations in the Caribbean.
The country shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Baseball is the most popular sport, with many Dominican players in Major League Baseball (MLB).
January to March is the best time to see humpback whales in Samaná Bay.
The country has the highest mountain in the Caribbean, Pico Duarte (3,087 meters).
Larimar, a rare blue gemstone, is only found in the Dominican Republic.
It has over 200 beaches, with some of the best in the Caribbean.