Begin your adventure at the historic capital city of the Dominican Republic. Walk the colonial zone and visit landmarks such as the Alcázar de Colón, Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor and the first cathedral built in the Americas, the Monasterio de San Francisco, and the National Museum of History and Geography. Finish the day at the Malecon, a scenic avenue stretching over 7 kilometers along the coast.
Horseback riding through the hills of Hato Mayor del Rey is a unique experience. Visit the terrains and farms of the town, including La Sierra and the sugar cane plantations. After the ride, relax in the natural pools of El Salto del Limón waterfall.
Get ready for a day of adrenaline-filled activities. Visit the Yaque del Norte river, known for its white-water rafting, canoeing, and tubing options. Take a hike around the Pico Duarte mountain or enjoy canyoning in the Jimenoa canyon. End the day with a campfire under the stars.
Swim with sharks and stingrays at Shark Ray Alley for a unique perspective of the sea creatures. Relax in the gentle waves of Bavaro Beach or head over to El Cortecito Beach, where the bars and restaurants give a taste of Dominican nightlife. Rent an ATV or go on a buggy adventure across the desert.
La Romana is home to Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village with cobblestone streets and coral-stone buildings. Take a tour of a cigar factory or visit the Bayahibe Beach for a peaceful morning. Afterwards visit Saona Island, a protected nature reserve, to see incredible white sandy beaches and clear blue waters.
Head to the south-west for a visit to one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the country. Bahia de Las Aguilas is the perfect spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, and swimming. You can book a boat tour to visit the rock formations and salt pans.
Samaná has multiple waterfalls, but the Lulu waterfall is one of the standout features. Walk along charming footpaths and cross a small wooden bridge. The contrast of the chocolate-colored bedrock and bright green leaves surrounding the falls is a must-see. A boat tour to the whales at the Samaná Bay is also an excellent option.
Visit Damajaqua Cascades to join an adventurous, wet 27 waterfalls cascading tour. The Cable Car, simply named “Teleférico,” is a worth-trying experience, it offers an impressive view of the coastline that reaches out to the horizon. Relax at the tranquil beaches of Sosua and Cabarete or explore the Macorix House of Rum.
Las Terrenas is a smaller beach town located on the north coast of the Samaná Peninsula, there are several beaches, crystal clear waters and jungle hiking trails. Rent an ATV, horseback, or bike and explore the jungle of El Limon, Umbertio Beach or Playa Bonita. Playa El Valle is also a must, it was listed on the “Top 10 hardest to reach beaches in the world” and it requires an exciting adventure to explore.
Return to Santo Domingo to wrap up your trip with some souvenir shopping for local crafts at the Mercado Modelo or the Atarazana street fair before heading to the airport.
Public transportation in the Dominican Republic is cheap but not always reliable, so it’s recommended to hire a private driver or rent a car, especially for day trips that are out of the way. Expect a range of $25 to $80 per day on car rentals. Taxis are available, but be sure to agree on a rate before getting in the vehicle. Flights between major cities are also available on Aerodomca, starting at around $40 per ticket for short flights.
If you have more time, consider adding a few extra days in the beach towns of Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. If you have less time, skip a day in Hato Mayor del Rey or Samana. Some activities are seasonal, so it's best to check before going.
The main airport in the Dominican Republic is Las Americas International Airport (SDQ), located in the capital city of Santo Domingo, and is about 40 minutes from the city center. Another popular airport is Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), which is 3 hours and 30 minutes from Santo Domingo.