Dominican Republic from Coast to Coast in 14 days

Welcome to Santo Domingo!

The stunning capital of the Dominican Republic is the best place to start your holidays! There really is no better city to get to know the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. Upon arrival at the airport, proceed to collect your rental car and drive to your hotel in the city centre in the Zona Colonial (“Colonial Zone”).

Roads in the Dominican Republic range from excellent to horrible, sometimes along the same highway in a very short distance. Always be on the lookout for potholes, bumps, and people walking on the road, especially near populated areas. However, the best way to travel the country and get to know it from end to end is by venturing to travel it by car. There are good bus transfer options for those who prefer to avoid driving, but this tour is dedicated to the more adventurous and daring.

Besides sipping delicious cocktails or feasting on local delicacies, you should of course also do a bit of sightseeing. Since the colonial zone is quite small, it is very easy to walk around it. Places like Plaza España and Parque Colón are not to be missed, but there are many more picturesque squares to explore. Be sure to also strut in the colourful Pink Park; the perfect place to relax in a green environment covered by walls of pink and Caribbean houses in all the colours of a rainbow.

Outside of the Colonial Zone, of course, there are also some nice places to discover. Walk along the Malecón or drive to Los Tres Ojos National Park. In the latter, you can discover an interesting limestone cave dotted with some underground turquoise ponds. Pretty magical place.

Puerto Plata

During a vacation in the Dominican Republic, you do not need to limit yourself to Santo Domingo to see the colonial history of the Caribbean. Puerto Plata is at least as impressive compared to the capital.

Get up early in the morning ready to drive from one coast to the other of the island on a trip that will take around 3 and a half hours. Arrive at your all-inclusive hotel and check in. It is time to relax and recharge your batteries before exploring the city and its sights.

Here there are also colourful houses surrounding lively squares and equally picturesque streets like El Paseo de Doña Blanca, make sure you have plenty of good photos on your camera. Be sure to visit the beautiful Fortaleza San Felipe. In addition to interesting history and green surroundings, this very well-maintained colonial castle can also boast some of the best views of Puerto Plata Bay.

Speaking of magnificent views: do not skip a visit to Pico Isabel de Torres. You can get to this mountain quite easily with a cable car that hoists you over a virgin jungle. Once at the top, you are greeted by a huge statue of the Cristo Redentor (“Christ the Redeemer”). He watches out over Puerto Plata and its beautiful surroundings permanently.

Travel to Samaná

It is time to continue our journey east, now driving along the north coast to the Samaná Peninsula, a journey of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. Samaná is one of the hidden gems of the country. This natural refuge is as coveted today as it was in the 16th century. The pirates hid in its lush palm-filled forests, secluded beaches and hidden caves, as European and Haitian troops competed for its protected deep-water bay.

Samaná is one of the hidden gems of the country. This natural refuge is as coveted today as it was in the 16th century. The pirates hid in its lush palm-filled forests, secluded beaches and hidden caves, as European and Haitian troops competed for its protected deep-water bay.

Upon arrival, head to your Playa Rincón hotel and check in. Time to stretch your legs and chill-out. Take advantage of the all-inclusive opportunities to eat and drink without limits, while you relax and enjoy the beach. We will have time to discover the secrets of the area in the next 3 days.

Impressive beaches such as Playa Rincón (the second most beautiful beach in the world!), Playa Frontón or Playa Cosón will make you fall in love with this unspoiled place at the same time. I have never seen a place where tourism and nature combine so perfectly as here. The many resorts and hotels are not built on the beach, leaving more room for swaying palm trees and pristine white or gold beaches.

Los Haitises is probably the most famous national park in the Dominican Republic. Hundreds of limestone islands have created a truly magical place that attracts a wide variety of wildlife. The splashing water has slowly created caves under all these islands and today you can visit some of them. You can even come across some pre-Hispanic rock art here.

Another highlight of the Samaná peninsula is the El Limón waterfall. After a reasonably steep hike through the rainforest, you will reach a lookout point from where you can hear the water splashing. From here, it takes another five to ten minutes to finally set your eyes on this massive waterfall surrounded by lush green palm groves. Be amazed by its immeasurable beauty, surrounded by an incipient dry tropical forest, dive into a refreshing natural pool. Feel the ferocity of the crystal-clear waters rushing down a spectacular waterfall.

Approximately 2,500 humpback whales visit the Samaná Bay each year. If you arrive in the right season, you can enjoy a unique whale watching show. The giant mammals return each year to this special corner of the Dominican Republic to mate, be born and enjoy this glorious tropical landscape. Mothers and their calves jump out of the water as if they were performing a perfectly timed ballet recital. Truly an experience to never forget.

Punta Cana

You will not have a proper road trip through the Dominican Republic without seeing its most precious region. This time get ready for a longer trip of approximately 5 and a half hours, to Playa Bávaro, where your destination all-inclusive hotel is located. After this fairly busy road trip through the Dominican Republic, you may want to relax a bit. There really is no better place to do it than Punta Cana.

Playa Bávaro is the most developed stretch of the 35 miles (56 km) of white sand beach in the Punta Cana area, which is lined by medium and mega-sized all-inclusive resorts. Although it encompasses many smaller towns, the main area, which runs through Cabeza de Toro, is believed to begin with the massive Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort and extend to the fun and fun fishermen's beach, Playa El Cortecito, known for the iconic restaurant Captain Cook's. The water is characteristically warm and fairly shallow, with seaweed kept in check by hotels. Although there are sections that are idyllically quiet, for the most part it is non-stop action. Boats and water sports provide the entertainment.

If your urge to explore is still not satisfied, you will be happy to know that there are many excursions on offer from Punta Cana. Be sure to spend a day in the impressive Saone, an island with perhaps the most magical beaches in the Caribbean.

Return home

Today is your last day in the Dominican Republic, get up early to drive back to the capital Santo Domingo, on a trip that will take you 2 hours and 45 minutes. Head to the airport for your flight home.