Caribbean natural beauties

Active & Adventure Tours | Rental Car/Selfdriven

Discover the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic that remain hidden to most tourists on this self-drive tour. One of the highlights of this journey is a two-day excursion to the remote and untouched Los Haitises National Park before you can unwind for four days in Las Terrenas and let your soul relax.

Approximately 14 days

from 1.840 €

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Santo Domingo

Upon your arrival at Santo Domingo Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel located in the historic district of Santo Domingo. Afterward, you will receive a welcome drink and information about your upcoming journey at the local agency’s office. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the streets, bistros, bars, shops, and attractions of the colonial city at your own pace.

Overnight stay at Hotel Luca
Stages: Santo Domingo

Day 2: Colonial Heritage in Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo combines modernity with its old city center, the “Zona Colonial.” During a two-hour guided tour of the colonial zone, you will follow in the footsteps of Columbus and visit the oldest cathedral in the New World, a fortress, ruins, and the residence of Christopher Columbus’s son. Afterward, you will visit a cigar factory where you will learn interesting facts about tobacco cultivation and the production process of the famous Dominican cigar. Following lunch, you have the option to explore other places and attractions in Santo Domingo by bus or taxi. One option would be to visit the fascinating cave system known as “Los Tres Ojos” (The Three Eyes).

Included meals: Breakfast / Overnight stay at Hotel Luca
Stages: Santo Domingo

Day 3: Eternal Spring in Jarabacoa

After breakfast, your journey begins by heading inland, passing cocoa, rice, banana, and coffee plantations. You will then reach Jarabacoa, a small town nestled at the foothills of the surrounding mountains, via a well-developed mountain road. The Dominicans also refer to this city as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its year-round mild and spring-like temperatures. The Gran Jimenoa Hotel is beautifully located by the river, offering breathtaking views of the Dominican Republic’s mountainous landscape.

Travel time: approximately 2.5 hours
Included meals: Breakfast / Overnight stay at Hotel Gran Jimenoa
Stages: Santo Domingo, Jarabacoa

Day 4: Fishing Village of Punta Rucia

In the morning, you can visit the butterfly garden located on the grounds of Rancho Baiguate. Afterward, you will continue your journey towards Punta Rucia. On the way, you will pass through Santiago, the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic, and catch a glimpse of the 70-meter-high Monument of Santiago, built in 1944. By late afternoon, you will arrive at the small and idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia. At your accommodation, the Punta Rucia Lodge, you can unwind in the evening with a beach stroll or a cocktail by the pool.

Travel time: approximately 3 hours
Included meals: Breakfast / Overnight stay: simple guesthouse with a friendly host in the charming fishing village (Standard room)
Stages: Jarabacoa, Punta Rucia

Day 5: Port City of Fort San Felipe

Today, you will embark on a fishing boat and head out to the open sea towards a tiny sandy island. The surrounding coral reefs are a magnet for a variety of fish in vibrant colors, making snorkeling an unforgettable experience. On the way back, the boat will pass through the mangrove forests of the nearby nature park. Afterward, you will continue your journey along the north coast until you reach the fortress “Fortaleza de San Felipe” in Puerto Plata. As one of the last colonial-era structures in this important port city, it is among the most visited attractions. In the afternoon, you will reach your hotel, which is located directly on the beach of Cabarete.

Travel time: approximately 2 hours
Included meals: Breakfast / Overnight stay at Hotel Velero Beach Resort
Stages: Punta Rucia, Cabarete

Day 6: At One of the Island's Most Beautiful Beaches

After breakfast, your journey continues towards the east until you reach Playa Grande, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Here, you can enjoy a delicious lunch right on the beach, featuring Dominican specialties such as grilled lobster, fried fish, or chicken with rice, salad, and plantains. In the late afternoon, you will proceed to your next accommodation in either Rio San Juan or Cabrera.

Travel time: approximately 1 hour
Included meals: Breakfast / Overnight stay at Las Puertas del Paraiso
Stages: Cabarete, Río San Juan, Cabrera

Day 7: Rio San Juan

After breakfast by the pool, you will be eager to learn more about this part of the island. The friendly owners of the accommodation will guide you to the area’s hotspots. For example, Laguna DuDu, a crystal-clear freshwater lagoon where you can swim inside a cave, jump into the water from a 12-meter cliff, or go cave diving. Just a short drive from Rio San Juan, guests have the opportunity to visit various beautiful beaches such as Playa Caleton, Grande, and Playa Preciosa.

Included meals: Breakfast / Overnight stay: Quiet and family-friendly bungalow resort with a fantastic restaurant**
Stages: Rio San Juan

Day 8: Los Haitises National Park, Rio San Juan

In the morning, you will have time to explore more of this beautiful area. The friendly owners of your accommodation will be happy to provide you with tips for excursions. After lunch, you will continue along the rugged and impressive northern coast until you reach the Samana Peninsula. From the town of Samana, you will cross the Samana Bay by boat and reach the “Los Haitises” National Park. Here, completely secluded from civilization, you will spend the night in a romantic eco-hotel on the banks of a river, with natural pools inviting you for a refreshing evening swim.

Travel time: approximately 2 hours
Boat crossing: 1 hour
Included meals: Breakfast – Dinner / Overnight stay at Hotel Paraiso Cano Hondo
Stages: Rio San Juan, Cabrera, Samana, Los Haitises

Day 9: Snow-white Beaches on Bacardi Island

In the morning, you will board a fishing boat to navigate through the “Los Haitises” National Park. Along the way, you will visit the caves of “Las Lineas” and “San Gabriel,” where you can see cave paintings and stone carvings made by the Taino people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Dominican Republic. Around noon, your boat will take you to the paradise island of Cayo Levantado, also known as “Bacardi Island.” In the afternoon, the boat will bring you back to the port of Samana. The final stop of your journey is Las Terrenas, which you will reach after a short drive. This small town is a lively fishing village known for its beautiful beaches, numerous shops, restaurants, and bars.

Travel time: approximately 40 minutes
Included meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner / Overnight stay at Hotel Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo
Stages: Los Haitises, Cayo Levantado, Las Terrenas

Days 13 to 16: Relaxing in Las Terrenas

At this idyllic spot, you will spend your last vacation days at the comfortable all-inclusive Hotel Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo. Sit back, reflect on your exciting week of travel, and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere that shines at its best in Las Terrenas.

Included meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner / Overnight stay at Hotel Grand Bahia Principe El Portillo
Stages: Las Terrenas

Day 14: Until We Meet Again!

Today, you will drive across the well-developed highway, traversing the country until you reach the Las Americas International Airport after approximately 2 hours of driving. At the airport, you can return your rental car. We hope you enjoyed the trip, and we wish you a safe journey back home!

Travel time: approximately 2 hours
Included meals: Breakfast
Stages: Las Terrenas, Santo Domingo

Included Services

Rental car with unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance (details see below)
All accommodations in the hotels mentioned in the itinerary
All meals listed as “Included Meals” in the itinerary
Private city tour (approximately 2 hours) of the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo
Boat excursion to Cayo Arena
All boat transfers on Day 7 & 8
Boat excursion to Los Haitises National Park and Cayo Levantado Island
Transfer from “Las Americas” Airport (Santo Domingo) to your hotel in the Old Town of Santo Domingo
Welcome drink and information session
Road map of the Dominican Republic
Local SIM card with unlimited free calls
Travel documentation with useful tips and information about culture, country, and people
Rental car: Vehicle type: Kia Picanto or similar model for 2 persons / Kia Picanto or similar model for 1 person / Kia Rio or similar model for 3 persons / Honda CRV or similar model for 4 persons (pick-up in the morning of Day 3 in Santo Domingo; return on Day 13 (time of your choice) at Santo Domingo Airport)

Not Included Services

Excluded excursions, meals, and drinks not listed
Tips/gratuities
Travel insurance
Flights. Available through us

Inspiration and Information

Active & Adventure Tours | Economic

Caribbean natural beauties

Caribbean natural beauties

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