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Ecolodges and unique Boutique Hotels / Self-Drive Tour
Ecolodges and unique Boutique Hotels / Self-Drive Tour - Map
Ecolodges and unique Boutique Hotels / Self-Drive TourEcolodges and unique Boutique Hotels / Self-Drive Tour - Map

Ecolodges and unique Boutique Hotels / Self-Drive Tour

We have combined the most spectacular accommodations of the Dominican Republic in an exciting round trip, taking you all over the island. Stay in beautiful eco-lodges and boutique hotels with spectacular views of the sea or the lush tropical nature of the island. And along the way you will get to know a wide variety of the highlights of the Dominican Republic!

15 Days / 14 Nights
from USD 2,615.- per person in double occupancy

Request this Trip

Self-Drive Tours with Dominican Expert!

A self-drive tour with a rental car in the Dominican Republic is the perfect way to explore the island independently and flexibly. You can expect secluded locations off the beaten track, and mostly unknown insider tips that remain hidden from most tourists. The Dominican Republic offers a well-developed road network and with Google Maps you can easily find your way around the entire island. In addition, we offer 24/7 English-speaking support and a service package so that our clients can start their trip well equipped and informed.

On request, all rental car tours can also be organized with a local private driver or (English-speaking) driver-guide.

Maximum customer service

All clients who book a rental car tour with DOMINICAN EXPERT receive useful information about the history, culture, geography, customs and rules of the Dominican Republic upon arrival.

Also included is a local SIM card with unlimited calls, a road map and a welcome bag filled with local, handmade products and helpful amenities for the trip. Afterwards, customers receive a personalized travel guide as a WhatsApp message for their onward journey, with many Google Locations and personal recommendations on places worth seeing, insider tips, restaurants, etc. Via WhatsApp we are always available and reachable for you in English.

Itinerary

Day 1: Santo Domingo

Day 1: Santo Domingo

You will be picked up at the airport and driven by our private transfer to your hotel in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo.
Take the rest of the day to explore the streets of the colonial city, restaurants, bars and shops on your own. In the evening, we recommend you a visit to the Plaza de España where you can choose among various excellent restaurants and enjoy your dinner with a view on Christopher Columbus’ sons’ house.

  • Meals: None
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
  • Premium Accommodation: Billini Hotel
Day 2: Discover Santo Domingo

Day 2: Discover Santo Domingo

The capital of the Dominican Republic combines modernity with an emerging economy and the historical center of the city, the “Zona Colonial” making this a very special place. During a private two-hour guided tour through the “Zona Colonial”, you will follow the footsteps of Columbus and will (among other things) see the oldest cathedral of the New World, castles, ruins and the residence of Columbus´s son, Don Diego. You will also visit a cigar manufacturer, where you can see the production of the popular Dominican cigars. Afterwards we will inform you about your round trip during a tropical welcome drink in our office in the Zona Colonial.

After lunch you can independently explore the romantic alleys of the Zona Colonial or the “Malecon”, the sea promenade. Or you can take a taxi to get to know other places outside the old town of Santo Domingo. One of the options would be to visit the fascinating “Los Tres Ojos” (Three Eyes), which is part of a collapsed cave system.
The evening will be available for you to explore the vibrant nightlife of Santo Domingo.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Villa Colonial
  • Premium Accommodation: Billini Hotel
Day 3: Explore the heartland

Day 3: Explore the heartland

Your round trip begins and takes you inland, past cocoa, rice, banana and coffee plantations to Jarabacoa, a small town nestled at the foot of the surrounding mountains. The Dominicans also call it the “City of Eternal Spring” because of the year-round spring-like temperatures. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the surrounding area.

  • Distance: Approx. 70 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa / Superior Room
  • Premium Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa / Deluxe River View Junior Suite

 

 

Day 4: Jarabacoa

Day 4: Jarabacoa

After breakfast, you will head out on an excursion. You can choose between an exciting river rafting tour, a hike to two waterfalls, a paragliding flight to get a bird’s eye view of the area, or a visit to a coffee factory including a tasting of the organic coffee.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa / Superior Room
  • Premium Accommodation: Hotel Gran Jimenoa / Deluxe River View Junior Suite
Day 5: Head to Punta Rucia

Day 5: Head to Punta Rucia

Today your journey takes you to the north coast. Along the way, you can visit a tobacco plantation and one of the largest tobacco exporters in the Caribbean, or include a stop in Santiago, the country’s second-largest city, to see the 70-meter-tall Monument of Santiago, built in 1944. In the afternoon, arrive at the idyllic fishing village of Punta Rucia, where you can enjoy a lovely dinner to end the evening.

  • Distance: Approx. 95 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Corales
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge
Day 6: Punta Rucia & Cayo Arena

Day 6: Punta Rucia & Cayo Arena

In the morning, a fishing boat will be ready to take you to a small island with an area of only 2.100 square feet of white sand. However, the greatest natural spectacle takes place underwater, where the coral reefs are a magnet for a variety of colorful fish. The return trip through the mangroves of the national park will take you back to the hotel, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Corales
  • Premium Accommodation: Punta Rucia Lodge
Day 7: Puerto Plata & Surroundings

Day 7: Puerto Plata & Surroundings

Today your journey continues along the north coast towards Puerto Plata. Along the way, stop at the 27 waterfalls for a canyoning tour at your leisure, or take the cable car up Puerto Plata’s local mountain for spectacular views of the surrounding areas and coastline.

  • Distance: Approx. 60 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Tubagua Eco Lodge
  • Premium Accommodation: Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 8: Explore Puerto Plata

Day 8: Explore Puerto Plata

Today is yours to spend as you please. If you are interested in history and culture, you can explore the old town of Puerto Plata with the fortress of San Felipe. If you prefer to spend the day being active, there are opportunities here to visit coffee villages, an amber mine or a rum distillery, or plan a short hike to one of the many jungle waterfalls located here in the fascinating mountains, the Cordillera Septentrional.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Tubagua Eco Lodge
  • Premium Accommodation: Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 9: Breathtaking North Coast

Day 9: Breathtaking North Coast

After breakfast, drive along the coast until you reach Playa Grande. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is ideal for a tasty, typical Dominican lunch and a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Your hotel is also not far away and awaits you with fantastic views where you can end the day.

  • Distance: Approx. 70 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Catalina Tropical Lodge
  • Premium Accommodation: Catalina Tropical Lodge
Day 10: From Cabrera to Las Galeras

Day 10: From Cabrera to Las Galeras

The next destination of your round trip is Las Galeras, an idyllic fishing village at the far end of the Samaná Peninsula. On the way you will find a beautiful freshwater lagoon, which invites you for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear water. The authentic fishing village Las Galeras awaits you with dreamlike surroundings and beautiful beaches.

  • Distance: Approx. 85 mi
  • Meals: None
  • Standard Accommodation: Todo Blanco
  • Premium Accommodation: Hotel Villa Serena
Day 11: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

Day 11: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

In the morning another highlight awaits you: By boat you will explore the National Park Los Haitises. You will pass lonely islands, bays and rock formations and visit two caves where paintings and carvings of the Taino natives can be found. Afterwards, your boat will take you to the paradisiacal “Bacardi Island” Cayo Levantado, where a Dominican lunch will be served. Alternatively, the following two excursions could be offered:

*Whale watching with a marine biologist during whale season (January-March).

*2-hour guided hike along 7 remote beaches and return by boat.

  • Distance: Approx. 10 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
  • Standard Accommodation: Todo Blanco
  • Premium Accommodation: Hotel Villa Serena
Day 12: Las Galeras

Day 12: Las Galeras

Today you will have the opportunity to explore the exciting area around Las Galeras. These include Playa Rincón, one of the top beaches in the Caribbean, Playa Frontón, a hidden Robinson Crusoe beach, or the beautiful La Playita beach, where you can enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch. Exploring several beaches as a walking tour is also an exciting option.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Todo Blanco
  • Premium Accommodation: Hotel Villa Serena
Day 13: El Valle or El Limón

Day 13: El Valle or El Limón

The final destination of the trip is the lively fishing village of Las Terrenas. On the way there, we recommend a detour to El Valle – a real insider tip, nestled in tropical nature. We are happy to organize a hike through the jungle to an untouched waterfall or you can visit the nearby zip line park. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the popular El Limón waterfall along the way.

  • Distance: Approx. 50 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Takuma Boutique Hotel
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana

 

Day 14: Las Terrenas

Day 14: Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas offers many options for a beautiful last day of your round trip: miles of beaches, a lively village center, countless restaurants, bars and stores. Your comfortable hotel also has an inviting pool. Spend the day just the way you like it!

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Takuma Boutique Hotel
  • Premium Accommodation: Sublime Samana

 

Day 15: Drive to the airport

Day 15: Drive to the airport

Return to Santo Domingo via a well-maintained highway. On the way, stop at the hidden waterfall Salto Socoa and mingle with the Dominicans. Depending on further itinerary, drop off rental car at airport or upon request for individual extension.

  • Distance: Approx. 95 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
Optional travel extension

Optional travel extension

On request we will be happy to arrange an individual travel extension or a complete package from arrival at the airport! Please contact us.

Gallery

Included Services

  • 14 nights in double room with bath or shower/toilet
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • Airport transfer day 1
  • 13 days rental car:
    – Rental car type Hyundai Cantus or similar (other categories on request)
    – Pick-up: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    – Drop-off: Santo Domingo airport
    – Unlimited mileage
    – Air conditioning
    – Fully comprehensive insurance with 0% deductible, theft insurance, glass & tire damages
  • Private city tour on foot or bicycle through the Zona Colonial
  • Activity of your choice in Jarabacoa
  • Boat trip to Cayo Arena incl. snorkeling
  • Boat excursion Los Haitises National Park & Cayo Levantado
  • Service package from Dominican Expert
  • Applicable local taxes

Not Included Services

  • Entrance fees for self-booked excursions
  • Fuel & tolls
  • Personal expenses & extras in hotels
  • Additional meals & drinks

Notes

The boat excursions on day 11 can also be organized and combined as private boat excursions upon request. All prices on request.

Other Round-Trips that might be interesting for you

Inspiration and Information

Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)
Beautiful nature surrounding Villa Pajon, Cordillera Central
River Rafting in the Dominican Republic
A Ciguitade, a popular bird in and around Constanza (Dominican Republic)