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Off the beaten track in the Southwest / Self Drive Tour
Cabo Rojo, Pedernales
Off the beaten track in the Southwest / Self Drive Tour - Map
Off the beaten track in the Southwest / Self Drive TourOff the beaten track in the Southwest / Self Drive Tour - Map

Off the beaten track in the Southwest / Self Drive Tour

The southwest of the Dominican Republic, also called "Sur Occidental", is one of the "Top Secrets" of this island, because this region is still almost completely undiscovered by tourism. Whoever visits this area will mainly find pure nature and the real Dominican way of life, far away from tourism and hustle and bustle. The southwest of the Dominican Republic with its seven national parks combines snow-white and untouched beaches with barren mountain landscapes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls. This trip will take you through a unique Caribbean natural landscape. Unforgettable moments are guaranteed!

6 Days / 5 Nights
from USD 995.- per person in double occupancy

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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: From Santo Domingo to Barahona

Day 1: From Santo Domingo to Barahona

After the welcome meeting you will pick up your rental car. After only a short drive, an incredible natural landscape stretches out around you, passing sugar cane fields and transitioning into the rugged and barren mountain landscape of the southwest. Beautiful viewpoints with views over the coastal sections await you. Arriving at your accommodation, you will enjoy a relaxing evening.

  • Distance: Approx. 125 mi
  • Meals: None
  • Standard Accommodation: Oasi Encantado
  • Premium Accommodation: Rancho Platon
Day 2: Barahona

Day 2: Barahona

Today you can spend the day according to your wishes. The beautiful, unspoiled area around Barahona offers plenty to see and discover – whether hiking through crystal clear rivers, visiting the famous Lago Enriquillo where you can see crocodiles, or mingling with Dominicans at a beach or river restaurant and watching the colorful hustle and bustle; you certainly won’t get bored.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Oasi Encantado
  • Premium Accommodation: Rancho Platon
Day 3: Laguna de Oviedo

Day 3: Laguna de Oviedo

Today you will travel along the impressive coastal road to Oviedo, where there is a large fresh salt water lagoon. By boat you can observe iguanas, flamingos and countless other bird species (not included). Afterwards the trip continues. Along the way you will encounter beautiful cenotes and a crystal clear lagoon. In the afternoon you will reach your accommodation, a unique glamping hotel right on the gorgeous beach of Cabo Rojo. Enjoy one of the most secluded areas in the country with constant views of the turquoise waters and clear starry skies.

  • Distance: Approx. 70 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Glamping Cueva de las Aguilas
  • Premium Accommodation: Eco del Mar Lodge
Day 4: Bahía de las Águilas

Day 4: Bahía de las Águilas

Today, take a boat to the breathtaking and snow-white beach of Bahía de las Águilas (Eagle Bay), one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Enjoy relaxing hours in the crystal clear water. In the afternoon you can walk to “La Cueva”, where you can often meet the Hispaniola Iguana, one of the largest and most powerful vertebrate iguanas of its kind. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal with a view of the ocean and, weather permitting, a gorgeous sunset.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Glamping Cueva de las Aguilas
  • Premium Accommodation: Eco del Mar Lodge
Day 5: Caobita / Azua

Day 5: Caobita / Azua

After breakfast on the beach, you will head back east. Your accommodation today is a real insider tip that you will definitely not find anywhere else: a newly opened glamping hotel with spectacular ocean views, infinity pool and exceptional accommodation options – far away from any mass tourism and yet with a high level of comfort. The rest of the day you can relax by the hotel pool or visit the nearby La Caobita beach by rental car.

  • Distance: Approx. 130 mi
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Standard Accommodation: Altos de Caobita Eco-hotel
  • Premium Accommodation: Altos de Caobita Eco-hotel
Day 6: Dunes of Baní & Salt Mine

Day 6: Dunes of Baní & Salt Mine

On the way back to Santo Domingo you can make a detour to the dunes of Baní. Here you will get to know another side of the country; the dunes of Baní form the largest desert in the Caribbean. A few minutes drive further you will reach the small fishing village of Las Salinas, where there is an old salt mine and the salt is still extracted from the various salt basins as it was 100 years ago. Continue to Santo Domingo and depending on the rest of the itinerary, drop off the rental car at the destination or airport and/or individual extension.

  • Distance: Approx. 105 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

  • 5 nights in double room with bath or shower/toilet
  • Meals according to itinerary
  • 6 days rental car:
    – Rental car type Hyundai Cantus or similar (higher categories on request)
    – Pick-up & drop-off: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
    – Unlimited mileage
    – Air condition
    – Comprehensive insurance with 0% deductible, theft insurance, glass & tire damages
  • Excursion: VIP boat tour to Bahía de las Águilas
  • 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

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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)