Day 1: Santo Domingo – Paraíso

In the morning we will welcome you at our office in the Zona Colonial where you enjoy a fruit cocktail, a briefing about the country and your trip and all the support DOMINICAN EXPERT has to offer you. You will then pick-up your rental car and head west. Soon you will be passing sugar cane fields followed by the incredible natural landscape of rough and barren mountains of the southwest side of the island. After the town of Barahona you are following a breathtaking coastal road. You will drive past beautiful scenic overlooks with views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea. When you arrive at the small fishing village Paraiso, you can have a relaxing evening at your hotel or go to “Los Patos” where a spring entwines with the sea to enjoy drinking a cold beer in sunset atmosphere. 

Driving time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Piratas del Caribe***, Standard Room (Junior Suite for triple occupancy)

Scenic route with spectacular views in the southwest of the Dominican Republic

Refreshing spring Los Patos, Dominican Republic

 

The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world where the precious, rare blue stone Larimar is found. During a guided tour, you will explore the mining area and witness the extraction of raw larimar stones. Afterwards you can visit the local larimar workshops along the main highway in Bahoruco, where you can select a piece of larimar and observe the cutting and polishing process. After this amazing experience at the mine, you can head to the spectacular beach of San Rafael where you can spend some free time on the beach and the small waterfalls right on the coast and have a typical Dominican style seafood lunch. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Piratas del Caribe***, Standard Room (Junior Suite for triple occupancy)

Larimar Stones in the Dominican Republic

Beach in Barahona, Dominican Republic

 

After breakfast, you will travel southwards along the impressive coastal road approaching Oviedo, right on the edge of the Jaragua National Park. Here you will find an imposing lagoon of both fresh and salt water. Once here, you will be able to take a boat to watch the flamingos and other species of birds. Afterwards, drive to your accommodation for tonight, a unique glamping hotel consisting of tents and outdoor suites located on the white sand of the beautiful and pristine beach of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales with nothing else around. Enjoy being in one of the most remotest areas of the Dominican Republic and have a look at the millions of stars at night while listening to the gentle crushing of the waves.

Driving time: 2 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Glamping Adventure on a pristine beach, Beach Camping Tent

Laguna Oviedo in the southwest of the Dominican Republic

Roadtrip through the unknown southwest of the Dominican Republic

 

After breakfast you will go on a tour to explore the beach called “Bahia de las Aguilas” (Eagle bay), a true paradise with its white sand and turquoise waters. This beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Allow yourself time to enjoy the crystal clear water with its colorful tropical fishes, you may even find a starfish. At the end of the day you will go back to your Glamping accommodation. Here you can enjoy a relaxed evening accompanied with the sounds of the Caribbean Sea and a fresh fish dinner in the restaurant. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Glamping Adventure on a pristine beach, Beach Camping Tent

Bahía de las Águilas in the Southwest of the Dominican Republic

Stunning sunset at Bahía de las Águilas

 

On the way back to Santo Domingo we recommend that you take a short diversion to the town of Bani towards “Las Dunas de Bani” (the Dunes of the pots). The Dunes constitute the largest desert of the Caribbean and totally contrast with the rest of the Dominican Republic. These Dunes are huge sand formations caused by the action of the winds and the marine currents which favor sedimentation. Since 1996 this has been a protected area so there is an official entry point, but you can also park on the street and walk through the dunes to the ocean. (Closed toed shoes recommended!). At Caldera Bay behind the Dunes, you will find the Salt Mine of “Puerto Hermoso”, where the salt is still extracted from the various salt basins exactly as it was done 100 years ago. Unique souvenir photos are guaranteed! In the afternoon you will continue your way back to Santo Domingo where you will drop-off your rental car and continue your holidays.

Driving time: 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast

Las Dunas de Baní, the sole desert in the Caribbean

Salt production close to Baní