Between Colonial Heritage & Wild Beaches of the North Coast
From the colonial zone of Saint-Domingue to the golden beaches of the north, a journey between history and wild nature.
Duration
8 days
From
€3,290/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, Family
The spirit of travel
This 8-day circuit crosses the Dominican Republic between heritage and wild nature. From the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed colonial zone of Santo Domingo, heading to Puerto Plata and the turquoise waters of Cayo Arena sandbank. The journey continues to Cabarete, where Damajagua waterfalls, lagoons and mangroves punctuate the itinerary, before sleeping under the stars in glamping bubbles in the heart of nature. A balance between comfort (all-inclusive hotels, luxury glamping) and adventure, off the beaten path.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to the Dominican Republic!
Upon your arrival at Santo Domingo airport, your driver welcomes you and takes you to your hotel in the colonial zone, the historic heart of the capital.
You settle into an establishment that combines colonial architecture and modern comfort. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Discovery of Santo Domingo: Nature, History and Panoramas
After breakfast at the hotel, a private driver takes you to the Cueva de los 3 Ojos, where you meet your English-speaking guide.
The morning begins with the discovery of this open-air cave, its three freshwater lagoons, its rock formations and tropical vegetation. You then head to the colonial zone, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. With your guide, walk through its cobblestone streets and discover in particular the cathedral and the National Pantheon.
Lunch awaits you in a typical restaurant in the colonial zone. In the afternoon, take the cable car to see Santo Domingo from above, then enjoy free time in the colonial zone.
From the Capital to the Plantations: Immersion on the Road to the North
After breakfast, you leave the colonial area of Santo Domingo heading north on the island. The road crosses verdant mountains, agricultural valleys and small villages.
Mid-morning, near Santiago de los Caballeros, you visit a family-run banana plantation as part of a Tropical Évasion experience. You discover the stages of banana cultivation, from planting to harvest, then the techniques of sorting, processing and distribution. A homemade lunch is organized on site.
Early afternoon, you continue towards Puerto Plata and check into your all-inclusive hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the hotel, swimming pool or beach.
Turquoise Lagoon & Northern Mangroves
At 7 a.m., your private driver takes you to Punta Rucia, the starting point of your excursion to Cayo Arena. You board with a captain on a private boat to reach this sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. On site, snorkels and masks are available for snorkeling.
Around 11:30 a.m., you set off by boat for a mangrove tour. Back at Punta Rucia around 1 p.m., you enjoy a fresh fish lunch by the sea.
The afternoon is free to enjoy the beach or take a swim. At the end of the day, return to your all-inclusive hotel in Puerto Plata.
Zip-lines and Damajagua Waterfalls
After breakfast and departure from your accommodation, you head out around 8 a.m. to the 27 pools of Damajagua. Upon arrival around 9 a.m., start with a zipline with views over the jungle.
You then set off to discover 7 waterfalls on a moderate difficulty trail, combining hiking, jumping and sliding in the water. A traditional lunch awaits you on site after the activity.
In the afternoon, you head to Cabarete, on the north coast, and settle into accommodation in the heart of nature consisting of transparent bubbles. Dinner is arranged with the establishment.
Night in a bubble in Cabarete.
Exploration of Lagoons and Natural Swimming
After breakfast at your accommodation, meet your local driver-guide and head towards Gri Gri Lagoon. Board a traditional boat for a ride through the mangroves, discovering wildlife and landscapes.
Continue to the Río San Juan natural pool for a swim, then head to Laguna Dudú. You can swim in its clear waters and discover its caves, cenotes and rock formations.
Lunch featuring seafood is scheduled at Playa Grande, overlooking the sea. You then return to your bubble accommodation for a moment of relaxation.
Free Day in Cabarete: Relaxation and Caribbean Atmosphere
After breakfast at your accommodation, enjoy a free day to discover Cabarete at your own pace. You can stroll through the village, relax on the beach, practice water sports or discover local craftsmanship.
Lunch is on your own. In the evening, return to your accommodation for dinner at the hotel and one last night in your transparent bubble.
See you soon in the Dominican Republic!
After your last breakfast at the establishment, you head to the airport. You will be able to have lunch freely before your flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International flights
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Included
- Airport Transfer Santo Domingo Round Trip
- 2 nights in contemporary room Hotel colonial area
- 2 nights in all-inclusive 4* Hotel in Puerto Plata
- 3 nights in luxury Glamping in Cabarete
- All meals are included (except free dinner D2 / free lunch D7 / and lunch on the way to the airport D8)
- 4 private activities + 1 group activity
- Our assistance 7 days a week
- A travel journal
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below applies to travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to the Dominican Republic for tourism purposes. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend verifying information with official authorities before departure.
Passport
To enter the Dominican Republic, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages). However, it is recommended that your passport remain valid for at least six months after your entry date into the country.
Tourist stay without visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays in the Dominican Republic.
This exemption allows a stay of up to 30 days upon entry into the territory. An extension can be requested on site from the Dominican General Directorate of Migration, for a period of up to 60 additional days.
Authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or connecting flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation address in the country.
Tourist Card (E-Ticket)
Before your arrival, you must complete the online form E-Ticket República Dominicana, established by Dominican authorities. This digital document combines both immigration and customs procedures.
The form must be completed before departure and allows you to provide immigration services with the following information:
passport information
flight details
address of your first accommodation in the Dominican Republic
customs declaration
A QR code is generated upon completion and must be presented, in digital or printed format, when passing through immigration upon arrival and departure.
Health
No vaccines are mandatory to enter the Dominican Republic. However, certain vaccinations are recommended depending on the areas visited and the traveler's profile:
vaccination against typhoid fever and hepatitis A is commonly advised,
an antimalarial treatment may be recommended for stays in rural or isolated areas.
It is advised to consult a doctor or international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization for exit from the territory, accompanied by a copy of the absent parent(s)' passport, may be required by Dominican authorities.
In certain European countries, an exit authorization may also be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of the Dominican Republic in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to have evacuation and repatriation assistance insurance and foreign medical expense coverage.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits your needs:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To stay in the Dominican Republic, you must have a valid passport. A tourist card is now often included in your airline ticket; if not, it can be obtained upon arrival for approximately USD 10. Before booking your trip, check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of the Dominican Republic.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 170 and 290 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (600-1000 euros round-trip) are additional. The country offers a wide range, from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each itinerary to match travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and fun activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your entire trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Santo Domingo Surroundings
Dominican escape creator, based in Bayahibe
I discovered the Dominican Republic from the sea, then fell in love with it through its lands, villages and people. It's this complete island that I love to share with others.
— Joy
