3-Week Dominican Republic Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Dominican Republic tour itineraries
Compiled by
NinaDominican Republic travel expert at TourRadar
16 Day Dominican Republic Itinerary, incl. Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas
This 16-day adventure winds through 6 diverse regions, from Santo Domingo's colonial streets to Jarabacoa's mountains. Three days unfold in national parks, 2 days bring mountain adventures, and 4 days embrace beach life, with stays at 13 hotels and 1 ecolodge.
- Days 1-2
Santo Domingo
Start exploring the vibrant capital where Spanish colonial history blends with Caribbean culture. Get settled in the historic zone on arrival. Take the cable car over Rio Ozama on day 2 for great city views. Going early helps you avoid afternoon heat and typical Caribbean rain. Stop by KAHKOW Chocolaterie to see local cacao production. You can also experience Francis Drake's 16th-century attack through an impressive 4D cinema show.
- Days 3-5
Barahona & Southwest Coast
Make Barahona your base for exploring the rugged southwest. Take a trip to Bahía de las Águilas, often called the country's most beautiful beach. Pack water and snacks since facilities are limited. The drive from Santo Domingo takes about 4 hours and covers 230km through sugar plantations and desert areas filled with cacti. Visit Los Patos, the world's shortest river, where you can join locals cooling off in late afternoon.
- Days 6-7
Jaragua National Park
Take a boat trip on Laguna Oviedo to see endangered rhinoceros iguanas and flamingo colonies. Go early morning when wildlife is most active. Bring a light windbreaker for the boat ride. Plan a rainforest hike in Bahoruco on day 7 with good grip shoes since trails can get slippery after rain.
- Days 8-9
Jarabacoa Mountain Region
Visit the 'Dominican Alps' for some adventure. Try white-water rafting on Rio Yaque del Norte with 12km of rapids good for beginners and intermediate levels. Visit a coffee plantation to learn about production. If you can time your visit during harvest season (October-December) you'll see the most authentic experience.
- Days 10-11
Los Haitises National Park
Go kayaking through mangrove channels in the early morning when the water is calmest. Look for frigate birds, pelicans and herons in their natural habitat. The rainforest hike takes about 1.5 hours and needs moderate fitness. Remember mosquito repellent and water.
- Days 12-16
Las Terrenas & Samaná Peninsula
Finish your trip in this beautiful beach area mixing relaxation with activities. Try the coastal mountain bike tour (20-25km) which works for any fitness level with e-bikes available. If you're visiting January through March book morning whale watching tours when the sea is calmest. You might want to try horseback riding on the beach at sunset during your free time.
16 Days in Dominican Republic, incl. Santo Domingo and Samaná
The 16-day itinerary masterfully balances 3-day mountain treks with cultural immersion and beach relaxation. Active days feature 4-8 hour hikes, while well-placed rest periods allow for natural acclimatization and recovery.
- Days 1-2
Santo Domingo:
Begin in the capital's UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial. Visit before 9 AM to avoid cruise ship tourists and the midday heat. Check out the underground lagoons at Parque los Tres Ojos. You'll want water shoes since the limestone paths get slippery. Stay in the colonial zone to be close to the historical sites.
- Days 3-6
Barahona Region:
Drive south along the coast (3 hours) to Barahona. Pack light layers for the Dunas de Las Calderas hike since temperatures change quickly between dunes and salt flats. Getting to the Larimar mines means a bumpy 4x4 ride up to 1,000m elevation. Consider motion sickness pills if needed. The jungle trails can get wet from afternoon rain so quick-dry clothes are a good idea.
- Days 7-9
Cordillera Central Trek:
The Pico Duarte climb (3,098m) is your biggest challenge. Plan for an 8-hour hike from La Cienega de Manabao to the first refuge. Nights at camp can be cold, down to 40°F (4°C), so bring warm clothes. Start the final summit climb before dawn to see the sunrise. You'll definitely need walking poles for coming back down.
- Days 10-11
Jarabacoa & Cibao Valley:
Take it easy in Jarabacoa's mild climate after your trek. Visit Hacienda Esmeralda cocoa plantation in the morning to see processing in action and enjoy cooler temperatures. Bring cash in small bills to buy chocolate from local makers.
- Days 12-16
Samaná Peninsula:
Finish your trip in Las Terrenas on the Samaná Peninsula. For the Salto El Limón waterfall hike, wear good shoes as the trail stays muddy year-round. Planning to see whales? Book tours 2 days ahead between January and March.
- Days 1-2
Santo Domingo:
The Colonial Zone is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Take a morning bike tour to beat the heat. Kids love spotting iguanas on the old city walls. Spend early afternoon at Parque Colon where local families gather. Visit the Chocolate Museum to make your own Dominican cacao treats. Book the chocolate workshop after 3pm to avoid cruise ship crowds.
- Days 3-4
Jarabacoa Mountain Region:
Drive 150km inland to Jarabacoa through the scenic Cibao Valley. The trip takes about 3 hours with stops. Visit Salto de Jimenoa waterfall where kids can swim in natural pools. Stay near the Jimenoa River for easy access to hiking and rafting. Bring light rain gear since afternoon showers are normal in the mountains.
- Days 5-7
Puerto Plata Area:
Drive 120km to Eco-Lodge El Gallo on the north coast. Kids can collect eggs, pick fruits and learn local crafts. A recent guest shared: "My children loved making natural soaps with local herbs. It really gave them insight into Dominican culture away from the tourist zones." The natural swimming pools are great for families.
- Days 8-10
Cabarete:
This beach town is ideal for active families. Mornings are best for beginner surfers before afternoon winds bring in kitesurfers. Try the organic farm tour and river tubing. Older kids might enjoy the 8-meter jungle cliff jump. Book a place on eastern Cabarete Bay where the water is calmer for young swimmers.
- Days 11-14
Las Terrenas:
The 155km coastal drive to the Samaná Peninsula offers beautiful ocean views. Stop at Laguna Dudú for a swim and try the zip line into the water. Las Terrenas blends Caribbean beach life with French influences. You'll find family-friendly beach bars and gentle waters at Playa Coson. If visiting January through March, take a boat trip to see humpback whales.
- Day 15
Return to Santo Domingo:
The 140km drive back takes about 3 hours on good highways. Stop at Salto Socoa waterfall to swim with locals. Leave Las Terrenas by 9am to avoid afternoon traffic in Santo Domingo if you have an evening flight.
