7-Day Dominican Republic Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Dominican Republic tour itineraries
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NinaDominican Republic travel expert at TourRadar
7 Day Dominican Republic Itinerary, incl. Punta Cana and Santo Domingo
Seven days of adventure await at Punta Cana's beaches, Saona Island's paradise, and Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. Luxurious stays at Caribe Deluxe Princess and Hilton La Romana complement visits to National Pantheon and Mercado Modelo. Activities include zip-lining, ATV rides, and cultural immersion.
- Day 1
Punta Cana Arrival
Fly into Punta Cana International Airport and take a 20-30 minute transfer to your beachfront resort. Try to book a morning arrival to avoid the typical afternoon Caribbean thunderstorms. The Bavaro Beach area is ideal with excellent beach access and plenty of dining options. Take it easy on your first day to adjust to the humid climate. Stay hydrated and plan your beach time for later when the sun isn't as strong.
- Day 2
Saona Island Excursion
Head out early (7:00-7:30 AM) for Saona Island. You'll take a 1-hour bus ride to Bayahibe port followed by a 30-minute speedboat ride. Don't forget water shoes since the shallow sandbars have sea urchins. One traveler noted: "The natural pools were incredible, but bring an underwater camera - the starfish and crystal clear waters are something you'll want to capture."
- Day 3
Adventure Day in Punta Cana
Schedule morning activities to avoid crowds and peak heat. Try the zip-lining courses near Anamuya with 12 platforms through the jungle canopy. If you're doing ATV tours wear old clothes - the trails get dusty in dry season and muddy during rain. Most adventure tours last 4-5 hours and include hotel pickup.
- Day 4
Punta Cana to Santo Domingo
Drive to Santo Domingo takes about 2.5 hours on good roads. Leave after breakfast to reach the Colonial Zone by early afternoon. Book a hotel in the historic district so you can walk to most sites. Start exploring along Calle El Conde the main pedestrian street.
- Day 5
Santo Domingo Colonial Zone
Visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor when it opens at 9 AM before the crowds arrive. Get to the Alcázar de Colón early too since it gets busy by midday. Wear sturdy comfortable shoes - the colonial zone has uneven cobblestones that can be slippery. Consider hiring a local guide to learn about the rich history.
- Day 6
Cultural Day in Santo Domingo
Visit Mercado Modelo in the morning while vendors set up and it's cooler. Take an afternoon merengue class - many dance schools welcome single-day students. For real Dominican food skip the tourist spots and eat at local restaurants near Parque Colón. As one visitor shared: "Learning merengue from locals was a highlight - even complete beginners felt welcomed and the instructor made it so fun."
- Day 7
Departure
Fly out from Las Américas International Airport. It's normally a 30-minute drive from the Colonial Zone but allow extra time during morning rush hour (7-9 AM). Book an afternoon flight if possible to avoid traffic and enjoy your final morning in the historic district.
6 Day Dominican Republic Itinerary, incl. Santo Domingo and Las Terrenas
Historic Santo Domingo and coastal Las Terrenas share six memorable days. The journey starts with two nights at Hodelpa Caribe Colonial near three colonial monuments, followed by beachfront relaxation at Villa Taina. Package includes private transfers, expert guides, and daily breakfast for around $800.
- Day 1
Santo Domingo Arrival
Arrive at Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo. Try to land before 3 PM to avoid rush hour traffic during your transfer. After checking into your hotel, spend the evening walking along the Malecón. This oceanfront promenade fills with locals and food vendors as the sun sets, giving you a perfect introduction to Dominican life.
- Day 2
Colonial Zone Exploration
Start exploring the Colonial Zone at 8 AM before the heat and tourist crowds arrive. Visit America's first cathedral, the Santa María Cathedral, then explore the Amber Museum and Alcázar de Colón. A recent visitor shared: "The colonial zone's cobblestone streets can be slippery when wet—wear comfortable shoes with good grip, especially if visiting during rainy season."
- Day 3
Santo Domingo Free Day
The Los Tres Ojos caves are just a 15-minute trip from the Colonial Zone and offer a cool break from the heat. Visit the National Botanical Garden in the morning when it's cooler. For lunch, head to the Mercado Modelo where you can try local fruits and authentic Dominican coffee.
- Day 4
Santo Domingo to Las Terrenas
Take the 2.5-hour private transfer to Las Terrenas after lunch to skip morning traffic and catch the sunset. The beach strip in Las Terrenas is particularly lively in the evening. The town blends Dominican and French cultures, so you'll find everything from local comedores to French pastry shops.
- Day 5
Las Terrenas Beach Day
Take time to explore Las Terrenas' beautiful beaches. Head to Playa Coson, about 10 minutes west of town, for calmer morning waters. One recent visitor noted: "The beach at Playa Coson was pristine and uncrowded, but bring cash for the beach chairs and fresh coconuts—there are no ATMs nearby."
- Day 6
Return to Santo Domingo
Start your final day with breakfast at a beachfront cafe in Las Terrenas before heading back. If you have a late afternoon flight, stop at Playa Bonita on your return trip. It's a perfect midway point for one last beach visit. Plan for a 3-hour return journey to have enough time for airport check-in.
6 Day Dominican Republic Itinerary, incl. Samana and Jarabacoa
A thrilling 6-day route leads from coastal Samana to mountainous Jarabacoa. The trip features 3 nights in mountain huts during Pico Duarte trek, 2 nights in 3-star hotels, with stops at Baiguate waterfall and Caribbean's highest swing. Day two offers a choice between canyoning or rafting.
- Day 1
Samana to Jarabacoa
Leave Samana early for the 345km drive to Jarabacoa, often called the "Dominican Alps." You'll watch the scenery change from tropical coastline to mountain peaks covered in pine trees. Visit the highest swing in the Caribbean at 1,200 meters early in the day when mountain views are clearest. A stop at Baiguate waterfall requires good water shoes since the paths get slippery. Spend your evening on Jarabacoa's Umbrella Street, which looks best in the soft light before sunset.
- Day 2
Adventure Activities
Pick between canyoning or rafting. Both work well for beginners who are reasonably fit. Canyoning starts with a challenging 30-minute uphill walk to Baiguate Canyon. You can skip the 30-meter waterfall rappel if you prefer. For rafting, the Yaque del Norte River is calmer in the morning. Bring quick-dry clothes and water shoes. Head to Pico Duarte base later in the day.
- Days 3-5
Pico Duarte Trek
Start your three-day summit trek early. Mules carry the heavy gear but keep important items in your daypack. The first day includes steep hiking through pine forests. Take it slow and drink plenty of water. Most hikers feel the 3,101m altitude, so rest at the mountain station. Summit day begins before dawn for the best views. On day 5, expect a 4-5 hour descent before heading back to Jarabacoa.
- Day 6
Return to Samana
Start early for the drive back to Samana. The route takes you through several climate zones, showing how the landscape changes from mountains to coast.
