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. Jarabacoa and Pico Duarte
A 6-day adventure links Bayahibe and Jarabacoa across 345km of Dominican terrain. Highlights include Umbrella Street, Caribbean's highest swing, Baiguate waterfall, and three-day Pico Duarte trek. Choose between canyoning 30m waterfalls or rafting Yaque de Norte. Includes 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Day 1
Bayahibe to Jarabacoa
Plan for an early start on the 345km drive from coastal Bayahibe to mountainous Jarabacoa. You'll see an incredible change in landscape from Caribbean beaches to pine forests. Visit the highest swing in the Caribbean (1,200m elevation) before noon for the best views of the valley. Later, check out Baiguate waterfall but pack water shoes since the rocks get slippery. Finish your day at Jarabacoa's Umbrella Street, which looks best in late afternoon light.
- Day 2
Adventure Activities in Jarabacoa
Pick between two exciting options: canyoning in Baiguate Canyon or rafting the Yaque del Norte River. For canyoning, start at 7:30 AM before it gets too hot. The highlight is rappelling down a 30m waterfall. If you choose rafting, you'll find class II-III rapids that work well for beginners. Just bring extra clothes and good shoes. It takes about 2 hours to drive to Pico Duarte base camp on mountain roads.
- Days 3-5
Pico Duarte Trek
Your three-day journey up and down the Caribbean's highest peak (3,101m) starts here. Day 3 involves 6-7 hours hiking through pine forests to reach the mountain station. Mules carry supplies and you can ride them, but try to walk when possible to adjust to the altitude. On summit day (Day 4), start at 4 AM to reach the top before clouds come in. The walk down on Day 5 takes about 4 hours back to Jarabacoa.
- Day 6
Return to Bayahibe
Leave Jarabacoa by 8 AM for the long drive back to Bayahibe to avoid traffic near the coast. Stop at roadside stands for fresh mountain coffee. This area grows some of the country's best beans.
