DK Travel : Dominican Republic : Itineraries

A Morning in Santiago

After breakfast in your hotel, head for the Parque Duarte , the main downtown hub of activity. It’s worth taking a look at some of the grand buildings lining the square, notably the Moorish-style Centro de Recreo and the Palacio Consistorial , a gingerbread-style building housing exhibitions. You can also hire a horse-drawn carriage, which should cost no more than $10 for half an hour. Always negotiate a price before setting off.
The carriages normally run down the busy shopping street of Calle del Sol , but you may prefer to walk the mile or so down this buzzing commercial thoroughfare. On the intersection of Calle del Sol and Avenida España you’ll come across the Mercado Modelo, a cornucopia of tourist souvenirs.
As you reach the end of Calle del Sol and approach the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración , you’ll certainly have earned a rest and a cold drink. Look out for a couple of bars, such as Puerto del Sol.
When you’ve gathered your strength, it’s time to visit the massive monument to the dictator Trujillo (later re-branded as a memorial to independence fighters). The lift has stopped working, so it’s a long, rather tiring, climb to the observation platform at the top. But the exertion is worth it for the view, and it’ll make you feel better about having lunch.
Day Trip to Lago Enriquillo

Morning

Set off early from Barahona, taking the paved route via Vicente Noble, Tamayo and Galván to the village of La Descubierta . The road passes Haitian bateyes and dusty villages, and provides stunning views of the Sierra de Neiba. Aim to arrive at the Parque Nacional de Isla Cabritos, the lake’s official access point just outside La Descubierta, as early as possible and enquire if a boat will leave soon.

The boat trip takes half an hour each way, and you can wander around the rocky island looking for the tame iguanas, or wait for the return trip, which normally involves crocodile-spotting. A welcome cold drink is normally available back at the park office.

Energy permitting, head back to Postrer Río and look for signs to Las Caritas , a cave filled with Taino carvings that can be reached by a strenuous 10-minute climb. You could even try the natural swimming pool at La Descubierta, a cold sulfur spring. There are some rudimentary eating places here, but it makes sense to bring along some food and drink, especially water.

Afternoon

Return to Barahona around the lake’s loop road, passing the border town of Jimaní , Duvergé, and Cabral, getting a good view of the freshwater Laguna Rincón to your left.
Exploring Puerto Plata

Half a day is enough to see the main sights of this historically significant town, though if you wish to visit the Brugal Rum Factory more time will be needed. Start in the morning in the Parque Central (also known as Parque Independencia), where you will see the attractive gazebo and fine Art Deco cathedral. It is worth bearing in mind that hiring a guide may produce some interesting information. Take a look at some of the restored 19th-century gingerbread-style houses in the old streets around the square.
Heading towards the sea, you’ll reach the Malecón , the long water-side boulevard. Turn left from here to reach the promontory where the much patched-up but impressive Fortaleza de San Felipe stands guard over the harbor entrance. After inspecting the small museum, walk back to the Malecón, where there are plenty of bars and stalls selling cold drinks and snacks. Alternatively, stroll back to Calle John F Kennedy, near the park, and have a drink at Sam’s Bar & Grill .
From here it’s a fair way to the cable car installation that takes you to the top of the Pico Isabel de Torres , so it is worth taking a taxi. The 20-minute ascent over dense tropical vegetation and the view from the top are breathtaking. At the peak is a pleasant public garden and a cafeteria, suitable for a light lunch.
From Puerto Plata to La Isabela & Back

Morning

Leave Puerto Plata early, heading south towards Santiago on the Carretera 5. After about 6 miles (10 km) take a right turn onto a road signposted Maimón and Guzmancito. This rough but passable route takes you through some beautiful rural scenery, including Maimón Beach and a series of tiny fishing and farming villages. Keep your eyes firmly on the road, as there are many animals.

The road comes out at La Sabana. A right from here leads to Luperón. You can stop here for a drink, or pass through town and stop by Puerto Blanco Marina for refreshments.

Another 8 miles (13 km) or so along the Carretera de las Américas through dry woodland and flocks of goats, brings you to the pretty seaside village of El Castillo. Just before the village entrance is the turn-off for the Parque Nacional La Isabela. An hour or so is sufficient time to look around.

At lunchtime, go into El Castillo and on the right you’ll see the Rancho del Sol hotel, whose restaurant is recommended for seafood. Or head back to the marina or Luperón’s Playa Grande for food.

Afternoon

Returning to Puerto Plata, it’s quicker, if less scenic, to go straight to the major junction of Imbert, where the Texaco garage marks the road back.
From Samaná to Las Galeras

Morning

Leave Samaná after breakfast, heading eastwards along the Carretera 5. On the left are steep hillsides dotted with small farms and rural settlements, on the right the broad vista over the Samaná Bay.

Following Playa Las Flechas, a beach named after the arrows that local Taino tribesmen reportedly shot at Christopher Columbus on his first visit, is a small jetty and fishing village called Simi Baez. Here you can either take a ferry to the nearby Cayo Levantado, or spend some time on the beach or another nearby stretch of sand called Anacaona.

The road continues along the coast, revealing exuberant vegetation and idyllic bays, until at Los Cacaos you come across the Victorian elegance of the Gran Bahía resort, surrounded by colorful gardens. From here, turning northwards, the road passes through an unusual landscape of limestone caves, known as the Cuevas de Agua, where locals will be happy to show the subterranean Taino sites (see Taino Indian Sites).

Afternoon

Aim to arrive in Las Galeras in time for lunch. Try the food at El Marinique , which specializes in steaks and seafood, or at one of the other eateries around. Then it’s time to visit the beach itself, choosing a shady spot – but not one directly under a cluster of coconuts.
South Coast Drive

Morning

Leave congested Santo Domingo in a rental car after spending an hour admiring the sharks and manatee at the seaside Acuario Nacional. You could have a late breakfast or snack in the aquarium’s cafeteria. A half-hour or so driving along the well-maintained Carretera 3, which passes the airport, brings you to the resort of Boca Chica. Take a look at its famous beach a few blocks to your right, traffic allowing, and have lunch at one of the many beachside shacks selling fish, conch, or shrimps.

Afternoon

Passing eastwards through tourist developments such as Juan Dolio and flat stretches of agricultural land, you reach San Pedro de Macorís, where you might take a look at some of the Victorian-era buildings. Or press on to La Romana for a quick tour of the old quarter around the Parque Central .

If returning to Santo Domingo, there’s enough time to drive up to Altos de Chavón , the replica Tuscan village with designer boutiques and fantastic views over the river valley. Head back towards the capital, allowing a couple of hours before night falls.

Or drive back to the coastal road and turn left towards Bayahibe, where you can spend the night in one of the inexpensive hotels (advance booking necessary) or the beach-side complexes along Playa Viva Dominicus.