Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Punta Cana — Welcome to the Caribbean
Morning Arrival at Punta Cana Airport
Landing at Punta Cana International Airport, the Dominican Republic's main gateway. Shuttle or taxi transfer to your coastal accommodation. Tropical warmth and palm trees greet you immediately.
Afternoon Bávaro Beach & Settling In
Settle in and enjoy your first encounter with Bávaro beaches, regularly ranked among the world's most beautiful. Fine white sand, turquoise waters, and coconut palms create a paradise setting. The coral reef protects the coast, offering calm waters ideal for swimming.
Evening Creole Dinner & Tropical Cocktails
Discover Dominican cuisine at your first dinner: la bandera dominicana (rice, red beans, meat), tostones (fried plantains), and sancocho (traditional stew). Pair with a Dominican mojito or a Presidente, the national beer.
Day 2 Adventure — Hoyo Azul & Zipline
Morning Hoyo Azul — Caribbean Cenote
Visit Hoyo Azul, a natural cenote hidden at the foot of a 75-meter cliff in Scape Park ecological park. The intensely blue, crystal-clear water, fed by underground springs, stays at a constant 24°C. The descent via rock-carved stairs adds to the adventure.
Afternoon Zipline Above the Canopy
Fly across Scape Park's ziplines soaring over the tropical canopy for more than 2 km. Eight successive lines offer breathtaking panoramas of the jungle, coastal cliffs, and the ocean in the distance. The adrenaline and scenery make this experience memorable.
Evening Sunset & Seafood in Bávaro
Return to the coast for a spectacular sunset on Bávaro beach. Dine at a beachfront seafood restaurant: grilled lobster, Dominican ceviche, and coconut rice. The colors of the tropical sky at twilight are a daily show here.
Day 3 Transfer to Santo Domingo — Historic Capital
Morning Drive to Santo Domingo
Drive to Santo Domingo (2h30 from Punta Cana), the oldest city founded by Europeans in the Americas (1496). The journey crosses the Dominican countryside with its sugarcane fields and colorful villages.
Afternoon Colonial Zone — UNESCO World Heritage
Explore the Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo's historic center classified as UNESCO World Heritage. First cathedral, first hospital, first university in the Americas — it all starts here. Cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial houses and bougainvillea transport you through time.
Evening Malecón & Santo Domingo Nightlife
Stroll along the Malecón, the 14 km ocean boulevard running along Santo Domingo's south coast. At sunset, locals gather to dance bachata and merengue outdoors. Santo Domingo's nightlife is among the most vibrant in the Caribbean.
Day 4 Santo Domingo — Museums, Art & Gastronomy
Morning Colonial Zone Museums
Visit the Museo de las Casas Reales, tracing Caribbean colonial and maritime history, then the Panteón Nacional (former Jesuit convent turned national mausoleum). The eternal flame and honor guard create a solemn atmosphere.
Afternoon Mercado Modelo & Gazcue Quarter
Dive into the Mercado Modelo, Santo Domingo's largest craft market. A maze of stalls offers Dominican cigars, rum, naïve paintings, larimar jewelry (a stone unique to the DR), and amber. Then explore the art deco quarter of Gazcue, with its galleries and bohemian cafés.
Evening Plaza España & Terrace Dinner
Dine on Plaza España, the Zona Colonial's most beautiful square, facing the illuminated Alcázar de Colón. Terrace restaurants serve Dominican and international cuisine in an exceptional historic setting. Street musicians add a touch of merengue to the atmosphere.
Day 5 Transfer to Samaná — Paradise Peninsula
Morning Drive to Las Terrenas, Samaná
Leave Santo Domingo for the Samaná Peninsula (3h drive), one of the Dominican Republic's hidden gems. The road crosses the Cordillera Septentrional mountains with spectacular views of lush tropical vegetation.
Afternoon Playa Cosón & Coconut Palms
Discover Playa Cosón, a 5 km beach lined with thousands of coconut palms — the postcard image of the Dominican Republic. Less crowded than Bávaro, it offers a wilder, more authentic atmosphere. The waves are perfect for bodyboarding.
Evening Dinner in Las Terrenas Village
Dine at one of Las Terrenas' eclectic restaurants — French, Italian, Dominican, Japanese, the choice is surprising for such a small village. The pedestrian main street comes alive in the evening with terraces, live music, and a relaxed bohemian vibe.
Day 6 Playa Rincón & Whale Watching
Morning Boat Trip to Playa Rincón
Board a boat for an excursion to Playa Rincón, regularly voted among the world's 10 most beautiful beaches. This 3 km beach, accessible only by boat or 4x4 track, retains a wild and pristine beauty. Golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and coconut palms create a dream setting.
Afternoon Humpback Whale Watching (Seasonal)
From mid-January to March, Samaná Bay welcomes thousands of humpback whales coming to breed in the warm Caribbean waters. A boat excursion takes you to observe these ocean giants as they jump, blow, and swim with their calves. An extraordinary natural spectacle.
Evening Seafood Dinner & Rum Tasting
After this emotion-filled day, enjoy a seafood dinner at a Las Terrenas restaurant followed by a Dominican rum tasting. Ron Barceló and Brugal are the two great Dominican rums — each with its distinct personality.
Day 7 Los Haitises National Park — Mangroves & Caves
Morning Boat Tour in Los Haitises
Board a boat tour in Los Haitises National Park, a labyrinth of mogotes (karst hills), mangroves, and sea caves. This park is one of the Caribbean's most impressive natural treasures. Dense vegetation and tropical birds create a mysterious jungle atmosphere.
Afternoon Bacardí Island (Cayo Levantado)
On the way back, stop at Cayo Levantado, nicknamed Bacardí Island because it served as the backdrop for the famous rum ad. This small island in Samaná Bay offers pristine white sand beaches and crystal turquoise waters. A miniature paradise.
Evening Salsa & Bachata Evening
End this adventure day with a dance evening at a local bar. Bachata and merengue are in Dominican DNA — even the kids dance better than tourists! Let yourself be swept onto the dance floor and enjoy this contagious energy.
Day 8 Cabarete — Kitesurfing & Waves
Morning Transfer to Cabarete & Kitesurfing Intro
Head to Cabarete (3h from Samaná), the world capital of kitesurfing. Constant trade winds and the protected bay make it the ideal spot for beginners or improvement. Take an introductory lesson with an IKO-certified instructor on Kite Beach.
Afternoon Beach & Surfing at Encuentro
Relax on Cabarete's main beach or try the waves at Playa Encuentro, the Dominican Republic's best surf spot. Consistent 1-2 meter waves are perfect for intermediate surfers. Surf schools offer lessons for all levels.
Evening Cabarete by Night — Beach Bars
Cabarete's nightlife centers on its beach bars. Feet in the sand, cocktail in hand, the music blends reggaeton, bachata, and electronic in an international, laid-back atmosphere. Cabarete attracts a community of athletes and travelers from around the world.
Day 9 Puerto Plata — Cable Car, Amber & Golden Beach
Morning Mount Isabel de Torres Cable Car
Take the Caribbean's only cable car to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres (793 m). At the top, a tropical botanical garden and a Christ the Redeemer statue (Rio replica) await. The panoramic view over Puerto Plata, the Atlantic coast, and the mountains is spectacular.
Afternoon Amber Museum & Historic Center
Visit the Museo del Ámbar, housed in a 1918 Victorian villa. The Dominican Republic is one of the few countries in the world producing blue amber, a rare and fascinating gem sometimes containing prehistoric insects. Then explore Puerto Plata's Victorian center with its colorful wooden houses.
Evening Playa Dorada & Farewell Dinner
Enjoy your last full evening on Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata's most beautiful beach. Golden sand and calm waters provide the ideal setting for a final Caribbean sunset. Farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Day 10 Last Morning & Departure
Morning Final Swim & Souvenirs
Enjoy your last morning with a final swim and last-minute souvenir shopping: Brugal or Barceló rum, Dominican cigars, larimar jewelry, Dominican coffee, and cacao from the San Francisco de Macorís region.
Afternoon Airport Transfer
Transfer to Puerto Plata Airport (Gregorio Luperón, 20 min) or return to Punta Cana (4h) depending on your flight. Allow time for departure formalities.
Evening Return Flight
Board your return flight, your mind filled with paradise beaches, Caribbean flavors, bachata rhythms, and the warmth of the Dominican people. ¡Hasta luego, República Dominicana!