Dominican Republic-7-day-itinerary

Dominican Republic 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Punta Cana and Relaxation

  • Arrival: Fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
  • Accommodation: Check-in to an all-inclusive resort, such as the Barceló Bávaro Palace or the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort & Spa
  • Activities:
    • Spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Bavaro, such as Playa El Cortecito or Playa Arena Gorda
    • Take a sunset cruise or a snorkeling trip to explore the nearby coral reefs
  • Things to Know: The Dominican Republic is in the Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4) and the official language is Spanish

Day 2: Exploring Punta Cana and Its Surroundings

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your resort or try some local cuisine, such as mangú (mashed green plantains with garlic and onions) or eggs with chorizo
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Punta Cana Village, a charming shopping and dining area with local handicrafts and restaurants
    • Take an excursion to the nearby Ojos Indígenas Ecological Park, featuring 12 natural lagoons and a variety of flora and fauna
  • Transportation: Use your resort’s shuttle service or hire a taxi for the day

Day 3: Santo Domingo City Tour

  • Breakfast: Early morning departure to Santo Domingo (approx. 2 hours)
  • Activities:
    • Visit the first cathedral in the Americas, Catedral Primada de América
    • Explore the oldest street in the New World, Calle Las Damas
    • Stop by the Alcázar de Colón, a 16th-century palace and museum showcasing the history of the Spanish colonization
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Dominican cuisine, such as sancocho (a hearty stew) or chicharrón (deep-fried pork rinds)
  • Return to Punta Cana: In the evening, return to your resort for dinner and relaxation

Day 4: Adventure in the Jungle

  • Breakfast: Early morning departure to the jungle (approx. 1 hour)
  • Activities:
    • Take a guided hike through the beautiful waterfalls and natural pools of the Damajaqua Cascades
    • Go ziplining or horseback riding through the lush tropical forest
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the jungle or try some local fruits, such as mangoes or pineapples
  • Return to Punta Cana: In the evening, return to your resort for dinner and relaxation

Day 5: Beach-Hopping and Water Sports

  • Breakfast: Spend the day exploring different beaches and enjoying water sports
  • Activities:
    • Visit Playa Macao, a scenic beach with calm waters perfect for swimming or kayaking
    • Go snorkeling or scuba diving at Playa Cabeza de Toro, known for its vibrant coral reefs
    • Take a kitesurfing or paddleboarding lesson from one of the many water sports centers in the area
  • Lunch: Try some fresh seafood at one of the many beachside restaurants

Day 6: Saona Island and Catuano Waterfall

  • Breakfast: Early morning departure to Bayahibe (approx. 1 hour)
  • Activities:
    • Take a speedboat tour to Saona Island, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters
    • Visit the stunning Catuano Waterfall, located in the Del Este National Park
  • Lunch: Enjoy a seafood lunch on the island or try some local snacks, such as fried fish or yuca frita
  • Return to Punta Cana: In the evening, return to your resort for dinner and relaxation

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast: Spend the morning relaxing at your resort or doing some last-minute shopping
  • Departure: Return to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) for your departure flight

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of the United States, Canada, and most European countries do not need a visa to enter the Dominican Republic
  • A tourist card is required upon arrival, which can be purchased at the airport or online in advance

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available, but it’s recommended to use authorized taxi services or shuttle buses provided by your resort
  • Renting a car is not necessary, as most activities and excursions offer transportation services

Other Things to Know

  • The Dominican Republic uses the Dominican Peso (DOP) as its official currency, although US dollars are widely accepted
  • Spanish is the official language, but many locals in the tourism industry speak English
  • Be respectful of the local environment and culture, and avoid engaging in any illegal activities

Health and Safety

  • Make sure to have all recommended vaccinations before traveling
  • Take necessary precautions against sunburn, heat exhaustion, and insect-borne illnesses
  • Avoid eating undercooked meat or raw vegetables, and drink bottled water to minimize the risk of waterborne illnesses