Car rental adventure in the Dominican Republic

Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day as you wish and explore the oldest city in the "New World."

1 night at Hotel Villa Colonial***, in a Standard Room, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Before you pick up the rental car, you can take a half-day excursion in Santo Domingo. Get to know the first European city in America. The first cathedral was built in Santo Domingo, the first governor resided, the first bishop was consecrated, and the first hospital opened. The lively city of over a million inhabitants has several cultural and mainly architectural sights to offer that you won't find anywhere else.

Start the tour in the historic old town of Zona Colonial, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the city tour, you will visit the Palace of Diego Columbus, Alcázar de Colón, the cathedral, and the Parque Colón with the bronze monument of Christopher Columbus. You will also walk through Calle de las Damas, Ladies Street, and El Conde, a famous street with many stores, vendors, bars, and restaurants.

After picking up your rental car, you will drive along the coastal road toward San Cristóbal, the birthplace of the dictator known as Trujillo. The city is now a market and commercial center with a beautiful baroque church. We will then continue to the province of Peravia and the sugar cane region. Thanks to the abundance of water, sugar cane has grown here since colonial times. In Hatillo, you should not miss the beautiful view of Ocoa Bay.

The drive takes you through the fertile coastal plain and across the large plantations. Later, the road climbs through dry and stony land dotted with cacti and agaves in the mountains, reminiscent of Mexico. Shortly after, an expansive, dreamy view of Rio Yaque del Sur opens up with numerous palm trees in the river valley and steep canyons. It is the only river oasis in this dry area. In the evening, you will reach the provincial capital of Barahona, located at the bay of Neiba. The famous pirate, Cofresí, is said to have had his lair here.

Santo Domingo - Barahona: 230 km / approx. 3.5 hours

2 nights at Hotel El Quemaito*** with breakfast in standard room, Barahona, Dominican Republic

Today you are free for some sightseeing along the southwest coast.

You can drive towards the southwest along the picturesque coastal road. The stone beaches of the Barahona Peninsula are overwhelmingly beautiful and boast natural treasures. You will be unable to get enough of the playful colors, the glittering Caribbean Sea, and the valleys covered with lush tropical vegetation. In Enriquillo, you can visit a weekly market (only in the morning), where fresh fruits and vegetables and different kinds of meat and fish are offered.

The ride leads back towards Barahona, and at Los Patos, refreshing rivers and the pebble beach invite you to swim. You can refresh and relax in San Rafael, surrounded by lush nature and several natural pools and watercourses. In Bahoruco, you will have the opportunity to visit an authentic Larimar workshop and watch the processing of this stone. The Dominican Republic is the only country where these gems can be found.

Passing by sugar cane fields today, you will first travel via Azua and Bani toward San Cristóbal. From there, you will drive through a beautiful green landscape, past typical Dominican villages towards the north. Stalls along the road offer you tropical fruits and extensive plantations of citrus fruits that stretch out in a high valley.

You will reach Jarabacoa at 600 meters above sea level. Pine forests, mountains, and river valleys surround the place. Spring-like temperatures prevail here all year round. The health resort is the center for hiking lovers and nature lovers. In the Monte Alto coffee factory, everything about the cultivation and processing of coffee will be explained to you. Take a hike to one of the famous waterfalls, Salto Baiguate or Salto Jimenoa.

Barahona - Jarabacoa: 320 km / approx. 4.5 hours

1 night at Hotel Rancho Baiguate*** with breakfast in a standard room, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic.

Today your drive will take you to the small, family street village of Cabarete, known for its long sandy beach. Cabarete Bay is one of the best surfing spots in the world because of the excellent conditions all year round. Along the main street, the town center is characterized by cozy restaurants. Many stores, boutiques, and beach cafes invite you to stroll on the beach. The area's biggest attraction, however, is undoubtedly the El Choco national park, about two kilometers away from the village, which offers impressive stalactite caves and an idyllic lake for swimming.

Jarabacoa - Cabarete: 125 km / approx. 1.5 hours

1 night at Hotel Natura Cabana****+ with breakfast in a standard room, Cabarete, Dominican Republic

Today's drive takes you northeast to the Samaná Peninsula. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean along the impressive coastal road. On the way, you will pass the town of Nagua, whose surroundings offer beautiful natural beaches.

The paradisiacal tropical landscape with secluded beaches in hidden bays, clean mountain rivers, rugged rocky coasts, and rich bird life characterizes the 63-kilometer-long and 10-20 km wide peninsula of Samaná.

Finally, you will reach the lively center of the northeast coast, Las Terrenas, where you can still feel the magic of the Caribbean. Enjoy the pristine beach and find coconuts in the sand.

Travel time Cabarete - Las Terrenas: 180 km / approx. 2.5 hours

2 nights at Hotel Playa Colibri***+ with breakfast in apartment B, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Relax on the unique sandy beaches and experience pure Caribbean life. Palm trees sway in the gentle breeze as you savor excellent cocktails and freshly prepared seafood while the sounds of merengue and bachata complete the atmosphere.

Take a boat tour to Los Haïtises National Park (optional). This is one of the most exciting and untouched tropical jungle areas in the Caribbean. The excursion leads to the coastal zone of the protected area, which covers more than 200 km². Along the coast, a vast green mangrove belt and more than 50 small islands form a labyrinth of waterways. Over millions of years, rainfall has eroded caves here. These caves provided shelter for the indigenous people, and you can still see their stone carvings. The park area represents one of the essential retreats of the native fauna and flora. Cave visits, bird breeding islands, mangrove forests, and much more make this day an unforgettable experience.

Every year from late January to late March, nearly the entire humpback whale population of the North Atlantic Ocean gathers in the waters of the Dominican Republic. In these warm and protected coastal waters, both the mating and the whale calves' birth occur. Samaná Bay is one of the few places where whale calves can be seen up close with their mothers. Groups of bulls can also be observed in their fights for the females. Become part of this unique natural spectacle!

Enjoy the morning on the beach as you wish or do some last-minute shopping in the village. You will enjoy the drive to Punta Cana along the charming coast at noon.

Drop off the rental car at the airport around 17:00.

Las Terrenas - Punta Cana: 285 km / approx. 3,5 hours

itravel - for that moment.

Hotel Villa Colonial***, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (1 night)

The Caribbean old town hotel offers you space to relax and is just a few steps away from the attractions of Santo Domingo. The accommodation provides elegant rooms with modern amenities that include a pool, air conditioning, free WiFi, and cable TV. All 11 comfortable rooms are decorated in modern art-deco style with paintings by Dominican artist José Cestero.

El Quemaito***, Barahona, Dominican Republic (2 nights)

This hotel is a 5-minute walk from the beach. Amenities include a pool, free parking, and the hotel's restaurant. The air-conditioned rooms feature sea or pool views. A 15-minute drive takes you to the charming center of Barahona, with numerous cafes and restaurants.

Hotel Rancho Baiguate***, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic (1 night)

Hotel Rancho Baiguate harmoniously nestles into the beautiful landscape of Jarabacoa. The hotel offers everything you need to enjoy an unforgettable vacation. Relax by the large pool and enjoy the tranquility amidst the lush vegetation. Discover a completely different side of the Dominican Republic!

The in-house buffet restaurant offers typical Dominican specialties. In a cozy garden atmosphere, the bar invites you to linger. For sports enthusiasts, there are table tennis tables, a volleyball court, and a basketball court. The exceptional hotel serves as a perfect starting point for excursions to Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean at 3098 meters, or to the impressive waterfalls Baiguate and Jimenoa.

Hotel Natura Cabana****, Cabarete, Dominican Republic (1 night)

This comfortable boutique hotel is directly on the beach, not far from Cabarete. The sound of waves and tropical surroundings, combined with the ecological ambience, allows you to switch off. All twelve bungalows are furnished according to Feng Shui rules so that you can feel right at home.

Playa Colibri***, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic (2 nights)

Located on one of the most beautiful beaches in Las Terrenas, the Playa Colibri hotel offers a family atmosphere with high customer service. Different apartment types ensure that every guest will find the room according to their wishes. The hotel offers a pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, bar, and beach access.

Duration of the trip: 8 days / 7 nights

Included

• 7 days of rental car type "F" (middle class), Kia Sportage SUV or similar (2-4 people) with unlimited kilometers, air conditioning, incl. CDW fully comprehensive insurance without a deductible (however: deductible for damages to car windows and tires)
• 7-night accommodation in the mentioned hotels (or similar)
• Daily breakfast
• Taxes and fees
• Meet & Greet upon arrival and travel documentation with valuable tips and info as well as a road map

Not included

• International flights
• Tourist card (10 USD) on arrival
• Excursions, sightseeing, and entrance fees
• Personal expenses, such as minibar and tips
• Meals and beverages not mentioned in the scope of service
• Rental car:
  • Additional driver and gasoline
  • Optional T&W (tires & windshield) insurance of approx. 6 USD / day
  • Security deposit (500 USD, which can be paid locally with a credit card)
  • Airport tax (10% of the total amount of the rental car, which can also be paid locally by credit card)

Notes

The roads outside Santo Domingo are partly in bad condition, and there are many road works. The driving skills of the Dominicans are well known, and we do not recommend emulating them. It would be best if you took special care with the many "motoconchos" (motorcycles) and when overtaking (left and right). Also, driving in the evening or at night should generally be avoided. Adjust your speed in rainy and wet conditions.