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Dominican Republic’s National Botanical Garden
The largest botanical garden in Latin America thrives in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. That’s where you’ll find the Dr. Rafael María Mosoco Botanical Garden, also known as the National Botanical Garden of the Dominican Republic.
This garden has a surprising history here on this tropical island. With this guide, we invite you to explore what makes the National Botanical Garden so special, and discover the gardens’ most alluring attractions.
If you’re thinking of visiting the Dominican Republic, the gardens shouldn’t be missed!
History
The Dr. Rafael María Mosoco Botanical Garden was created in 1976. The National Garden was named after the innovative Dominican botanist who first cataloged all the plant life on the island.
The National Botanical Garden of the Dominican Republic is a member of the environmental group Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). In addition to offering a beautiful natural space for visitors to enjoy, the National Botanical Garden also contributes to botanical studies and conservation efforts worldwide.
Unique & Notable Features
The conservation and educational focus of the Dr. Rafael María Mosoco Botanical Garden leads to some of its most engaging features.
Guided Tours & Train
The National Botanical Garden can be traversed at your own pace, but it also offers guided tours. Tour guides are knowledgeable, and tours begin on the Gardens’ train, which lets you move among different parts of the grounds quickly.
Independent visitors can also use the train at their leisure, as it’s included in the ticket price.
For bird enthusiasts, the Hispaniola Ornithological Society organizes guided walking tours (and hikes!) in the Botanical Garden oriented around the best spots for bird watching.
Events & Festivals
The National Botanical Garden hosts educational events, workshops, and festivals throughout the year.
One of the most popular is the National Plant and Flower Festival, a family-friendly event dedicated to plant care and environmental education. The day is filled with food, games, and vendors selling ornamental flowers.
Attractions
The Dr. Rafael María Mosoco Botanical Garden covers 400 square acres of land. That’s a lot to cover! While it’s worthwhile to explore the entire place, here are a few of the top-tier attractions at the gardens. Make sure not to miss them!
Orchid Garden
The National Botanical Garden houses and nurtures over 300 species of orchids. Many of these are native to Hispaniola.
The Orchid Garden is a newly organized exhibit, first curated in 2023 as part of a showcase by The Society of Dominican Orchidology. Since then, the collection of colorful, iconic tropical flowers continues to inspire.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden was first given to the National Botanical Garden as a gift, part of a cultural exchange between Japan and the Dominican Republic in 1976.
The Japanese Garden was created by Mamoru Matsunaga, a landscape designer and martial arts master. He thought to use traditional Japanese landscape techniques and aesthetics with Dominican botany and styles. Together, the two cultures harmonized in Matsunga’s piece.
Today, the Japanese Garden is a tranquil oasis. It remains one of the most well-loved exhibits in the National Botanical Garden.
Flower Clock
The Flower Clock, or living floral clock, is a fully functional timepiece designed by Italian clocksmith Giovanni Abramo. It stands proudly near the Gardens’ entrance, about 3.5 meters tall, while the clock’s face is 20 meters wide. The face’s sections are easily distinguished with floral blooms of contrasting colors.
In 1998, the Flower Clock was broken during Hurricane Georges. Fortunately, it was restored a decade later, in 2018, by the artist Julio César Valentín and engineers from Tecnológicas Dominicana.
Tropical Garden, Cactus Garden & Arboretum
There are hundreds of exhibits and spaces to enjoy in the Dr. Rafael Moscoso National Botanical Garden. No two people’s tastes are exactly alike. Fortunately, the garden has something for everyone.
The curated, intentionally dry Cactus Garden is a surprising contrast to the island’s usual tropical humidity. The Arboretum invites visitors to explore rainforest treetops by bridges. And, the Tropical Garden showcases some of the most unique botanicals native to the Dominican Republic.
What exhibit will be your favorite?
Reviews & Testimonies
“True Paradise”
“[The Botanical Garden] is a true paradise for nature lovers and botanical enthusiasts. This botanical garden is a hidden gem in the heart of the city, featuring a stunning collection of native and exotic plants in a peaceful and serene setting. As you meander through the garden, you’ll encounter a diverse range of flora, from vibrant tropical flowers to towering palms and lush greenery. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the plant life that calls this garden home.”
—Fantabulous Travels (YouTuber)
National Botanical Garden Is “Remarkable,” “Lush” & “Verdant”
“The park showcases the remarkable endemism in both the [native] birds and vegetation…The garden features collections of bromeliads, ferns, palms, succulents, medicinal plants, and an exhibit of over 300 types of orchids. The expansive, well-maintained park is also a popular destination for bird watchers, as a wide variety of avian species—both familiar and rare—make either permanent or transitory homes…among the lush and verdant vegetation.”
—DaleBest1, a community contributor writing for Atlas Obscura
“One-Of-A-Kind” Garden Is “Enchanting Escape”
“The cost is well worth it for this one-of-a-kind run. Not only are the ecological features of this eclectic tropical garden considered some of the best in the world, the miles of ornamental brick paths here are an enchanting escape from the busy streets of Santo Domingo.”
—GreatRuns.com, editor Kelsey Perrett
Book Now To Experience The National Botanical Garden—and More—In The Dominican Republic
The best way to experience the Dr. Rafael María Mosoco Botanical Garden? Caravan’s 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour.
The curated trip is unlike anything else available: it’s all-inclusive, escorted, and completely guided by experts.
Currently, Caravan is the only travel organization offering an affordable tour package in the Dominican Republic. This unique trip includes six nights at hotels, hand-picked activities, meals, and transportation, all booked before you ever sign up.
At Caravan, we eliminate stress from the travel experience. Our professionals handle the details, so guests need only to sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Everything on the itinerary, including the Botanical Garden, is factored into the price: no surprise fees!
So why not experience seven days in the Dominican Republic (and its glorious flora) at one affordable rate?
For more information about Caravan’s Dominican Republic Tour, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826). Book by phone with our toll-free number, or call 1 (312) 321-9800.
Or, reserve a spot on the tour online via the calendar on the tour page.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace on Bávaro Beach to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in the Dominican Republic, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Taxis cost approximately $30 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Santo Domingo | Punta Cana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 84/68 | 0.6 | 83/73 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 85/67 | 0.7 | 83/72 | 1.0 |
| Mar | 86/68 | 0.7 | 84/73 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 86/70 | 1.2 | 85/74 | 1.5 |
| May | 87/72 | 2.4 | 86/76 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 88/74 | 1.9 | 87/77 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 89/74 | 1.6 | 87/78 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 89/74 | 1.9 | 88/78 | 2.0 |
| Sep | 89/74 | 2.1 | 88/77 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 88/73 | 2.1 | 87/76 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 86/71 | 1.5 | 85/75 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 85/69 | 0.8 | 83/74 | 1.4 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | ||||||||||||
| temp | 84/68 | 85/67 | 86/68 | 86/70 | 87/72 | 88/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 88/73 | 86/71 | 85/69 |
| rainfall | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Punta Cana | ||||||||||||
| temp | 83/73 | 83/72 | 84/73 | 85/74 | 86/76 | 87/77 | 87/78 | 88/78 | 88/77 | 87/76 | 85/75 | 83/74 |
| rainfall | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
