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Is Santo Domingo Worth Visiting?
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic FAQs, answered by travel experts
Is Santo Domingo Worth Visiting?
Yes! This extraordinary city in the Dominican Republic is as budget-friendly as it is beautiful.
What Should Visitors Know About Santo Domingo’s Climate, History, and Culture?
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, has a warm, tropical climate year-round.
The average total annual rainfall in tropical Santo Domingo is a little over 60 inches per year. That’s over ⅓ more precipitation than Seattle!
Nevertheless, rainstorms don’t last long. Most often, Santo Domingo has clear skies for the majority of the day.
History & Culture: Who Discovered The Dominican Republic (and Santo Domingo)?
Santo Domingo’s history dates back thousands of years.
At some point between 6000 BC and 4000 BC, the indigenous Taino discovered the island that is, now, the Dominican Republic and Haiti. They’re a cultural group from modern-day Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Roughly five and a half millennia later, in 1492 AD, Christopher Columbus discovered the island. He was the first European to set foot on DR.
Santo Domingo was a territory of Haiti from 1822 until the Dominican Republic declared independence in 1844.
Santo Domingo’s culture today is strongly influenced by both periods. For example, the first university in the entirety of the American continents and Caribbean Islands was Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, which was established in Santo Domingo in 1518
Today, pedestrians can still traverse Calle Las Damas, the oldest paved street in both the Caribbean and the Americas.
Calle del Conde is another popular, pedestrian-only street, one vital to Santo Domingo’s open air market culture.
What Is Santo Domingo Known For?
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is known for offering a diverse range of extraordinary experiences. What might visitors encounter?
History
Santo Domingo is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ciudad Colonial, a preserved, colonial-era neighborhood filled with 16th-century Spanish architecture.
Nature
Santo Domingo is home to Los Tres Ojos National Park, a stunning open-air cave system protecting four, pristine subterranean lagoons.
It’s also the location of the National Botanical Gardens, a protective sanctuary to over 69,000 species of flora—including the rare, endangered Bayahibe Rose—and hundreds of tropical birds.
Religion & Spirituality
The city is home to the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Also called Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, the 16th-century Gothic cathedral has a gold-tinted coral facade.
Iglesia de Las Mercedes is also in Santo Domingo. This 16th-century cathedral stands in Ciudad Colonial, run and maintained by the Order of the Capuchin Friars Minor.
Fine Dining
Pat’e Palo in Santo Domingo is the first restaurant in the Dominican Republic to earn a Michelin Star.
Meanwhile, La Meson de la Cava won the International Travelers’ Choice Award in 2024. The eatery is carved into the city’s natural subterranean limestone caverns, offering diners a romantic, cove-like getaway—complete with dinner, wine, and a live show.
Luxury Chocolate & Cigars
Small-batch artisan chocolatiers thrive in the Dominican Republic. Since the era of ancient Taino kings, the island has grown some of the greatest cacao in the world. Today, Santo Domingo sits at the heart of the region’s chocolate renaissance: a true global phenomenon.
From shops like Definite Chocolate, the first chocolatier from DR to win the International Chocolate Awards, to up-close bean-to-bar experiences at Kahkow or ChocoMuseo, Santo Domingo is a destination for traveling chocophiles.
The city is also the largest luxury cigar manufacturer in the modern world. The lush region is perfect for growing premium-quality tobacco. Santo Domingo itself is the birthplace of international luxury cigar brands, including Arturo Fuenteand La Flor Dominicana.
Where Are The Best Attractions In Santo Domingo?
When Santo Domingo is your destination, aim for the best of the best the city has to offer. At Caravan, we ensure our guests experience true highlights of every place they go.
Our Dominican Republic tour is no exception. Consider these excellent experiences in the country’s capital city.
Explore the flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic’s National Botanical Gardens
Learn from—and enjoy—an informative walking tour of Tabacalera de GarciaCasa de la Moneda or House of the Currency, one of the finest luxury cigar factories in Santo Domingo
Take your tastebuds on an adventure with a chocolate tasting tour of the city.
Explore the final resting place of Christopher Columbus in the Columbus Lighthouse & Mausoleum.
Take in the historic sights in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone (Ciudad Colonial), including:
- Fortaleza Ozama, a sprawling, castle-like fortress built in 1508
- The oldest sundial in the Americas and Caribbean
- Iglesia de Las Mercedes Cathedral
What To Experience In The Colonial Zone (Ciudad Colonial) in Santo Domingo?
Ciudad Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Santo Domingo. Located on the west bank of the Ozama River, it’s a central neighborhood first built in the 16th century. Protected, preserved historical sites and architecture in the colonial zone include:
La Puerta del Conde, the decorated “Count’s Gate”
Cathedral of Santa María la Menor
El Parque Independencia, a historic park commemorating independence
Hospital San Nicolás de Bari, a preserved ruin of the first hospital in the Americas and Caribbean
Chapel del Rosario / Chapel of the Zodiac, one of the oldest depictions of astrological representations in vaults
Casa de la Moneda (House of the Currency), a museum dedicated to colonial coins
Dozens more museums, castles, palaces and plazas, all dating back to the 16th - 19th centuries
Tour The Dominican Republic With Caravan’s Expert Guides
Santo Domingo has much to offer its visitors, especially those who enjoy history, nature, and excellent food. If you’re ready to explore the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, our guides can give you the ideal tour.
With Caravan, your only task is to book a spot on the trip; we’ll handle the rest! Our 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour takes you to the hottest destinations in the nation—giving you only the best on every step of our journey.
Ready to explore Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic? Call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-800-312-321-9800 to book a trip today!
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).
