The Dominican Republic is probably the most touristy Spanish-speaking Caribbean island. In my experience, it can be aptly called the tout capital of the Caribbean. We went there in the shadows of COVID-19.

  1. The island has pretty good intra-city and inter-city public transport.
  2. The local currency DOP, Dominican Peso, is about 1/60th of the US dollar.

Day 1 - Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

We landed at the Santo Domingo airport, took a 200 DOP guagua to Parque Enriquillo, and from there took a 2.5-hour bus ride to Punta Cana. We stayed there near the beach. Punta Cana is a typical Caribbean resort city full of touts. You won’t miss much if you skip it. But if you go, I would recommend Kat’s corner for breakfast.

A stunning aerial view of a tropical island with crystal-clear turquoise water, lush greenery, and white sandy beaches, capturing the vibrant essence of a pristine paradise.
A tour boat navigates turquoise waters near Saona Island, surrounded by lush greenery and white sandy beaches, capturing a vibrant paradise landscape.

Day 2 - Punta Cana to Sanoa Island tour

We went on a single-day cruise to the island of Saona that included a lunch buffet. The boat ride was good, the natural swimming pool was great, the lunch buffet was average, and continuing the tradition of touting, the workers on the ship were always trying to sell you either expensive drinks on the island or overpriced Bandanas. I wouldn’t recommend doing it here, Stingray City and Belize is a much superior experiences.

A beach scene on Sanoa Island depicts palm trees, white sand, and turquoise water.
A beach scene on Saona Island depicts palm trees, white sand, and turquoise water under a clear blue sky, creating a tropical paradise atmosphere.
Cruise in Dominican Republic

Saona Islands are about 1.5 hours’ drive from Punta Cana towards Santo Domingo, so, we, being backpack-only travelers didn’t go back but rather took an 80 DOP public ride from Bayahibe to nearby La Romana. La Romana wasn’t in our initial plan, but I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and well-maintained this city is compared to both Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

A clean and well-maintained cityscape in La Romana, noted for its contrast to Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, with buildings and palm trees under a clear sky.

Day 3 - Santo Domingo

Early morning, we took a bus ride to Santo Domingo. Given its population, the island indeed has very well-developed public transport. We stayed in Zona Colonial surrounded by old structures. I would highly recommend this area for a stay.

In the afternoon, we took a 30 DOP guagua ride to the Three Eyes National Park (Los Tres Ojos). All the lakes are gorgeous and full of fish. There is a 50 DOP ride for the fourth lake inside the national park, I would recommend the fourth lake for the experience of going on a boat being pulled by the rope. You don’t need more than an hour for this national park. For the return, we couldn’t find a guagua and we took a 150 DOP motor ride back to the city.

Los Tres Ojos National Park - a series of limestone caves featuring turquoise blue water surrounded by lush vegetation
A serene cave with a large, clear blue water pool inside, illuminated by natural light filtering through the opening above
Los Tres Ojos National Park - a scenic series of open-air limestone caves containing stunning turquoise lagoons, surrounded by lush greenery.
A landscape view featuring 'Los Tres Ojos' caves with clear blue waters and vibrant surrounding vegetation, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.
Los Tres Ojos National Park - A historical site with ancient, stone structures partially overgrown by nature, surrounded by lush greenery in Santo Domingo.

Day 4 - Santo Domingo colonial town

Later, we checked out the historical structures including the lighthouse. Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas.

Lighthouse Monument, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
A large lighthouse-like monument stands prominently with surrounding urban landscape, featuring historic architectural elements. Text visible reads 'mericas,' hinting at location or cultural context.
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
A colonial-style street features colorful historical buildings with arched windows and wooden balconies, bordered by lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
A colonial-style street scene depicts historical architecture with arched doorways and balconies, bordered by lush greenery under a clear sky.
Zona Colonial, Dominican Republic

In the evening, we tried Piña Colada (120 DOP) at Juego Therapia on Calle El Donde. “Calle El Donde” street is a great place to take a stroll or to find a restaurant to eat in. The standard price of plain juices is about 50 DOP.

Day 4 - Berro Waterfalls hike

We got a tour guide for a hike deep in the boonies. We started at 6:30 AM and returned at about 6:50 PM, just in time before the 7 PM curfew kicked in. It rained the previous day, so, the hike wasn’t a pleasant or smooth experience but was worth it. The Berrow waterfalls were great and they reminded me of Dominica .

Berro Waterfalls surrounded by lush greenery, capturing cascading water in a natural, tropical setting'
Berro Waterfalls
Berro Waterfalls