Exotic Samaná Peninsula

Arrive in Punta Cana and meet a driver waiting outside the terminal with a personalized sign for the transfer to the historic district of Santo Domingo, driving 190 km / 118 miles for approximately 2 hours. Upon reaching the cobblestone streets of the Zona Colonial, the afternoon remains open to discover the oldest city in the New World at a personal pace. If the flight arrives directly in Santo Domingo, the transfer to the historic center is also included. After reaching this storied destination, settle into your hotel in Santo Domingo to rest or explore at your leisure.

After breakfast, your guide leads a private two-hour walking tour through the Zona Colonial, tracing the footsteps of Christopher Columbus. See the oldest cathedral in the New World, along with castles, ruins, and the residence of Columbus's son, Don Diego. Stop at a cigar manufacturer to see how Dominican cigars are made, then join a briefing on the days ahead over a tropical welcome drink at the local office. In the evening, explore Santo Domingo's nightlife on your own.

Pick up your rental car and drive across the island to the Samaná Peninsula on a well-maintained highway. Along the way, stop at the hidden Salto Socoa waterfall and mingle with locals, then continue along the peninsula's southern coast, passing small villages before reaching Las Galeras, an idyllic fishing village that's your home for the next few days.

Driving Distance: approx. 200 km (124 miles)

Spend these days exploring the exciting surroundings of Las Galeras at your own pace. Head to the beautiful Caribbean sands of Playa Rincón, or take a boat out to Playa Frontón, a hidden beach inaccessible by car. Stop by the village beach of Playita for a delicious Dominican lunch. If you prefer staying active, set out on a coastal hike to discover more secluded stretches of sand

Head to La Guazuma today, where a new eco-lodge awaits with ocean views, an infinity pool, and rooms open to the surroundings on one side while still offering plenty of privacy. From January to March, you may be able to spot humpback whales from the hotel as they visit Samaná Bay during this season.

Driving Distance: approx. 6 km (3.7 miles)

Use today to enjoy the remoteness and tranquility of your eco-lodge, or take an optional excursion to the remote beach of El Valle ("the valley"), hemmed in by densely overgrown hills. The Taínos, the island's indigenous people, inhabited this valley from 500 to 3,000 years ago. 

Drive across the Samaná Peninsula toward the beach town of Las Terrenas, stopping first in Santa Bárbara de Samaná for a boat trip into Los Haitises National Park, known for its rock formations, countless bird species, and caves once inhabited by the Taíno. From there, head to Cayo Levantado, known locally as "Bacardi Island," for free time on the beach and a Dominican lunch. Return to Samaná in the afternoon before continuing on to Las Terrenas.

Driving Distance: approx. 65 km (40 miles)

Spend your final days in Las Terrenas, a beach town with countless bars and restaurants spread across various beaches. Relax on the beach or in town, or head into the surrounding area for more to explore. Talk to your trip planner for recommendations.

Drive back to Santo Domingo on a well-maintained highway. Depending on the rest of your itinerary, drop off your rental car at the airport, or talk to your trip planner about extending your stay.

Driving Distance: approx. 140 km (87 miles)