Dominican republic: Samana Beaches and Culture
Enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches, tasty dishes and off the beaten path locations the Dominican Republic has to offer.
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Arrival Day: Welcome to the Dominican Republic!
Arrive in Santo Domingo, drop off your bags at the hotel, and head out for your first night in the Colonial Zone, the historic walled quarter and UNESCO World Heritage site that is rich with food and music. Old colonial buildings have been converted into coffee shops, restaurants, and community arts spaces, and the weather allows for a blossoming bohemian scene at night where the La Zona Colonial’s plazas and squares become centers for artistic, folkloric and cultural expressions. Welcome to Quisqueya!
Lodging: Hotel Novus Plaza, Santo Domingo
Day 2: Montaña Redonda and Paraíso Caño Hondo
Drive north through the provinces of La Altagracia, El Seibo, and Hato Mayor and stop at must-see spots along the way. In La Altagracia, visit Higüey, “the land where the sun is born”, a centenary city founded at the site of one of the five caciques, or provinces, of the native Tainos. Higüey has the Virgen de la Altagracia Basílica, the most important pilgrimage spot in the Dominican Republic and home of hundreds of religious and historic art pieces. Continue your journey to Montaña Redonda near the Town of Miches, in the Province of El Seibo. Montaña Redonda sits at 1,000 ft. above sea level and offers a 360° stunning view of the Samana Bay, the lagoons and the beautiful vegetation of the area. Finish the day at Paraíso Caño Hondo, nestled in a canyon of the national park.
Lodging: Paraíso Caño Hondo, Sabana de la Mar
Day 3: Los Haitises National Park
Wake up late at Paraiso Caño Hondo, in the Heart of Los Haitises National Park, is a stunning eco-lodge built into the hillside with river-fed pools, trails, and a magnificent view of nearby Samana Bay. Spend the afternoon touring the Samana Bay by speedboat, visiting caves that contain Taino pictographs that are over a thousand years old. Stop for a swim in remote beaches before navigating the mangroves on your way back to Caño Hondo. Back at the base, enjoy the pools and relax in the quiet of the canyon.
Lodging: Paraíso Caño Hondo, Sabana de la Mar
Day 4: Samana Peninsula
Hop on a boat and cross the Samana Bay to reach the Samaná Peninsula, a unique part of the country home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the Americas. Arrive at the beach town of Las Galeras around noon, settle in at the eco lodge and have a savory Caribbean lunch before heading out to Playa Rincón, a 3 mile stretch of pristine turquoise waters and fine white sands flanked by luscious green hills. Spend all afternoon relaxing at Playa Rincón, before heading back to your eco lodge.
Lodging: Las Mariposas, Samaná
Day 5: Playa Fronton
Get ready for an adventure! After a hearty breakfast, walk down to La Playita, hop on a boat and head to Playa Frontón, a remote paradisiac beach featuring majestic cliffs, white sands, and stunning scenery. Snorkel through its clear, life filled waters as you spot different types of colorful fish that make this special place their home. Have a delicious fruit snack at the beach before heading out to playa madama, a nearby beach where you can relax while also exploring a beautiful cave just a few steps away from the water. Head back to Las Galeras, have lunch and spend the afternoon lounging at the beach.
Lodging: Las Mariposas, Samaná
Day 6: Cayo Levantado
After breakfast, embark on a full day speed boat excursion to Cayo Levantado with beachside lunch. After a full day of fun in the sun, return to your hotel for dinner on your own.
Lodging: Las Mariposas, Samaná
Day 7: Return to Santo Domingo
After one last swim in the ocean, head back to Santo Domingo. Visit the cenote caves at Tres Ojos National Park or explore the Colonial Zone’s local watering holes, chic modern restaurants, and galleries of Afro-Caribbean folk art..
Lodging: Hodelpa Nicolas Ovando, Santo Domingo
Day 8: Buen Viaje!
The Offbeat team will escort your group to the airport in private transport. We hope you enjoyed your stay in the Dominican Republic!
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Offbeat Travel local guide on call throughout.
All community service materials, and donations
Breakfast and Lunch
All transportation
7 nights of accommodation
All activities as detailed in your itinerary
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