Santo Domingo Tour

4.6 · from $80

Punta Cana Excursion

Santo Domingo Tour

Over 500+ years of incredible history are locked in Santo Domingo's Colonial streets. We're taking YOU from Punta Cana to this chronicled municipality and its infamous Colonial Zone. Enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine coupled with an authentic full day experience outside the resort.

Approx 12 Hours

Duration

Hotel pickup

Included

Small & large groups

Shared tour

English & Español

Live guide

Free

cancellation

Instant

confirmation

Pay

later

Here's What You Get

Would you like to walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus? Of course you would!

That's why we're inviting you to our exclusive excursion from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo.

We're giving YOU the opportunity to experience, first hand, the birth of European civilization in the Americas. The first cathedral, paved road, university, hospital, stone home, tavern, etc are all located within a 16 block radius in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone or "Old City".

Oh and did we mention the Colonial Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992? How many World Heritage Sites have you been to?

This is how your day shakes down...

From Punta Cana you head west through rolling sugar cane fields until we reach the Dominican Republic's capital city. Now, you're in the thick of it, witnessing everyday life for millions of Dominicans; your walled off resort is far from this reality.

In chronological order our highlights include:

  • VISIT Three Eyes National Park: underground caves and lagoons used by Taino Indians for a millennia until their eventual demise
  • OBSERVE the Columbus Lighthouse where Christopher Columbus' remains are entombed
  • SET FOOT in Diego Columbus's Palace
  • STROLL the first paved road of the New World
  • ENTER the National Pantheon, the final resting place of the country's most honored citizens
  • KNEEL in the first cathedral of the New World
  • INDULGE in authentic Dominican cuisine in an authentic atmosphere
  • STAND before the country's impressive National Palace
  • TIME to shop or stroll the Colonial City's continually inhabited streets for half a millennia</li>

As you can see, most of your day is spent within the fortified, canon laden, walls of the Colonial City. Fortified walls? Yep, because everyone wanted a piece of this gem of the New World to launch their own conquests.

Did you know the conquests of Mexico, Peru and Florida all embarked from Santo Domingo? But they couldn't hold back the famous pirate Sir Francis Drake who sacked the city in 1586, only to give it back to the Spanish after receiving a hefty ransom in gold.

That nugget of history was free! But to really unveil Santo Domingo's infinite past, only a full narrated tour would do the city justice.

Put down your sun tan lotion and put on a hat and comfortable sneakers because it's time to:

  • LEARN about the Western Hemisphere's European birth
  • EAT real Dominican food where Dominicans go to eat
  • RETURN home with a genuine understanding of the Dominican Republic's people and history</li>

Our Santo Domingo excursion is only available two days a week. Space sells out quickly so book now!

Make Christopher Columbus proud that 500+ years later you're still interested in discovering the city and the New World he conceived in 1492.

What’s Included

  • Round trip transportation
  • Professional guide
  • Lunch

What to Bring

  • Comfortable Clothing
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Cash

Good to know

  • The drive to Santo Domingo is about 3 hours each way.
  • To enter the cathedral, shoulders and knees must be covered — for men and women alike.
  • You'll usually be collected from your hotel by a smaller bus, then transferred to a larger one.
  • The gift-shop stop is optional — just let your guide know so they can give you a meet-up time.

Reviews

4.6

Based on 23 verified reviews from travelers who booked this tour.

P

Praveen Panchal · Baltimore, MD

May 2026
Verified
"Punta Cana Tours is a professional operator. We had no hassles with them. We were picked up on time and dropped off as told. They accommodated our dietary needs."
T

Terry Galligan · Fort Lauderdale, FL

May 2026
Verified
"Great tour of Santo Domingo! Our driver Miguel was super friendly. Our guide Rafael was awesome! So much knowledge of the history and people of the DR. If you like history this is a great tour!"
B

Byron

Apr 2024
Verified
"Very informative – FUN – memories galore – diversifyied – GREAT guide Should be mandatory for ALL tourists to DR – opportunity to get to know the country you are visiting!!"

Good to know

Is Santo Domingo good for tourists?

Santo Domingo is a must see for tourists and completely safe! It is the first permanent European settlement in the New World and the old city, locally known as the Colonial Zone, still has numerous standing structures from it's New World beginnings over 500 years ago.

What are the best months to visit Santo Domingo?

Santo Domingo can be visited year round. Most of the year the climate is hot and humid but humidity and temperature decrease in the Winter months from December to March making walks around the city more comfortable.

Is it better to go to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana?

That depends on what you're looking for! If you want all inclusive resorts with sun and sand visit Punta Cana. If you want a quintessential Caribbean city with narrow streets, colonial roots and more contact with the Dominican culture, visit Santo Domingo. But why not both! Santo Domingo and Punta Cana are connected by a brand new modern highway. It's a 2 hour drive and many tourists stay in Punta Cana but do a day trip or overnight trip to Santo Domingo.

How many days should I spend in Santo Domingo?

Santo Domingo's main tourist draw, the Old City or Colonial City, can be seen in a day or an overnight trip to see a bit more. The Colonial city is about 16 square blocks but there's plenty of shop, museums, restaurants and bars to be experienced!

Is it expensive in Santo Domingo?

For a tourists needs, no Santo Domingo is not particularly expensive. You'll most likely find that food, alcohol and lodging is less expensive than in North America and Europe

Is it worth going to Dominican Republic for a week?

Of course it is! The Dominican Republic is currently the most visited country in the Caribbean, with Punta Cana as it's leading destination. Punta Cana's 50+ all-inclusive resorts have something for everyone whether you're looking for family friendly, adult only, intimate resort or mega resort. The area's beaches are world renowned and the local people are its biggest asset.

What months are hot in Santo Domingo?

Although warm all year round, the hottest months in Santo Domingo are the summer months, namely, May, June, July, August and September. April and October can be rather warm as well but temperature and humidity subside from November to March.

What is the rainiest month in Santo Domingo?

There really isn't a dedicated rainy season in Santo Domingo or the rest of the Dominican Republic. You'll find the eternal weather forecast is warm, partly sunny with a chance of passing showers. This forecast is so common that most Dominicans never check the weather forecast.

Is it worth going to Santo Domingo for a day?

If you're looking for history and culture, Santo Domingo is by far the best day excursion from Punta Cana. Santo Domingo's old city or Colonial Zone was the first permanent European settlement and is home to many firsts in the New World. Also, the Colonial Zone is where many local Dominicans live so it's an amazing opportunity to see and experience local life.

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