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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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