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Introducing the Dominican Republic

Discover the best of the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic is known for its beautiful beaches and a multitude of resorts, but it's also one of the most diverse destinations you can visit and one that remains culturally rich. You'll want to dance the bachata and merengue, listen to live music, and speak with its hospitable people. Head outdoors for a land brimming with cacao and coffee trails, national parks with hiking trails and mountains, and tropical forests. From colonial cities to beach towns, offshore islands to lagoons, there's more to see and do than you can fit into one trip. 

When is the best time to visit?
The Dominican Republic enjoys a tropical climate with high temperatures throughout the year. There is a dry and a rainy season, although even the wetter months see plenty of hot sunny days and rainfall usually comes in heavy showers that clear quickly. Generally, the best time to visit is between December and April when sunshine and temperatures are milder and rainfall is lowest. 

How many days do you need?
While it's possible to have a fun trip to one of the Dominican Republic's cities over a long weekend, we recommend at least 5 days if you really want to experience much of what the country has to offer. 

If you have 10 days, you could almost see the entire island from north to south on an adventurous trip that includes visiting the Las Terrenas beach area, Los Haitises National Park, the colonial city of Santiago, and Santo Domingo. 

Getting Around the Dominican Republic
Most travelers fly into Santo Domingo and then travel around the island by private transfer. If you're up for it, you could also rent a car and discover the island in a more personalized way.  

Ready to start planning your trip to the Dominican Republic? Get started by telling us a bit about your ideal trip, and we will connect you to a local specialist to work out all the details.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

The Dominican Republic Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
A view of Los Tres Ojos National Park, Santo Domingo
Map of Ultimate Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo, Cabarete & Samaná - 10 Days
Ultimate Dominican Republic: Santo Domingo, Cabarete & Samaná - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary takes you beyond the Dominican Republic's famous beaches to discover an island of diverse landscapes and exciting adventures. Your journey begins in the historic capital of Santo Domingo, where you'll tour America's oldest European settlement. Visit the nearby caverns of Los Tres Ojos, take your pick of watersports in Cabarete, and hike to waterfalls on the Samaná Peninsula.

Aerial view of the beaches on Saona Island
Highlights of the Dominican Republic - 5 Days

If you have less than a week to travel to the Dominican Republic, this is your trip. It's a five-day journey around the island that includes a guided bike tour of historic Santo Domingo, visiting the white-sand beaches at Bayahibe, learning about fine cigars at the VegaFina Cigar Factory, and much more. You'll get to know the real Dominican Republic with the help of the best local guides accompanying you on each activity.

Beautiful Sunny Beaches
Map of Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo & Samaná - 7 Days
Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo & Samaná - 7 Days

If you are looking for an adventurous trip to the Dominican Republic, this itinerary is for you! Visit Santo Domingo on a bike tour and explore Santiago de los Caballeros. Finish your trip in Las Terrenas with its enchanting white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters.

The beauty of the Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Adventure: Santo Domingo to Punta Cana – 15 Days

Escape to a paradise of turquoise waters and white sand beaches on this unforgettable 15-day journey through the Dominican Republic. Tour the oldest colonial city in the Americas at Santo Domingo, explore underwater worlds in Sosúa, and head to the pristine Samana Peninsula to discover towering waterfalls, hidden beaches, and the spectacular Los Haitises National Park. End your trip in the tropical haven of Punta Cana, where you'll unwind at the beach in between adventurous excursions.

Santo Domingo's Columbus Park
Map of Family Trip to the Dominican Republic - 7 Days
Family Trip to the Dominican Republic - 7 Days

Enjoy the family trip of a lifetime over seven days on the Dominican Republic's south coast. You'll do it all, from snorkeling around offshore islands to visiting mysterious caves to off-roading around some of the most stunning white-sand beaches in the Caribbean. You'll also get active on a bicycle tour of Santo Domingo's historic sights, go starfish spotting in natural pools, and even spend time with playful squirrel monkeys.

Palm-lined beaches surround Las Terrenas
Dominican Republic Self-Drive Adventure – 12 Days

This relaxed 12-day road trip checks off the best of the Dominican Republic's historic cities, idyllic beaches, and stunning national parks. Cycle through colonial history in Santo Domingo, explore breathtaking dive sites in Sosúa, discover the pristine beaches of the Samaná Peninsula, and kayak through the mangroves and islands of Los Haitises National Park.

Make the Most of Your Time in the Dominican Republic

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit

The Dominican Republic Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest the Dominican Republic Content

Explore the gorgeous beaches of the Dominican Republic
Map of Adventurous Family Tour of the Dominican Republic - 14 Days
Adventurous Family Tour of the Dominican Republic - 14 Days

This action-packed family tour of the Dominican Republic kicks off in Punta Cana, where you'll visit local beaches, cruise out to Isla Saona, and swim in the "blue hole" cenote of Hoyo Azul. Learn about the life of a Dominican cowboy on a horseback ride and ranch tour, discover the underwater world of the island via Scuba Doo, then head to wild and wonderful Samaná. Hike to the waterfalls of El Limón, trek to untouched beaches, and end by visiting the humpback whales of Samaná Bay.

Mount up for a horseback ride into the mountains of Jarabacoa
Map of 2 Weeks in the Dominican Republic - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas
2 Weeks in the Dominican Republic - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in the Dominican Republic, you can visit at least three regions at a comfortable pace. First-timers can hit the highlights in Santo Domingo, Samaná, and Jarabacoa. Nature lovers and those interested in a mix of outdoor and cultural activities, including snorkeling in Playa Dorada, will enjoy a trip from north to south, while foodies and wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate coffee tasting, bird-watching, and more in Barahona and Bayahibe, and visiting lesser-visited locales.

See the best of the Dominican in two weeks
Map of The Dominican Republic from North to South - 14 Days
The Dominican Republic from North to South - 14 Days

Lose yourself in the spectacular beauty and natural wonders of the Dominican Republic. The highlights of this two-week adventure are many, beginning on the north coast with relaxing beach days, waterfall hikes, horseback rides, zipline adventures, and more. Then head south and finish the trip in the capital of Santo Domingo, a bastion of colonial history unrivaled in the Americas.

the Dominican Republic Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 7 Days in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
7 Days in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Map 5 Days in the Dominican Republic - 5 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in the Dominican Republic - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Map 10 Days in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in the Dominican Republic - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas
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Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

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Trip Reviews for the Dominican Republic

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

5 days in Dominican Republic filled with some of the best things the country has to offer
the Dominican Republic | Jan 5 - Jan 9, 2024

Levin
Levin G.
Bellevue, WA | Reviewed on Jan 14, 2024
It is going to be difficult to name all the people involve in this trip who made the experience unforgettable. This is the third time I've booked my trip through kimkim. I typically book via kimkim when I am running short on time to plan my trip or to book accommodations and activities. This time, I had my 5 days in Dominican Republic filled with activities all throughout and then some. All the people involve in the trip were some of the nicest people I've met, but I'm only going to limit my... Read more

It is going to be difficult to name all the people involve in this trip who made the experience unforgettable. This is the third time I've booked my trip through kimkim. I typically book via kimkim when I am running short on time to plan my trip or to book accommodations and activities. This time, I had my 5 days in Dominican Republic filled with activities all throughout and then some. All the people involve in the trip were some of the nicest people I've met, but I'm only going to limit my review to 2 people that made the trip even better.

I had the most amazing driver in Mr. Cochi. There were many times he would stop along the way and had me sample some of the country's best snacks and if the ride was going to take hours he'd ask me if I want a cup of coffee for the trip.

And the other person who I'd like to give a proper thanks is the awesome trip specialist who planned my entire trip, Marina. Although I didn't have time to create an itinerary for myself, I still had very specific preferences for the trip to the Dominican Republic. Marina was patient with me throughout the weeks of trip planning. She made sure that the activities I wanted to do were tailored with the distance and time to my accommodation and the limited days I had. Each day was perfectly executed, but it wouldn't be possible without Marina's recommendation and detailed trip planning. Kudos to her and kudos to everyone else who made the trip unforgettable.

Local specialist: Marina Courtaut
Marina
Marina Courtaut
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Jan 15, 2024

Hi Levin! Thank you SO much for writing such a detailed review and for your kind words! It has been a true pleasure helping you plan your trip to the Dominican Republic and I am so glad to hear you had such a fantastic trip 😁 The Dominican Republic is a true paradise and I am glad you got to discover the island as much as possible. I will share your kind words with all the team! I look forward to helping you plan another adventure in the future! Warm regards from the Espiritu Travel family, Marina

Amazing trip to the Dominican Republic
the Dominican Republic | Jul 18 - Jul 21, 2024

Arlette
Arlette V.
Lutz, FL | Reviewed on May 02, 2023
Our trip to the Dominican Republic was amazing thanks to Kimkim and our local travel specialist Marina. The trip was well-planned and customized appropriately to our needs and wishes. This service allowed us a stress-free trip preparation experience and enabled us to enjoy traveling to a country where we we not fluent in the language. All of our accommodations, drivers and excursions were awesome! We got the authentic travel experience we wanted, and learned so much about Dominican history... Read more

Our trip to the Dominican Republic was amazing thanks to Kimkim and our local travel specialist Marina. The trip was well-planned and customized appropriately to our needs and wishes. This service allowed us a stress-free trip preparation experience and enabled us to enjoy traveling to a country where we we not fluent in the language. All of our accommodations, drivers and excursions were awesome! We got the authentic travel experience we wanted, and learned so much about Dominican history and culture during our stay. We much appreciated the included meals, which featured nutritious, locally grown products, and enabled us to sample Dominican cuisine.

An important note to mention however is, if you are like us, and want to support small local businesses, it is good to come prepared with a mindset on what you want to purchase or how much you can spend prior to entering shopping spaces, and being prepared to negotiate on price (or even politely say no). Although the majority of the vendors we encountered were easy-going and helpful, several of the vendors at Tres Ojos National Park were overly aggressive and tried to overcharge for their products. Being prepared for this and having basic level Spanish helps the traveler immensely in these situations. This was a minor issue however, and did not detract from what was an overall great trip to the stunning Tres Ojos limestone caves.

Our most memorable excursion was the hike adventure to El Limon Waterfall, where the views were breath-taking. We were fortunate to have a wonderful guide Andres, who took great care of us on this challenging trek through the forest and rocky landscapes.

Our day trip to Playa Rincon and Caño Frio was also memorable for the natural beauty of the Samana region and our knowledgeable guide Frank, who gave us a wealth of information on Dominican life. This was a relaxing way to spend the last day of our trip.

On the last morning of our trip, we encountered a problem when our driver had car trouble and was not able to pick us up for transport to the airport. It was a simple process for us to contact our travel specialist Marina, who came through for us and arranged for an alternate driver (Cabayeron), who was diligent about getting us to the airport safely and on time. Kudos to Marina for exceptional local travel specialist support during this trip. We love the Kimkim business philosophy and would definitely use Kimkim again for future trips. We whole-heartedly recommend Kimkim to other travelers.

Hotel Reviews
Mosquito Boutique Hotel
Las Terrenas

Mosquito Boutique was delightful place to stay. Located right on the beach, the views were exquisite, especially at sunrise and sunset. The onsite restaurant was very convenient for dinners, and also provided an awesome daily breakfast for hotel guests. The overall vibe of the place was very relaxed and friendly, and hotel staff were very accommodating. Our room was clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hodelpa Caribe Colonial
Santo Domingo

Great hotel for a stay in Santo Domingo. It is conveniently located in the Colonial Zone area with many restaurants and historic places to visit within walking distance. Our room was clean and comfortable. Hotel front desk staff were professional and very responsive to our needs. Complimentary breakfasts were delightful and featured many local dishes.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Full day excursion to Playa Rincón
Full day excursion to Playa Rincón
Samaná
Quality of Experience
Food
The local lunch provided onsite at the beach was wonderful.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Hike Adventure to El Limón Waterfall
Hike Adventure to El Limón Waterfall
Samaná
Quality of Experience
Food
The Dominican lunch provided by Restaurante Santi after our hike was awesome!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Los Tres Ojos National Park Excursion
Los Tres Ojos National Park Excursion
Santo Domingo
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Marina Courtaut
Marina
Marina Courtaut
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on May 12, 2023

Hi Arlette, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a detailed trip review! I will pass your kind words to the rest of the team :) I appreciate your comments about your experience at Los Tres Ojos National Park, I will make sure to warn the travelers more about this matter. It has been a pleasure helping you plan this fantastic trip to the Dominican Republic. I am happy to hear you had a great time and liked all your activities. The Dominican Republic is truly a unique destination and I am happy you got to see and experience the true essence of the island. Warmest regards, Marina

Dreams of Dominicana
the Dominican Republic | Mar 7 - Mar 10, 2023

Carly
Carly M.
Columbia, MD | Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022
I cannot say enough good things about the Dominican Republic! KimKim always gets me in touch with the best travel specialists for unique, culturally-centered experiences. Marina and her team made me feel very well taken care of and safe while visiting the DR solo! From my drivers to my tour guides, everyone was an absolute pleasure to be around. They embraced me and made sure I had an amazing experience with every activity.
Mosquito Boutique hotel staff was unforgettable and I will...
Read more

I cannot say enough good things about the Dominican Republic! KimKim always gets me in touch with the best travel specialists for unique, culturally-centered experiences. Marina and her team made me feel very well taken care of and safe while visiting the DR solo! From my drivers to my tour guides, everyone was an absolute pleasure to be around. They embraced me and made sure I had an amazing experience with every activity.
Mosquito Boutique hotel staff was unforgettable and I will definitely be back to Las Terrenas very soon!
If you haven’t used KimKim for your vacations, you’re missing out! Can’t wait for my next one!

Hotel Review
Mosquito Boutique Hotel
Las Terrenas

Love this place!! The restaurant and hotel staff made me feel very welcome. It was alive on the weekends and very chill during the week. I also love all the friendly cats and dogs on site, they kept a solo traveler company :-)

Tips for future travelers

Minimal wifi in rooms

Authenticity & Character
The staff was super friendly and vibrant
Location
Right on the beach!
Staff
Took care of me!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were pristine
Local specialist: Marina Courtaut
Marina
Marina Courtaut
Local specialist in Madrid | Replied on Jun 23, 2022

Hi Carly! Thank you SO much for writing such a detailed review and for your kind words! It has been a true pleasure helping you plan your trip to the Dominican Republic and I am so glad you had such a fantastic trip :) The Dominican Republic is a true paradise and I am glad you got to discover the island. I will share your kind words with all the team! I look forward to helping you plan another adventure in the future! :) Warm regards, Marina