Active Adventure in Samaná - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Santo Domingo & Explore Samaná 

Welcome to the Dominican Republic! Upon arrival in the capital of Santo Domingo, you'll hop in a private car for the 3-hour transfer north to Samaná. This peninsula hugs a tranquil bay of the same name and is the very model of a secluded Dominican paradise.

 

Samaná is known for endless stretches of fertile rainforests, tropical coconut plantations, unspoiled white-sand beaches, and hidden islands. For centuries these qualities have made the region desirable to everyone from marauding pirates to invading armies to migrating humpback whales looking for a romantic spot in which to mate. Now you'll get to experience the highlights of this singularly beautiful region over five days.

 

Upon arrival in Samaná, you'll check into your hotel and have some time to relax. Then you can head out for a stroll around town to stretch your legs. If the urge to shop strikes, head an hour north by taxi to Las Terrenas. Not only is there a lovely palm-lined beach here, but the town is filled with charming boutiques and shops. You can browse for souvenirs like handmade crafts, jewelry, Dominican rum, coffee, and cocoa. There are also galleries showcasing works by local artists.

 

Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry for the hour trip to Cayo Levantado, This small island, located in Samaná Bay, is famous for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Here you can go kayaking, paddle-boarding, or simply laze on the beach and enjoy some fresh seafood.

Day 2: Hike to La Cana, Lanza del Norte, & Morón Beach

This morning, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and you'll embark on a 3-hour hike. The route will take you deep into the rainforests as you hike around mountains and witness panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

 

You'll eventually end up at some of the most secluded beaches on the peninsula. First up is windswept La Cana, then rugged Lanza del Norte, and finally you'll arrive at tranquil Playa Morón, where turquoise waters lap at the shore. These unspoiled stretches of coast are little changed over the past 500 years, and you'll enjoy them in perfect serenity without the tourist crowds. After the hike, a car will take you to Las Terrenas for a traditional Dominican lunch.

Then, you'll have the rest of the day to relax.

Day 3: Hike to El Limón Waterfall

Another epic 3-hour hike is in store for you today. In the morning, you'll head to the Sierra de Samaná Mountains to start the 1.5-mile (2.5-km) journey, which you can do on foot or horseback. This is an adventurous trek through fertile rainforests abounding with exotic flora and fauna like coconut palms, pineapple trees, and tropical birds such as the palmchat (the national bird of the Dominican Republic).

 

The trail ends at El Limón Waterfall, which is your reward for all that jungle trekking. The falls are a marvel unto themselves, cascading 131 feet (40 m) into a shimmering emerald pool. Feel free to dive into that lagoon and cool off. After a refreshing dip, you'll have free time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings before making your way back to the trailhead. Then, you'll satisfy your appetite with a fantastic Dominican lunch. 

Day 4: Day Trip to Los Haitises National Park

This morning, you'll transfer to Los Haitises National Park for a full-day tour. Spanning 618 sq. miles, this is one of the crown jewels of the Dominican Republic's national park system.

 

The name "Los Haitises" translates to “mountainous land" in the indigenous Taíno language, and that's an apt description. The park is notable for its limestone rock formations that rise dramatically out of the water. Other highlights include exotic mangrove forests around the bay that are home to colonies of tropical birds. There are also ancient caves here that are notable for having the largest number of petroglyphs in the country.  

You'll get to witness all of these highlights on a group tour led by an expert guide. Afterward, you'll return to your hotel in Samaná.

Day 5: Samaná to Santo Domingo & Depart

This marks your final day in the beautiful Dominican Republic. In the morning, a driver will transfer you back to Santo Domingo where you'll head to the airport and catch your flight home. Safe travels!