Five days in the Dominican Republic is just enough time to explore a couple of different regions of this tropical paradise. Enjoy the best of both worlds when you visit the colonial heart of Santo Domingo (the oldest city in the Americas) and laze on the white-sand beaches of the north coast. Or make the most of your time by exploring one single region, such as the unspoiled wonderland of the Samará Peninsula.
Whether you're on a family trip or traveling solo, like beach holidays or mountain excursions, there's the perfect holiday to suit your interests in the Dominican Republic. Seven days is all you need to do it all, from island excursions to snorkeling trips to waterfall hikes and buggy rides on the beach. You can also embark on horseback excursions through tobacco country, river rafting adventures, and walking tours of historic Santo Domingo.
Visiting two to four destinations is ideal for 10 days in the Dominican Republic. For a nature and culture-focused itinerary, you'll want to see the white-sand beaches around Samaná and the highlands of Jarabacoa. Adventurers should head north to the coast to Haitises National Park to do some caving and kayaking, while travelers wanting to beach hop should hit Punta Cana and Bayahibe. To get off the beaten path, opt for hiking excursions from Barahona to the nearby national parks and Lago Enriquillo.
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.
You can have a great getaway in the Dominican Republic in as short as a long weekend if you stick to either Santo Domingo or Punta Cana. However, it's recommended to spend at least a week to discover a more meaningful section of this Caribbean nation. Lucky travelers who have 10 to 14 days can comfortably explore most of the DR's diverse regions, experiencing the best colonial cities, Taíno archeological sites, and even the mist-shrouded Cordillera Central.
