Full-Day Tour: Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Colonial Zone
4.3 / 5 · 4 traveler reviews
Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the Americas — and most visitors only scratch the surface. Not with us. We pick you up directly at your Punta Cana hotel and handle every detail. Once you're on your way, you'll receive a WhatsApp message from our team confirming your pickup and sharing a direct contact number — so if you need anything during the drive, we're just a message away. No language barriers, no stress. Once in Santo Domingo, your certified bilingual guide takes you through it all: underground lakes at Tres Ojos, the Columbus Lighthouse, Alcázar de Colón, and the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO Colonial Zone. Chocolate tasting included. Lunch is a traditional Dominican buffet in the heart of the city. ABI Tours is a MITUR-licensed operator based in Punta Cana. History. Nature. Culture. All in one unforgettable day.
Your experience
Stop 1
The Los Tres Ojos Park features caves composed of limestone rocks, divided by three underground lakes, which is the main reason it is named 'The Three Eyes Park.' In addition to these lakes, it also has an exterior freshwater lake. This natural reserve allows us to preserve millennia-old geological formations, creating breathtaking landscapes both underwater and on land. It is a walking tour where, to explore the entire underground area, it is necessary to climb the 346 steps that connect the entire area.
Stop 2
Situated in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, near the East National Park, the Columbus Lighthouse stands as a monumental mausoleum. Stretching over 700 meters and reaching a height of 24 meters at its peak, this structure is a testament to both history and architectural grandeur.
Stop 3
Since its inauguration on August 16, 1947, the National Palace has proudly served as the seat of the Dominican Government. Steeped in history, it stands as an enduring symbol of governance and national heritage.
Stop 4
Step into history at the Cathedral of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, the oldest in the Americas, consecrated by Pope Julius II in 1504. Its construction commenced in 1514, embodying centuries of heritage and spiritual significance.
Stop 5
"The Alcazar of Columbus is the only known residence of any member of the Columbus family in the New World, making it a historic monument. Protective wall of the Alcazar of Columbus. The Alcazar de Colon was home to three generations of the Columbus family, from 1512 to 1577."
Stop 6
We will have our buffet lunch for 40 minutes at one of the restaurants in the Colonial City. Then, we will stroll through the streets of the area for 40 minutes, exploring its iconic landmarks. The Colonial City (also called Zona Colonial) is the oldest urban nucleus in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The Colonial City was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1502 by Spanish conquistadors. This area of Santo Domingo features colonial buildings and streets with ancient cobblestones, offering great tourist appeal. Notable attractions include the Alcázar de Colón (once owned by Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus), the Museum of the Royal Houses, the Cathedral of America, and the Ozama Fortress. As a result, there are both national hotels (like the Hotel Conde de Peñalba) and international ones (such as the Sofitel Nicolás de Ovando in the house of Nicolás de Ovando). Most hotels are located on Calle El Conde and Calle Las Damas.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (all Punta Cana hotels)
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
Not included
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips (appreciated but not required)
- Alcoholic beverages
Before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- - Explore the oldest city in the Americas — a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Swim inside Tres Ojos: freshwater lakes hidden in natural limestone caves - Stroll cobblestone streets that predate the United States by 300 years - Buffet lunch included at a local restaurant in the Colonial Zone - Hotel pickup from all Punta Cana hotels | A/C vehicle | Shared group tour - Certified guide in English and Spanish waiting for you in Santo Domingo
- Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive each way through the Dominican countryside. Your bilingual guide will be waiting for you upon arrival in Santo Domingo for approximately 3 hours of guided exploration.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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