Mamajuana Travel logo orange version
  • Things to Do From
        • Christopher Columbus statue at Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo
        • From Santo Domingo Colonial Zone & cultural tours
        • Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana with turquoise Caribbean waters
        • From Punta Cana Beaches & island adventures
        • Puerto Plata cable car view over the city and ocean
        • From Puerto Plata Cable car & north coast tours
  • Concerts & Events
  • Weddings
  • Transfers
  • Travel Guide
  • EN
  • Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo with Columbus statue and the Cathedral Primada de América
  • General information
  • Tours

Santo Domingo – Capital of the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is the oldest European city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Colonial Zone is home to historic landmarks such as the first cathedral of the New World, cobblestone streets, and vibrant plazas. Beyond its history, Santo Domingo is also a modern city with cultural events, nightlife, and a thriving food scene.

As the island’s main urban hub, Santo Domingo serves as the starting point for many day trips and excursions across the Dominican Republic. From here, travelers can join tours to Cayo Arena in Monte Cristi, Saona Island, Los Haitises National Park, and cultural experiences in nearby towns.

With its blend of history, culture, and strategic location, Santo Domingo is not only a must-visit destination but also the perfect base for exploring the rest of the country.

Why travel to Santo Domingo?
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant city and the perfect hub to explore the rest of the country. From here, travelers can easily access excursions to beaches, national parks, and cultural landmarks.

What tours can I do from Santo Domingo?
From Santo Domingo, you can visit Saona Island, Cayo Arena, Los Haitises National Park, Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and much more.

Is it safe to take excursions from Santo Domingo?
Yes, tours are organized with professional guides and transportation, making it a safe and convenient starting point for travelers.

How long do tours from Santo Domingo last?
Most tours last a full day (8-12 hours), but there are also short experiences in the Colonial Zone that take only 1-3 hours.

What are the advantages of choosing Santo Domingo as a base?
Its central location allows easy access to the entire country. Plus, you’ll find a unique mix of history, culture, nightlife, and proximity to stunning beaches.

Area (km2)104 km²
Tuk-Tuk parked in front of Atarazanas Reales in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone at sunset

45-Minute TukTuk Tour of Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone on a 45-minute Tuk Tuk tour. See historic plazas, cathedrals, and cobblestone streets in comfort and style.

Book now
Aerial drone view of Cayo Arena, Paradise Island, surrounded by turquoise waters in Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic

All-Inclusive Cayo Arena Day trip from Santo Domingo

Cayo Arena, Monte Cristi, Dominican Republic
From $

Discover paradise on our Cayo Arena Day Trip from Santo Domingo. Snorkel coral reefs, relax on white sands, and explore mangroves—all inclusive.

Book now
Aerial view of Altos de Chavón amphitheater and village at sunset in La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Altos de Chavón Half-Day Tour from Santo Domingo

Altos de Chavón, La Romana, Dominica Republic
From $

Experience Altos de Chavón on a half-day guided tour from Santo Domingo, blending history, art, and breathtaking views.

Book now
Salto de Yanigua waterfall surrounded by lush forest in El Valle, Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic

Amber Route & Yanigua Waterfall Tour – Tarzan’s Treehouse & Mud Bath

El Valle, Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic
From $

Amber mine, Yanigua waterfall, mud bath, and Tarzan Treehouse—an eco-adventure from Santo Domingo.

Book now
Aerial view of Bahía de las Águilas coastline with turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand, and a small blue boat anchored on the shore.

Bahia de las Aguilas Glamping – 2-Day from Santo Domingo

Bahia de las Aguilas, Pedernales, Dominican Republic
From $

2-day glamping in Cabo Rojo with boat day at Bahía de las Águilas, plus San Rafael, Los Patos & Oviedo Lagoon. Small group, transport, park fees & boat included.

Book now
Family with children exploring cocoa pods at El Sendero del Cacao plantation during the Chocolate Tour Santo Domingo

Cacao Trail and Chocolate Making Tour from Santo Domingo

San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic
From $

Discover Dominican cocoa on a day trip from Santo Domingo: plantation visit, chocolate tasting, factory tour & lunch.

Book now
Live show at Coco Bongo Punta Cana with Open Bar and Hotel/Resort Pick Up

Coco Bongo Night Tour from Santo Domingo

Downtown, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From $

A dazzling Coco Bongo night from Santo Domingo with live shows, open bar, snacks, and roundtrip transport included.

Book now
Family with children making chocolate at KahKow Experience in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo Dominican Republic

Colonial Zone & Chocolate Tour Santo Domingo – KahKow Experience

Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
From $

Explore Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone and enjoy the interactive KahKow Chocolate Experience with tastings & workshop. Perfect shore excursion.

Book now
Chu Chu Colonial Train passing by a historic church in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone.

Colonial Zone Train: 45 Minutes of History & Culture

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Discover Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone aboard the Chu Chu train: a 45-minute, family-friendly ride through UNESCO landmarks with multilingual commentary.

Book now
El Limón Waterfall in Samaná, Dominican Republic, surrounded by tropical jungle.

El Limón Waterfall & Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) Day Trip from Santo Domingo

El Limón, Samaná, Dominican Republic
From $

Hike to El Limón Waterfall and relax on Cayo Levantado (Bacardi Island) in this full-day trip from Santo Domingo. Nature, adventure, and beach time with lunch included.

Book now
A group of travelers driving ATVs and buggies splashing through mud puddles on the Full Dominican Adventure tour.

Full Dominican Adventure: Zipline, ATV, Horseback & Safari

Macao, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From $

Full-day adventure from Santo Domingo: zipline, horseback riding, ATV buggies, cave pool swim, Macao Beach, and safari ride. Lunch included.

Book now
Drone view of Catalina Island with turquoise waters, boats, and palm-fringed beach

Full-Day Catalina Island Snorkeling Tour from Santo Domingo

La Romana, Dominican Republic
From $

Sail from La Romana to Catalina Island for a full-day adventure with two snorkeling stops, tropical fish encounters, and a Dominican buffet lunch.

Book now
Rider on ATV splashing mud during Comatillo off-road tour in Santo Domingo.

Half Day Comatillo ATV Off-Road Tour from Santo Domingo

Bayaguana, Monte Plata, Dominican Republic
From $

Ride ATVs through rivers, trails, and forests. Visit Salto Alto waterfall and explore Bayaguana’s countryside on this half-day tour from Santo Domingo.

Book now
Main entrance of Ron Barceló Historic Center with palm trees.

Half-Day Ron Barceló Factory Tour from Santo Domingo

Quisqueya, San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic
From $

Explore the Ron Barceló Historic Center on a half-day tour from Santo Domingo. Discover the rum-making process and enjoy a guided tasting.

Book now
Visitor exploring the turquoise pool at 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

Hiking the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour from Santo Domingo

Imbert, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
From $

Discover the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua on a full-day adventure from Santo Domingo with hiking, natural slides, and a Dominican lunch.

Book now
Most Popular
Aerial view of Isla Saona beach lined with palm trees and turquoise Caribbean waters in the Dominican Republic

Isla Saona Full-Day Tour from Santo Domingo

Bayahibe, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
From $

Escape to paradise with our Isla Saona full-day tour from Santo Domingo. Small-group transfers, starfish natural pool, open bar & beach buffet included.

Book now
Couple kayaking on the turquoise Jamao River surrounded by lush tropical forest in the Dominican Republic.

Jamao River Kayak Adventure – Full-Day from Santo Domingo

Jamao al Norte, Espalliat, Dominican Republic
From $

Full-day eco-adventure from Santo Domingo: kayak 5 km on the Jamao River, swim in turquoise waters, and enjoy a local lunch with the community.

Book now
Travelers swimming and hiking along turquoise pools in Cola de Pato canyon

Jungle Canyoning Tour at Duck Tail from Santo Domingo

Jamao al Norte, Espaillat, Dominican Republic.
From $

Full-day canyoning adventure at Cola de Pato from Santo Domingo. Swim, slide & jump in waterfalls and hidden jungle pools.

Book now
Small karst rock island covered with vegetation and birds in Los Haitises

Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado Tour from Santo Domingo

Los Haitises, Samaná, Dominican Republic
From $

Full-day tour from Santo Domingo: explore Los Haitises’ mangroves and Taíno caves, then relax on Cayo Levantado with lunch included.

Book now
Man enjoying the giant swing at Montaña Redonda with panoramic ocean views in the Dominican Republic.

Montaña Redonda & Playa Esmeralda Day Trip from Santo Domingo

Miches, El Seibo, Dominican Republic
From $

Experience 360° views at Montaña Redonda and unwind on the untouched Playa Esmeralda in this full-day tour from Santo Domingo.

Book now
Scenic vineyard view with Caribbean Sea from OcoaBay Dominican Republic

OcoaBay Vineyard & Wine Tasting Tour from Santo Domingo

Palmar de Ocoa, Azua, Dominican Republic
From $

Discover OcoaBay, the Caribbean’s only vineyard. Enjoy a guided tour, wine tasting, and the option to stay for a relaxing vineyard lunch.

Book now
Bronze bust of Juan Pablo Duarte with a wooden cross at Pico Duarte summit in the Dominican Republic.

Pico Duarte Summit Trek: 3-Day Adventure from Santo Domingo

Pico Duarte, Jarabacoa, La Vega, Dominican Republic
From $

Summit the Caribbean’s highest peak on this guided 3-day Pico Duarte trek with transport, permits, camping, meals, and mule support from Santo Domingo.

Book now
Playa Frontón beach lined with palm trees and cliffs in Samaná, Dominican Republic.

Playa Frontón & Playa Madama Day Trip from Santo Domingo.

Las Galeras, Samaná, Dominican Republic
From $

Playa Frontón & Playa Madama from Santo Domingo: boat ride, swim & snorkel, and a beachside buffet lunch on pristine, secluded shores.

Book now
POPULAR
ATV buggies driving along Macao Beach in Punta Cana during an adventure tour from Santo Domingo

Punta Cana ATV Buggies Adventure from Santo Domingo Tour

Macao, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From $

Explore Punta Cana’s wild side on an ATV tour from Santo Domingo. Discover a local ranch, dive into a cenote, and enjoy a short stop at Macao Beach.

Book now
Crystal-clear lagoon in Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve in Punta Cana surrounded by tropical vegetation

Punta Cana Beach Day with Ojos Indígenas Eco-Reserve from Santo Domingo

Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From $

Enjoy a Punta Cana Beach Day on this full-day trip from Santo Domingo, featuring exclusive access to Ojos Indígenas Eco-Reserve, lunch in Downtown Punta Cana, and relaxation at Cabeza de Toro beach.

Book now
Sunlight streaming through jungle cliffs onto a hidden waterfall at Río Partido, Dominican Republic.

Río Partido: Scenic Hiking and River Adventure with Lunch

Salcedo, Hermanas Mirabal, Dominican Republic
From $

Uncover the hidden beauty of Río Partido on this full-day hike from Santo Domingo. Swim in turquoise pools, trek lush trails, and enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch.

Book now
Aerial view of El Valle Beach surrounded by lush mountains in Samaná

Samaná Zipline & El Valle Beach Getaway from Santo Domingo

El Valle, Samaná, Dominican Republic
From $

Fly across 12 thrilling ziplines in Samaná, then relax on the hidden paradise of El Valle Beach. A perfect blend of adventure and relaxation from Santo Domingo.

Book now
Exterior view of the First Cathedral of the Americas in Santo Domingo, Colonial Zone, at sunset.

Santo Domingo City Tour – Full-Day from Puerto Plata

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Full-day trip from Puerto Plata to Santo Domingo. Visit Los Tres Ojos, Columbus Lighthouse, and the Colonial Zone with museums, history, and lunch included.

Book now
Most Popular
Aerial view of the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo with the Cathedral and surrounding historic buildings.

Santo Domingo Half-Day City Tour – Colonial Zone, Los Tres Ojos & Columbus Lighthouse

Colonial Zone, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From $

Half-day Santo Domingo City Tour: Los Tres Ojos, Colonial Zone walking tour, Cathedral, Taíno Center, and Columbus Lighthouse (exterior photo stop).

Book now
Humpback whale splash near boat in Dominican Republic’s Samaná Bay.

Whale Watching & Bacardi Island Day Trip from Santo Domingo

Samaná Bay & Bacardi Island, Dominican Republic
From $

Seasonal whale watching in Samaná Bay, followed by lunch and relaxation at Bacardi Island (Cayo Levantado) — a perfect day trip from Santo Domingo.

Book now
Discover the most popular destinations in the Dominican Republic, from beaches to mountain escapes.
Explore must-see attractions, landmarks, and cultural highlights across the island.
Find tours by theme: adventure, culture, nature, eco-travel, nightlife, and more.
Choose tours by duration: half-day, full-day, multi-day, and weekend getaways.
Expert guides and evergreen articles with staff picks to inspire your trip.
Things to do in Santo Domingo – Capital of the Dominican Republic0 tours & activities
Things to do in Los Haitises National Park0 tours & activities
Things to do in Pedernales0 tours & activities
Things to do in La Romana0 tours & activities
Things to do in Puerto Plata0 tours & activities
Things to do in Samaná0 tours & activities
Best Adventure Tours16 tours & activities
Best Eco-tourism Tours11 tours & activities
Best Family-friendly Tours12 tours & activities
Best Luxury Tours1 tours & activities
Best Cultural Tour Tours9 tours & activities
Best Food Tour Tours1 tours & activities
Best Nightlife Tours2 tours & activities
Best Hiking Tours1 tours & activities
Best Snorkeling Tours5 tours & activities
Best Beach Tour Tours9 tours & activities
Half-day Tours6 tours & activities
Full day Tours21 tours & activities
Multi-day Tours Tours0 tours & activities
Two days – One Night Tours1 tours & activities
3 Days / 2 Nights Tours1 tours & activities
Top 10 Things to Do in the Dominican Republic All Year Round Best Beaches in the Dominican Republic: A Complete Travel Guide Adventure Travel in the Dominican Republic: Hiking, Waterfalls & More The Ultimate Travel Guide to Santo Domingo: History, Food & Culture Day Trips from Santo Domingo: Explore the Best of the Dominican Republic Things to Do in Santo Domingo at Night: Culture, Food & Entertainment Family-Friendly Activities in the Dominican Republic Eco-Tourism in the Dominican Republic: National Parks and Hidden Gems
Facebook X-twitter Youtube Instagram Tiktok Linkedin
★★★★☆ 4.1 rating Trustpilot

Payment Methods

All payments are securely processed through PayPal. We accept major credit cards and international payment methods.

PayPal Visa Mastercard Apple Pay Google Pay American Express Discover JCB
© 2011-2025 Mamajuana Travel, SRL. Proudly created in the Dominican Republic
Terms and conditions
Return, Refund & Cancellation Policies
Privacy policy