TravPa

Dominican Republic

Colonial Santo Domingo with its first cathedral and fortress, the cenotes and white beaches of Punta Cana, boat trips to Saona Island, and the north-coast beaches of Puerto Plata.

Best timeDec to MarMoneyDominican peso (DOP)Plugs110 V, [plug types]Main airportSanto Domingo (SDQ)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Visa rules depend on your passport.
Choose the country that issued your passport to see what you need.

Overview

Most first trips pair two days in Santo Domingo with a beach stay around Punta Cana, reached from the capital in less than 3 hours on the Autopista del Coral. From Punta Cana, day trips run to Saona Island from Bayahíbe, to Altos de Chavón near La Romana, and to the Higüey basilica, about 45 min away. Puerto Plata on the north coast has its own airport and sits up to 7 hours by road from Punta Cana, so treat it as a separate trip.

December to early March brings the most pleasant weather, with cool mornings and evenings, and the driest months run from December to April. Summer is the warmest and rainiest season, humid from April to October, and hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November with September the most active. Carnival in February and the Christmas and Easter weeks are the busiest times.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janBestfebBusymarBestaprMildmayHotjunHotjulHotaugHotsepRainyoctRainynovMilddecBest

Carnival fills the streets in February, and Christmas and Semana Santa (Easter week) are the busiest family holidays, so book ahead for those weeks.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Santo Domingo]
Santo Domingo in 2 daysParque Colón, Primatial Cathedral, Fortaleza Ozama, Alcázar de Colón, Columbus Lighthouse, Los Tres Ojos, Casas Reales, San Francisco ruinsBalanced pace
[Photo: Punta Cana]
Punta Cana in 3 daysOjos Indígenas, Hoyo Azul, Marina Cap Cana, Saona Island, Bayahíbe, Altos de Chavón, Higüey Basilica, Playa Macao, El CortecitoBalanced pace
[Photo: Dominican Republic]
Dominican Republic in 6 daysColonial Zone, Alcázar de Colón, Columbus Lighthouse, Los Tres Ojos, Higüey Basilica, Hoyo Azul, Saona Island, Altos de Chavón, El CortecitoBalanced pace

Where to stay

Puerto PlataDowntown Puerto Plata for the historic center; Playa Dorada for resort beaches; Sosúa and Cabarete for beach towns, nightlife and wind sports.Best areas to stay in Puerto PlataHotels in Puerto Plata
Show a map of hotels in Puerto Plata with live prices

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Punta CanaCap Cana and Punta Cana, close to the airport and Scape Park; Bávaro and El Cortecito for the main resort strip; Macao for surf and a quieter beach.Best areas to stay in Punta CanaHotels in Punta Cana
Show a map of hotels in Punta Cana with live prices

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Santo DomingoThe Colonial Zone for sights on foot; Naco and Piantini for restaurants and bars; the Malecón for the seafront and sunsets.Best areas to stay in Santo DomingoHotels in Santo Domingo
Show a map of hotels in Santo Domingo with live prices

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Getting around

  • Between regions: Metro Tours and Caribe Tours coaches link Santo Domingo with Puerto Plata and La Romana, and Expreso Bávaro runs to Bávaro every day.
  • By road: The Autopista del Coral links Santo Domingo with the Punta Cana area in less than 3 hours, with tolls along the way.
  • In Santo Domingo: Metro Santo Domingo runs daily from 6 AM to 10:30 PM, Uber and taxis cover the rest, and the Colonial Zone is walkable.
  • Airports: Punta Cana (PUJ) is 15 to 45 min from the resort areas, Santo Domingo (SDQ) 30 min from the capital, and Puerto Plata (POP) 20 min from the city.
  • Ride-hailing: Uber works in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata; motorbike taxis are the cheapest option but the most dangerous.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates, including adventure activities such as ziplining and canyoning.
Get a quote from World NomadsOpens World Nomads in a new tab. TravPa earns a commission from this partner; your price stays the same.
Phone dataA local SIM card needs your passport, so mobile data from an eSIM saves a stop on arrival and keeps ride-hailing and your entry form QR code at hand.How a travel eSIM works
See Dominican Republic eSIMs on AiraloOpens Airalo in a new tab. TravPa earns a commission from this partner; your price stays the same.