Two days in Santo Domingo, a drive east past Higüey to Bávaro, a Cap Cana day with a cenote, a boat day to Saona Island and a morning before your flight.
6 days, 30 stopsBalanced paceDec to MarApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Santo Domingo's first cathedral, fortress and palace
The first cathedral, the first fortress, a lunch on the pedestrian street, the viceroy's palace and dinner on Plaza de España.
Check the weekday. Alcázar de Colón is closed on Mondays.
1
9:00 AMParque ColónStart in the shaded square facing the first cathedral of the Americas, before the cafes and music players fill it.About 30 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 1 min
2
9:30 AMPrimatial Cathedral of the AmericasLook up at the vaulted ceiling and find the tomb of Diego Colón. It is a working church, so cover shoulders and knees.About 1 hour 15 min here
Check visiting hours
Walk about 3 min
3
10:45 AMFortaleza OzamaClimb the tower for views over the Ozama River and the port, then see the cannons. Allow about 1 hour. Check the day's hours.About 1 hour 45 min here
DOP[fee]
Walk about 7 min
4
12:30 PMCalle El CondePick a cafe or restaurant on the pedestrian street for lunch, then browse the painters and souvenir stalls.About 1 hour 30 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 9 min
5
2:15 PMAlcázar de ColónTour the palace Diego Colón had built from 1511. Closed Mondays; it closes at 4 PM on Sundays and 5 PM other days.About 1 hour 45 min here
DOP[fee]
Walk about 4 min
6
4:00 PMOptionalNational PantheonSee the national mausoleum with its honor guard, eternal flame and painted ceiling. Check visiting hours at the door.About 2 hours here
Check visiting hours
Walk about 3 min
7
6:00 PMPlaza de EspañaTake a terrace table over the old city for dinner as the light fades. The plaza also hosts concerts and festivals.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Complete the E-TicketFill in the free entry and exit form before check-in, and keep the QR code on your phone or printed.
Choose your gatewayFly into Santo Domingo and out of Punta Cana, so you cross the country once. Puerto Plata is up to 7 hours from Punta Cana by road.
Plan the long driveThe Autopista del Coral links Santo Domingo with Punta Cana in less than 3 hours. Expect tolls and carry small change.
Drink bottled waterTap water is not safe to drink. Buy bottled water and wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Tip on top of serviceRestaurant bills already include a 10% service charge. Leaving an extra 10% is customary.
Check closing daysSeveral Colonial Zone museums list Tuesday to Sunday hours, so plan streets and ruins for a Monday.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in the Colonial Zone for the first 2 nights, then in Cap Cana or Bávaro for the last 3, close to Punta Cana airport for the flight home.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
