First time visiting Dominica Republic
🇩🇴 7-Day Itinerary in the Dominican Republic

Includes: Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana, Los Haitises National Park, Las Galeras, Santiago de los Caballeros, and Cabarete.

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🗓️ Day 1: Arrival in Santo Domingo
  •  Morning:
  •  Arrive at Las Américas International Airport.
  •  Check in to your hotel.
  •  Afternoon:
  •  Explore the Colonial Zone: visit the Cathedral of the Americas, Alcázar de Colón, and El Conde Street.
  •  Evening:
  •  Dinner at a local spot like El Mesón de Bari or Buche Perico.

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🗓️ Day 2: Day Trip to Santiago de los Caballeros and Puerto Plata
  •  Early morning:
  •  Travel to Santiago de los Caballeros (approx. 2 hours).
  •  Visit the Monument to the Heroes, Centro León, and soak in the cultural vibe.
  •  Midday:
  •  Head to Puerto Plata (1 hr 20 min).
  •  Take the cable car up to Mount Isabel de Torres and visit Fortaleza San Felipe.
  •  Late afternoon/evening:
  •  Stroll along Puerto Plata’s Malecón and return to Santo Domingo (or stay overnight if you prefer less driving).

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🗓️ Day 3: Los Haitises National Park & Las Galeras
  •  Morning:
  •  Depart for Los Haitises National Park (from Sabana de la Mar or Samaná).
  •  Boat tour through mangroves, caves with Taíno petroglyphs, and birdwatching.
  •  Afternoon:
  •  Travel to Las Galeras (in the Samaná Peninsula).
  •  Relax at Playa Rincón, one of the most untouched beaches in the country.
  •  Evening:
  •  Quiet dinner by the sea and overnight stay.

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🗓️ Day 4: Cabarete – Adventure & Beach
  •  Morning:
  •  Head to Cabarete, a kitesurfing paradise (approx. 3 hours from Las Galeras).
  •  Take a kitesurf or paddleboard class at the lagoon.
  •  Afternoon:
  •  Chill at the beach with a laid-back, youthful vibe.
  •  Optional: visit Cabarete Caves or hike in El Choco National Park.
  •  Evening:
  •  Dinner by the beach with live music.

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🗓️ Day 5: Travel to Punta Cana via La Romana
  •  Morning:
  •  Long drive east with a stop in La Romana.
  •  Visit Altos de Chavón, a replica Mediterranean village overlooking the Chavón River.
  •  Afternoon:
  •  Arrive in Punta Cana.
  •  Check in at your resort and enjoy the beach.
  •  Evening:
  •  Gourmet dinner at the resort or beachfront restaurant.

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🗓️ Day 6: Relaxation and Fun in Punta Cana
  •  Morning:
  •  Optional catamaran excursion or a tour to Saona or Catalina Island.
  •  Afternoon:
  •  Lounge at Bávaro Beach or enjoy a spa session.
  •  Optional: visit a theme park like Scape Park or enjoy nightlife at Coco Bongo.
  •  Evening:
  •  Farewell dinner on the beach.

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🗓️ Day 7: Return to Santo Domingo & Departure
  •  Morning:
  •  Travel back to Santo Domingo (approx. 2.5 hrs).
  •  Final souvenir shopping or a coffee in the Colonial Zone (if time allows).
  •  Afternoon:
  •  Head to the airport and fly home.