The Dominican Republic’s capital of Santo Domingo is a city of superlatives. It’s the oldest permanent European settlement in the new world and features the first church, university and hospital established in the Americas.

This city of 4 million has countless charms. Ancient buildings mingle with modern, and Caribbean culture and history are evident at every turn. Leave the resort behind on a day tour to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana to get to know the real Dominican Republic.

Here's all you need to know about Santo Domingo, one of the most exciting day trips from Punta Cana.

How to get to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana?

The Dominican capital of Santo Domingo sits on the southeastern coast of the island, about 2.5 hours by car from Punta Cana.

From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by car

Take highway 3 or Autopista del Coral west from Punta Cana for about 190 kilometers until you reach the Santo Domingo city limits. There are tolls along the highway of between DOP60 (US$1) and DOP100 (US$1.80). Carry cash in Dominican peso for tolls.

Guided tour to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana

Save the hassle of driving in another country by booking a guided tour of Santo Domingo from Punta Cana. No need to navigate, pay for parking or tolls and decide what to see in this 500-year-old city.

A guided tour makes your visit to the capital simple with transportation, tickets to attractions, lunch and the expertise of a guide combined in one price.

What is the typical itinerary?

Tours to Santo Domingo start early in the morning for the 2.5- to 3-hour drive from Punta Cana. Relax in an air conditioned coach or private vehicle equipped with Wi-Fi while you motor through sugarcane fields and along the seashore.

Just 10 minutes outside the city’s Zona Colonial sits the Tres Ojos National Park, which is the first stop on many tours. Descend into caves to view subterranean lakes that were important to the Tainos, the island’s original inhabitants.

Next, see the neighboring Zona Colonial and its century-old buildings. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, among the highlights are the famous Las Damas street, Plaza Colon, Fortaleza Ozama and the Alcazar de Colon.

Most tours provide entrance tickets to museums and attractions here, and some include 4D movie experience telling the country’s rich history.

Pause for a typical “bandera” lunch in a restaurant, a flavorful plate of rice, beans, meat and vegetables. Capping off your meal with a locally-produced coffee is a must.

Follow your meal with a visit to the oldest cathedral in the Americas and photo ops in front of the Presidential Palace. End your outing with a shopping jaunt on La Calle del Conde.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Santo Domingo?

Take advantage of all that Santo Domingo has to offer by booking a worry-free guided tour from Punta Cana.

Guided tours to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic’s coasts are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean, but the country offers so much more than a beach getaway. Santo Domingo is a warm and welcoming city brimming with discoveries.

A guided tour to the capital is the best way to see Santo Domingo’s unmissable sites with ease.

Full-day tour to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana by airplane

Admire Santo Domingo's views from above on an airplane ride from Punta Cana and back. Explore the city's colonial zone and attractions, and have a sumptuous lunch in a famous restaurant.

This airplane tour allows up to 9 people and provide roundtrip airfare and a vehicle for the excursion in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana.

Private tour to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana

Avoid crowds, customize your day and appreciate personalized service on a private day tour to Santo Domingo. Enjoy private transportation and tours of museums, neighborhoods, monuments and more with a guide to meet your every need.

Private tours range from round-trip transfers from resorts to the capital, VIP guided trips and even visits via airplane.

How much does a day trip to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana cost?

Guided group tours to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana cost between US$70 per person to US$130 per person, depending on the size of the group and inclusions like tickets to museums, 4D movie and mini-train ride.

Tours last from 8 to 10 hours. Group tours include round-trip transportation from Punta Cana hotels and a buffet lunch.

Full-day tours to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana by airplane cost US$330 per person and include all taxes and fees.

Private tours cost from US$85 per person to US$640 per person. Lower-price private tours do not include lunch, and prices vary according to the size of your group.

Round-trip transfers cost US$270 for a group of up to six people, and private airplane tours cost US$335 per person.

What will you see and do?

Los Tres Ojos National Park

Located near the eastern banks of the Ozama River, Los Tres Ojos — or “the three eyes” — National Park is a natural marvel right in the city.

The three caves contain subterranean lakes that have been significant to the area’s inhabitants for centuries. Descend into the caverns to witness the turquoise waters and otherworldly rock formations.

La Zona Colonial

Wander the cobbled streets of the ancient Zona Colonial, a district filled with 16th-century buildings, picturesque plazas and bits of the town’s original ramparts. Follow La Calle de las Damas, the city’s oldest street, to spy colonial houses, the Fortaleza Ozama and the Plaza Espana.

Tour the Alcazar de Colon, the former home of Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego. Built in 1514, the former residence is now a museum. Enrich your historical journey with a visit to the 4D cinema to view films that recount major events in the country’s past.

The Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor

The main attraction of Parque Colon is the Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor, the oldest church in the new world. Completed in 1540, the cathedral continues to inspire the faithful today.

El Faro a Colon

This recent monument to Christopher Columbus is a massive structure laid out in the shape of a cross. Built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival to the island, it now serves as a museum and mausoleum for the infamous explorer’s remains.

The Presidential Palace

Modeled after the United States capitol building, the Presidential Palace was commissioned in 1944 by the country’s brutal dictator Trujillo who held power for 31 years. The building is still in use as a seat of government. You can tour the grounds and photograph its symmetrical exterior.

La Malecon

With the ocean on one side and the city on the other, a walk down the “malecon,” or seaside walkway, is a refreshing pause on a tour of Santo Domingo’s storied neighborhoods.

A popular biking, running and rollerblading trail, the “malecon” is a great place to people-watch, and nearby restaurants have some of the best ocean views in town.

La Calle el Conde

Many tours schedule in free time for shopping, and la Calle el Conde is the place to go. El Conde was the first shopping street in the new world, and today it is a great place to combine historical sightseeing with shopping. Top souvenirs are cigars, rum, coffee and jewelry made with larimar and amber.

When is the best time to visit Santo Domingo?

Southeastern Dominican Republic’s tropical climate makes visits to Santo Domingo enjoyable most times of year.

The hurricane season lasts from June to November, but with careful planning, you can have a wonderful visit to the area during that time.

What are the other day trips from Punta Cana?

Travel tips

Wear sun protection, shoes and clothing appropriate for an active day.
Note that entering the caves at the Tres Ojos National Park requires extensive stair climbing.
Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for visits to the Cathedral and the National Parthenon.
Bring cash in Dominican peso for extra expenses and tips.

Santo Domingo: Day Trips and Tours from Punta Cana