Batey Life and Immigration
Service, human rights, and Dominican history in the Dominican Republic's sugar cane communities
Life in the Bateyes
Building Alongside a Community
Bateyes are settlements originally built as barracks for migrant sugar cane workers, now home to families and entire communities, many of Haitian descent. Residents face substandard housing, limited access to health care and education, and institutional discrimination tied to ethnicity and immigration status. Offbeat Travel has partnered with ASCALA, a local human rights nonprofit in San Pedro de Macoris, since 2012 to support community-identified priorities. The community has stated that home improvements and latrine construction are their top needs, for both safety and health reasons. Your group works alongside residents on infrastructure projects — digging foundations, mixing cement, laying cinder blocks, and building latrines — contributing to work the community has defined and leads.
Dominican History From Sugar Fields to the Colonial Zone
Between service days, the program traces the threads that connect the bateyes to broader Dominican history. In San Pedro de Macoris, your group visits a museum documenting the birth of the sugar industry and the cocolos, African-descended migrants who arrived to work in the cane fields. A visit to a sugar cane field puts that history in present-day context — the Dominican Republic is one of the few remaining nations where cane is still harvested by hand with a machete. The week closes in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European settlement in the Americas, where the country's layered history comes into focus.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Eight days of community service, cultural immersion, and Dominican history based in San Pedro de Macoris. This itinerary is fully customizable — adjust the balance of service and exploration, add activities, or extend the program.
Day 1: Welcome to the Dominican Republic
We'll meet your group at Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo and transfer directly to the volunteer center in San Pedro de Macoris. After settling in, the group joins an orientation covering the week ahead, expectations for the experience, and an introduction to Dominican culture and the communities you'll be working with.
Lodging: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macoris
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: San Pedro de Macoris
Head east to explore the province of San Pedro de Macoris. Start at the local museum to learn about the history behind one of the first settlements on the island, the birth of the sugar industry in the Americas, and the cocolos — African-descended migrants who came to the Dominican Republic to work in sugar production. After the museum, stop by Rincon Cocolo, the only restaurant in the country serving traditional cocolo cuisine.
Next, meet the leadership team at ASCALA, a religious organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities in the region, to learn about the socio-political issues facing the bateyes. Your guide will translate as needed and provide context on the projects, history, and barriers to progress.
Then head into the sugar cane fields to meet some of the cane cutters, hear their stories, and learn about the challenges they face. The Dominican Republic is one of the few remaining nations where sugar cane is harvested entirely by hand with a machete. You'll also visit community partners and learn about the ongoing work in the area.
Lodging: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macoris
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Days 3-5: Service in the Bateyes
Three days working alongside the partner community on infrastructure projects designed to improve living conditions in the batey. Projects include construction of cement homes — digging foundations, mixing cement, laying cinder blocks, plastering, and painting depending on which stage the project is in. Other projects include building latrines, cementing floors, and educational exchanges with local youth.
Service days follow a structured schedule: depart the base house at 8:30 a.m. to arrive on site between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. Morning shift runs until noon, then a lunch break until 2:00 p.m., and an afternoon shift until 5:00 p.m. After returning to the base, the group has time to shower before dinner. Evenings include group discussions, guest speakers, and documentary screenings.
Lodging: Volunteer Center, San Pedro de Macoris
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Bayahibe and Isla Saona
An early start to board the bus to Bayahibe, a beautiful coastal town on the southeastern coast with white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take a catamaran tour to Isla Saona, stopping along the way to snorkel and visit beaches. After a week of service, this is the day to decompress — swim, relax on the sand, and enjoy the coastline. Spend the evening in quaint Bayahibe where you'll enjoy dinner.
Lodging: Hotel Bayahibe
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone
Head to the capital for a tour of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the first university, cathedral, and hospital in the Americas. Walk the walled city and learn about the history of the first European settlement in the Americas. After the tour, enjoy a special dinner and Dominican dance show at a local restaurant.
Lodging: Hotel, Santo Domingo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Departure
Goodbyes and final reflections with the Offbeat Travel team before we transfer the group to the airport for departure.
Meals: Breakfast
What happens when you visit Dominican Republic
Customize Your Program
Once you complete our inquiry form and one of our program managers will respond within 24 business hours.
Schedule a Call
Prefer to connect over the phone or video chat? Schedule a call at your convenience.
Related itineraries
Experiences customized to your needs and delivered with precision
.webp)
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you're planning a student trip, exploring partnerships, or seeking a family adventure, we're here to help you create something extraordinary.
Offbeat is trusted by and members of
