Samaná Beaches and Culture
Seven days of Dominican culture, coastal beauty, and relaxation from Santo Domingo to Las Galeras
Santo Domingo to Samaná's Coast
Dominican Art, Food, and History in Santo Domingo
The first three days are based in Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone — cobblestone streets, old-world architecture, and a city that moves between its deep history and its contemporary creative energy. Your group explores the Zona Colonial's landmarks, descends into the underground caves and lagoons of Los Tres Ojos, and learns about Dominican chocolate and coffee through hands-on tasting experiences. A visit to Galería Bolós, where reclaimed Colonial Zone wood becomes furniture and art, connects the city's past to its present. The cultural immersion gets personal with a cooking class preparing sancocho, one of the country's most beloved dishes.
Coastal Samaná and Las Galeras
The second half of the program moves to the Samaná Peninsula, where the pace shifts. A permaculture workshop explores local food production and sustainable farming. A coastal hike ends at Playa Rincón, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful stretches of sand. A full beach day offers optional boat excursions to Playa Frontón or Cayo Levantado for snorkeling and secluded coastline. The Samaná days balance structured experiences with space to simply enjoy the coast — something adult travelers appreciate.
Day-by-day itinerary
Seven days of cultural immersion and coastal relaxation from Santo Domingo to Las Galeras on the Samaná Peninsula. This itinerary is fully customizable — adjust the pace, add excursions, or extend the beach days.
Day 1: Arrival and Settle In
Welcome to the Dominican Republic. Upon arrival in Santo Domingo, take the time to settle in, adjust to the rhythm of the city, and enjoy a relaxed first evening. Whether it's grabbing a bite at a local spot or taking a short stroll, this is the moment to ease into the experience.
Lodging: Hotel Nicolás de Ovando, Santo DomingoMeals: Dinner
Day 2: Zona Colonial, Tres Ojos, and Local Flavors
Start the day in the Zona Colonial, the historic heart of Santo Domingo. Walk the cobblestone streets, visit key landmarks, and take in the mix of old-world charm and modern-day culture. From there, explore Los Tres Ojos, a network of underground caves and crystal-clear lagoons that offer a glimpse into the island's natural beauty.
In the afternoon, the Kah Kow Experience — learn about the Dominican Republic's deep connection to chocolate, from bean to bar. The day wraps up with a coffee experience highlighting this staple crop and its role in Dominican culture.
Lodging: Hotel Nicolás de Ovando, Santo Domingo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3: Art, Craftsmanship, and Culinary Traditions
A day exploring Dominican creativity and craftsmanship. Visit Galería Bolós, a space that blends art, history, and sustainability. Its owner transforms reclaimed wood from the Colonial Zone into beautifully crafted furniture, art, and souvenirs. In addition, his gallery showcases the work of other Dominican artists and artisans.
In the afternoon, a cooking class preparing and sharing sancocho, one of the country's most beloved dishes.
Lodging: Hotel Nicolás de Ovando, Santo Domingo
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Transfer to Samaná
Embark on a scenic coastal drive to the Samaná Peninsula, with time to take in the ocean views along the way. Stop in Samaná town for lunch and visit Puente de los Cayos, a set of picturesque islets connected by a bridge. After arriving in Las Galeras, settle in and enjoy the beach.
Lodging: Hotel Todo Blanco or Villa Serena, Las Galeras
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Permaculture and Playa Rincón
Start with a permaculture workshop focused on local food production and eco-friendly farming practices. In the afternoon, a coastal hike through hidden beaches, finishing the day at Playa Rincón — one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the Caribbean.
Lodging: Hotel Todo Blanco or Villa Serena, Las Galeras
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Beach Day and Optional Boat Excursion
A full day to enjoy the coast — lounge by the beach, swim in the turquoise waters, or simply take in the surroundings. For those looking for more adventure, an optional boat excursion to Playa Frontón, a secluded beach accessible only by water, or Cayo Levantado, known for its clear waters and white sand.
Lodging: Hotel Todo Blanco or Villa Serena, Las Galeras
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Day 7: Departure
After a week that took you from Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone to the foothills of Bella Vista and the beaches of Samaná, it's time to head home. Enjoy a final breakfast before departing. ¡Buen Viaje!
Meals: Breakfast
What happens when you visit Dominican Republic
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