Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo

Architecture

Discover the best of Santo Domingo in this full-day tour that combines history, natural beauty, and beach relaxation. Your adventure begins at 8:30 AM in Zona Colonial. Monday to Friday: Pickup is included only in the Colonial Zone, Ciudad Nueva and Gazcue. If you're out of this area, you can meet us at "Puerta del Conde or Parque Colon." Saturday & Sunday: Pickup is available anywhere within the National District. We might ask you to walk 1 or 2 blocks for pickup, depending on the logistics. Please provide a contact number with WhatsApp. Please provide your full address & include the hotel/building name. Itinerary The first stop is at the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colón), an impressive monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take photos and the guide will give you a brief history about it. Entrance is optional and it costs $100dop ($2us). The highlight of the tour is a guided visit to Los Tres Ojos, a series of caves with stunning lakes and a hidden cenote. You’ll spend about 2 hours exploring the three lakes, then take a small boat ride (included) to the fourth lake, a large cenote. While swimming is not allowed here, the breathtaking natural scenery makes it a must-see. Next, head to a lesser-known, secluded beach for some local flavor and an hour of relaxation. For the adventurous, there's a small cliff you can jump from into the clear waters. We spend 1 hour here. Finally, the tour takes you to Boca Chica, Santo Domingo’s most famous beach. Here, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of fried fish right on the beach, with two hours to swim, relax, or rent additional beach activities. This is a popular and picturesque stop. After drying off and changing, you’ll head back to Zona Colonial, arriving around 5:00 PM (depending on traffic).

Excellent choice for a historical and cultural tour! Join me on this journey through the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, where every step reveals a page from the past. Parque Colon : We start in the vibrant Colon Park, heart of the Colonial City. Here, history comes alive before your eyes. The imposing Catedral Primada de América, the historic City Hall and the emblematic Calle El Conde surround us. Observe the statue of Christopher Columbus, while I tell you about its importance and the talent of Ernesto Gilbert, its creator. Catedral Primada de América : Our next destination is the majestic Cathedral, dedicated to Santa María de la Encarnación. This architectural work is a treasure of art and faith, and I will show you its most significant corners, explaining its history and its relevance in Dominican spirituality. National Pantheon : We continue to the National Pantheon, a sanctuary of national memory. Here rest the remains of outstanding Dominican personalities. I will tell you about its architecture and the heroes it honors, as well as the symbolic space dedicated to the unknown soldier. Museo de las Casas Reales : Our tour then takes us to the Museo de las Casas Reales. This historic building, once a center of power in colonial times, now houses treasures that tell the story of Spanish rule in the New World. We will explore its rooms, each with its own history. Alcazar de Colon : We end at the Alcazar de Colon, an architectural jewel that evokes the life of the Columbus family and the colonial era. I will tell you about its construction, inspired by a Spanish castle, and the stories that its walls have witnessed over the centuries. Every step of this tour is designed to immerse you in the rich history and culture of Santo Domingo, so get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Colonial Zone!

Our historical tour of Santo Domingo begins with your meeting with our tour guide at your meeting point, from there we will start the first stop at the presidential palace. Where you will see the government trajectory of the Dominican Republic. We will also visit the Cuevas de los 3 Ojos, a place that was an indigenous refuge in the years of discovery, but later we will make a stop at the Faro a colon. Monument inaugurated in 1992 as a celebration of the 500 years of the discovery of America. We will take a walk and visit the museums of the colonial zone such as: Alcazar de Colon, Primary Cathedral of America, Calle Las Damas, Sundial, Museum of Royal Houses, Dominicus Convent, Amber Museum. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and visit the local souvenir shops.

Embark on a time-traveling journey through Santo Domingo's most iconic and historic colonial streets with the "Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone Train: 45 Minutes of History & Culture," offered exclusively by Mamajuana Travel. Board the charming Chu Chu Colonial Train, a mobile cultural tour that offers a fun and fascinating journey for the whole family. Begin your tour at #60 Isabel La Católica Street, corner of El Conde Street, immersing yourself in a valuable historical narrative from the moment you step on. In just 45 minutes, traverse through 500 years of rich history, marveling at more than 35 points of interest and historical monuments. Each holding unique stories waiting to be unveiled, journey through iconic streets, pass stunning colonial churches, the mysterious Casa del Tapao, and much more. Narration in multiple languages adds depth to your experience, immersing you in tales and secrets nestled within centuries-old walls. Perfect for short-stay travelers or those who prefer a more relaxed pace, the train departs every hour from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, offering flexibility to fit any schedule. During your wait, enjoy air conditioning and water at the station or visit the Chu Chu Shop for souvenirs and more information about the tour. Experience the Zona Colonial in a refreshing way, with history coming alive for the train's occupants. Reserve your seat on the Chu Chu Colonial today, and journey back 500 years in time, letting the timeless charm of Santo Domingo unfold before your eyes.

Discover the fascinating capital of the Dominican Republic in small groups. Visit the “Los Tres Ojos” cave, admire the city from above by traveling on the Teleférico (cable car) and explore the colonial area of the city: the first Cathedral of the Americas, the National Pantheon, Plaza of Spain and the first street of the Americas: the Street of the Ladies. Enjoy a typical lunch in the colonial area and have time for shopping. With this tour, you will be taken to the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, the first city of the new world, founded by Christopher Columbus in 1503. Arrive in Santo Domingo early in the morning and first visit the “Los Tres Ojos” cave with 3 lakes inside. Next, after passing the Christopher Columbus Lighthouse, hop on the Santo Domingo Teleférico (cable car) for a look at the ordinary life of the capital’s favelas from a bird’s eye perspective. Afterwards, have free time to explore the first commercial street of the New World, El Conde, which remains the most famous pedestrian shopping area in the Dominican Republic. Enjoy a typical Dominican lunch at one of the local restaurants. After taking a break for lunch and visiting one of the best cocoa shops in the country, the tour will continue to the colonial part of the capital, where you will explore some of the main historical monuments: Plaza España (the Spanish Square), Calle Las Damas ( the Street of the Ladies), Panteón de la Patria (the National Pantheon) and Basílica Menor de Santa María (The Cathedral of Santa María la Menor).

Here is where the first Cathedral was built, where the first Bishop was sanctified, where the first Governor resided, and where the first hospital opened. The city has a lot of cultural attributes and architectural sites of interest, like nowhere else on the Hispaniola island. The walking tour starts in the historic colonial part of the city, which is a recognized Unesco World Heritage Site. The trip is perfectly suited for all those wanting to learn more about the historical origins of the New World. During the stroll, visit the first Cathedral, the first univrsity, the fortress and the Palace of Justice. Enjoy a walk on Calle Las Damas, the first cobblestone street, and see the first hospital, the first shipyard and the first viceregal palace of the American Continent. Explore some of the most important museums, squares and landmarks and take this special opportunity to take some unique pictures.

Santo Domingo is the main historical and cultural site of the Dominican Republic. Nearby is El Conde Street, a pedestrian walkway with a wide variety of shops where you can buy souvenirs for your return to Punta Cana. We always recommend our customers bring cash for these purchases. This tour, although very urban, also includes nature. In Los Tres Ojos National Park, you can experience what those first explorers like Christopher Columbus or his brother Bartolomé Columbus felt when they arrived at the port and discovered the nature of Hispaniola. Inside, three turquoise water lagoons welcome us to a place that was a settlement of the Taíno people. From here, the path will lead us directly to the hustle and bustle of Santo Domingo, where we will begin our visit to the colonial zone. The first building that will catch your eye will be the Primada de América Cathedral, a symbol of the early steps of the Catholic Church on the island. From there, we can go see the Columbus Lighthouse or the Museum of Modern Art, but the cultural options are countless among its streets.

Join us for an authentic Bachata social dancing experience in Santo Domingo! Get ready to immerse yourself in Dominican culture, music, and dance during an exciting evening out. We'll take you to some of the best dance bars and clubs in the city, where you'll get a taste of the local Bachata scene. Everyone is welcome. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have never danced before, our friendly instructors will be there to help you enjoy the music and moves. Beyond the dance floor, you'll have the chance to connect with other dancers, sharing stories and laughter as you make new friends. We meet in Zona Colonial and start the dancing there. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the true spirit of Bachata in Santo Domingo. Get ready for a night of music, dancing, and fun!

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic on our full-day Santo Domingo City Tour, starting from Punta Cana. This immersive 9-10 hour experience combines walking and bus transportation, offering a comprehensive exploration of the country's capital city. Your journey begins with convenient pick-ups from hotels and resorts in Punta Cana, setting the stage for a day of adventure. You'll visit iconic sites such as Los Tres Ojos, a stunning underground cave system with crystal-clear lagoons, and the Faro a Colón, a monumental lighthouse dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Explore the Casa de Colón (Columbus House) and stroll through the historic Parque Colón and Parque Duarte in the heart of the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Alcázar de Colón and the Catedral Primada de América, the oldest cathedral in the New World. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Mugado restaurant in Zona Colonial, savoring traditional Dominican flavors. The tour also includes a visit to a Larimar Factory, where you can learn about and purchase this beautiful, rare blue gemstone unique to the Dominican Republic. Offered in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese, this tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone looking to experience the essence of Santo Domingo.

Explore the oldest city in the Americas on this walking tour of Santo Domingo. During this full-day excursion from Punta Cana, follow your local guide to view some 5th-century colonial monuments, Las Damas Street, and Diego Columbus Alcazar, the first cathedral built in the new world. Stop by the National Presidential Palace, get fantastic views of downtown, and watch a 4D movie about the history of the city. Lunch at a traditional Dominican restaurant and round-trip transportation from Punta Cana hotels are included.