What does a trip to Santo Domingo entail? It is an immersion into the history and culture of the oldest city on the American continent. It rightfully earned the title of "Cultural Capital of America" in 2010.
- Travel time from Bavaro/Punta Cana ~ 2 hours
- Toll road cost - 320 pesos
- Recommended visiting time - weekdays, as most attractions are closed on weekends
We recommend visiting:
▪ Colonial Zone - a historical district of Santo Domingo, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you will see splendid colonial architecture, narrow streets, ancient churches, and picturesque squares.
▪ Calle de las Damas - considered one of the oldest streets in America. According to legend, its construction was ordered by the daughter-in-law of Christopher Columbus in the distant year 1502. The woman was very pious, and she, along with other secular ladies, would walk this street to attend religious services.
▪ Zoo - one of the largest in Latin America. It features up to 90 different animal species, including rare and endemic representatives of fauna.
▪ Santo Domingo Cathedral – a Catholic church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, considered the first Catholic cathedral in America. It was built between 1514 - 1541 in the 16th century.
▪ Ozama Fortress - the first defensive structure of the New World, erected by Spanish conquistadors at the beginning of the XVI century. It is one of the oldest fortresses in North and South America.
The highways in the Dominican Republic are in excellent condition, partly because most of the country's main highways are toll roads. We advise having cash in pesos for toll payments. The sun is quite active in the country, so it is always advisable to use sunscreen with 50% protection and head coverings. Also, don’t forget that you are on a tropical island; towels, swimsuits, and flip-flops will never be superfluous.
And these are just a small part of the attractions of the capital and the Dominican Republic. Be sure to write to us and receive a free guide to the most interesting places in Santo Domingo!
Points on the map:
▪ Colonial Zone - Ciudad Colonial
▪ Calle de las Damas - C. Las Damas
▪ Zoo – Parque Zoológico Nacional
▪ Santo Domingo Cathedral – Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación
▪ Ozama Fortress - Fortaleza Ozama