Dominican Republic

Why the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic blends Caribbean hospitality with vibrant partner networks, making it ideal for service teams, donor journeys, youth retreats, and restorative getaways. Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone shares the first cathedral in the Americas, while Santiago and the Cibao Valley connect to education, health, and economic development partners. Coastal retreats in Punta Cana, La Romana, or Puerto Plata provide rest and donor appreciation moments. With vetted partners and compliant itineraries, leaders can focus on storytelling, generosity, and long-term impact—supported by our travel commissions guide.

Top Highlights by Theme

• Santo Domingo: First Cathedral of the Americas, Parque Colón, Ozama Fortress, and Malecón sunsets.
• Service & Collaboration: Partnerships in education, clean water, microenterprise, and community development across Santo Domingo, Santiago, and rural communities.
• Cultural Experiences: Bachata and merengue workshops, cacao and coffee plantations, Dominican cuisine, and baseball heritage.
• Coastal Retreats: Punta Cana, Bavaro, La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Samaná beaches for rest and donor appreciation.
• Adventure Add-Ons: Damajagua waterfalls, Pico Duarte hikes, zip-lining, and whale watching (Samaná January–March).

Sub-Regions & Routes

Santo Domingo & Colonial Zone

• Base in the Zona Colonial for cathedral visits, plazas, and community partners.
• Visit Alcázar de Colón, National Pantheon, Monasterio de San Francisco ruins, and Mercado Modelo.
• Engage with urban organizations addressing youth empowerment, health clinics, and community networks.

Santiago & Cibao Valley

• 2 hr drive north; connect with agricultural cooperatives, medical clinics, and training partners.
• Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración overlooks the city; Centro León museum offers cultural context.
• Rural day trips to rice, cacao, or coffee farms for guided walks and support of local livelihood projects.

Punta Cana, La Romana & East Coast

• 2.5 hr east from Santo Domingo; all-inclusive resorts with meeting space suit donor appreciation and rest.
• Saona Island boat excursions, Scape Park zip-lines, and evening gatherings on the beach add variety.
• Partners in La Romana or Bavaro focus on education, housing, and community support.

Puerto Plata & North Coast

• 3.5 hr north of Santo Domingo; cable car to Mount Isabel de Torres, Amber Museum, and Fort San Felipe.
• Sosúa and Cabarete host youth outreach, surf initiatives, and water sports ideal for retreats.

Trip Length & Pacing

7 Days

• Arrive Santo Domingo; Colonial Zone orientation, cathedral visit, and partner briefing.
• Service project day with local organization; evening merengue workshop and rooftop gathering.
• Drive to Santiago for agricultural or educational visits; overnight in the Cibao Valley.
• Return to Santo Domingo via Damajagua waterfalls or coastal stop; head to Punta Cana resort.
• Punta Cana rest day with beach gathering, donor appreciation dinner, and small-group reflection.
• Depart via PUJ or return to Santo Domingo for flights home.

9 Days

• Adds Puerto Plata or Samaná north coast with community development visits and coastal rest.
• Includes additional service day or leadership workshop in Santiago or Santo Domingo.
• Provides buffer for medical/educational clinic or sports outreach with local youth.

12 Days

• Comprehensive circuit: Santo Domingo, Santiago, Cibao Valley, Punta Cana, plus Puerto Plata north coast.
• Adds whale watching (season permitting), mountain retreat in Jarabacoa, and multiple donor storytelling nights.
• Allows flexible morning, leadership training, and long-term partner planning meetings.

Best Time to Go

• November–April offers dry season, warm temps (70s–80s°F), and calmer humidity—ideal for service and beach retreats.
• Shoulder months (May–June) bring light showers; hurricane season (June–November) requires weather monitoring and flexible plans.
• Summer (July–August) is hot and humid; we schedule indoor afternoons, early mornings, and pool/beach gatherings.
• Whale watching peaks January–March in Samaná Bay; we align coastal retreats accordingly.

Group Logistics

• Airports: Santo Domingo (SDQ), Punta Cana (PUJ), Santiago (STI), Puerto Plata (POP), and La Romana (LRM).
• Transport: private coaches, vans, and domestic flights as needed; we coordinate trusted drivers and safe routes.
• Lodging: partner guesthouses, guest/partner compounds, city hotels, and beach resorts with meeting spaces.
• Meals: Dominican cuisine—rice, beans, plantains, fresh seafood, tropical fruit, and resort buffets; hydration and food safety managed closely.
• Mobility: light to moderate—cobblestones in Colonial Zone, rural roads, and beach sand; we plan accessible activities and rest breaks.
• Fundraising moments: rooftop receptions, cacao farm dinners, beach bonfires, and partner testimony nights.

Extensions & Combos

• Pair with Puerto Rico or Cuba for Caribbean community impact comparisons.
• Add Florida or Texas for donor briefings before/after the trip.
• Combine with Mexico or Guatemala for Latin America circuits.

Safety & Stewardship Notes

FAQs

• Q: Do we need visas? A: U.S. travelers can purchase a tourist card upon entry; passports must be valid six months beyond travel dates.
• Q: Are vaccinations required? A: None mandatory, but we brief on recommended shots, mosquito precautions, and travel insurance; bottled water is provided throughout.
• Q: How are service projects structured? A: We align projects with local leaders—construction, VBS, medical clinics, sports outreach, or entrepreneurship training.
• Q: Can donors join a service-focused trip? A: Yes—we design dual-purpose itineraries with meaningful engagement and coastal hospitality to cultivate generosity.
• Q: How far ahead should we plan? A: Secure 6–9 months ahead to coordinate licensing, partner schedules, and resort or guesthouse blocks.

Review fundraising ideas in our travel commissions guide, or add the Dominican Republic to your request via the lead form when you’re ready to plan.