Embark on a day trip to Santo Domingo, the historic capital of the Dominican Republic, with convenient round-trip transportation from Punta Cana. Perfect for families and friends, this guided tour highlights the city’s vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history.
Your adventure begins with hotel pickup in a minivan, followed by a bus ride to Santo Domingo. First, visit the breathtaking Three Eyes Cenotes to marvel at its freshwater lakes and impressive cave formations.
Next, enjoy a panoramic view of Faro a Colon, said to house Christopher Columbus’s remains, and pass by the impressive neoclassical Presidential Palace.
Explore the picturesque Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, the oldest cathedral in the Americas. Stroll along Calle Las Damas, home to the first stone house built in the New World.
Finally, enjoy a tasty buffet lunch before taking a walk along Calle el Conde to board the bus back to your hotel.
Highlights
Parque Nacional Tres Ojos
Faro a Colón
The Palacio Presidencial de Santo Domingo
The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo
Calle Las Damas
The Panteón Nacional in Santo Domingo
Calle El Conde
Included/Excluded
Certified Local Guide
Roundtrip Transportation From Your Hotel
Entrance Fees To Select Attractions
Buffet Style Lunch
Tips
Drinks
Souvenirs
Hotels located in Uvero Alto and Cap Cana have an additional transport cost of 5 USD per person
Tour Itinerary
Parque Nacional Tres Ojos
Parque Nacional Tres Ojos is a stunning natural park located just outside Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Known for its three captivating limestone caves, the park features crystal-clear freshwater lagoons surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Visitors can explore the enchanting grottoes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy boat rides on the tranquil waters. The park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and geological wonder, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. It's an ideal spot to experience the serene landscape and vibrant ecosystem of the Dominican Republic.
Faro a Colón
Faro a Colón, or Columbus Lighthouse, is an iconic monument located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, this impressive structure stands 210 feet tall and features a unique cross-shaped design. Inside, it houses the remains of Columbus, along with various exhibits showcasing the history and culture of the Dominican Republic. The lighthouse offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and the Caribbean Sea, making it a popular attraction for tourists and history enthusiasts alike. With its blend of historical significance and architectural grandeur, Faro a Colón serves as a tribute to the nation's rich heritage.
Presidential Palace
The Palacio Presidencial de Santo Domingo, or Presidential Palace, is the official residence and workplace of the President of the Dominican Republic. Located in the heart of the city, this grand neoclassical building features impressive architecture, including elegant columns and spacious gardens. While the exterior can be admired by visitors, the palace also plays a vital role in the country's political and cultural life, hosting official ceremonies and events. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a noteworthy landmark in Santo Domingo.
The Colonial Zone
The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic district featuring cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and landmarks like the first cathedral in the Americas.
Calle Las Damas
Calle Las Damas is a historic street in Santo Domingo, known as the first paved street in the New World. Lined with colonial-era buildings, it offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and architecture, featuring notable sites like the Casa del Bastión and the National Pantheon. Visitors can stroll along this charming street to experience the vibrant atmosphere and heritage of the Colonial Zone.
The Panteón Nacional
The Panteón Nacional in Santo Domingo is a historic mausoleum that serves as the final resting place for the Dominican Republic's national heroes and influential figures. Located in the Colonial Zone, this neoclassical building features an impressive dome and beautiful interior adorned with marble and intricate sculptures. Visitors can pay their respects to the country's founding fathers and learn about their contributions to the nation’s history, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark.
Calle El Conde
Calle El Conde is a vibrant pedestrian street in the heart of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. Known for its lively atmosphere, this bustling avenue is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a taste of local culture and cuisine. It’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals, featuring street performers, art vendors, and historic buildings that showcase the area’s rich heritage. As one of the main thoroughfares, Calle El Conde is an ideal place to stroll, shop, and experience the charm of the Dominican Republic's capital.
Durations
Fullday (+7hours)
Languages
English
Espanol
Tour's Location
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
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Hear it from our customers
Posted on Tripadvisor
Samuel
31 October 2026
An Outstanding Walking Tour of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone!
I thoroughly enjoyed this walking tour of Santo Domingo's Zona Colonial. It was an excellent experience from beginning to end, thanks to our wonderful guide, Leo. Leo met me outside the coffee shop as arranged and started the tour by inviting me inside for a cup of delicious Dominican coffee. What a great way to begin! Leo was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the history of the Dominican Republic and Santo Domingo. He provided an excellent historical overview, with thorough explanations that brought the city's rich past to life. One of my favorite stops was the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral in the Americas. I particularly enjoyed exploring its beautiful interior and 14 chapels. The accompanying audio guide was very informative and complemented Leo's explanations. Another fascinating stop was the ruins of Hospital San Nicolás de Bari, the first hospital built in the Americas. I also thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Centro Cultural Taíno Casa del Cordón, which was definitely one of the highlights of the tour. Learning about the lives and culture of the indigenous Taíno people more than 500 years ago was truly eye-opening. We also walked past the historic Alcázar de Colón and explored the charming streets and landmarks of the Colonial Zone. Along the way, I enjoyed sampling the local Presidente beer and the traditional Dominican Mamajuana drink, which added a fun cultural touch to the experience. The tour lasted approximately three hours, and by the end, I felt I had gained an excellent understanding of both the history of the Dominican Republic and the layout of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone. Leo was an outstanding guide - friendly, engaging, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. His enthusiasm and detailed explanations made the experience both educational and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Santo Domingo, especially those interested in history, culture, and experiencing the Colonial Zone with an excellent local guide.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Ken L
29 October 2026
Great Experience in Santo Domingo
Willy was very organized and knowledgeable. The tour itself was very good as we got to see many key locations in Santo Domingo. Thanks Willy!
Posted on Tripadvisor
Annabel M
28 October 2026
Santo Domingo Specialty coffee and beer walking tour.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and was very informative. Enjoyed learning about the history of Santo Domingo. Had no idea how significant Santo Domingo was to the Spanish colonizers. The museums, especially leaning about the Tainos was my favorite part, aside from seeing the beauty of Santo Domingo.
Posted on Tripadvisor
RAVEL U
28 October 2026
Great experience. Great treaty service, very friendly staff.
The best tour of my Sunday!
Héctor was not only my guide, but he became my local friend. His knowledge is key to enjoying every moment of the tour in every sense. Also, he offered to look for the best spots for my insta. At every moment he made the tour a great experience. The tastings were simply the best. He made me feel like just another local. I highly recommend it! (Also, he is a polyglot and that is a super plus). It has been a super complete tour, worth every penny! --------------
Posted on Tripadvisor
Caitlyn C
15 October 2026
My honest review
I thoroughly enjoyed this excursion. It was informative and Willy was the best tour guide. The food was good and it A lot of walking so make sure you stay hydrated. People will try to sell things to you but just say “No Thank You”. My only negative is that the drop off process took forever. When they picked us up, it was only my hotel and 2 other hotels which were in the vicinity. Going home we dropped off multiple families and DIFFERENT hotels so we got home an hour later than the excursion. It is a 3 hour drive there and back so after a long day when you just want to get to your hotel and shower, you definitely have to exercise patience.
Posted on Tripadvisor
Jessica I
7 October 2026
totally recommend
the tour was great, full itinerary for a short period in santo domingo. My only suggestion would be to add free time even if its 30min to an hour. it would have been nice to sit at one of the restaurants on the plaza for a quick drink. overall our tour Joseph and driver Jairo were great, informative and patient with my partners family who was visiting for the first time. Totally recommend this tour
Posted on Tripadvisor
CGHLee
24 September 2026
Santo Domingo tour with cenotes
Had a great time with Xcape Tours. Pick up and transfers were easy. Our guide Willy and our driver were so lovely and attentive throughout
Posted on Tripadvisor
Trail42311360047
22 September 2026
Awesome experience!
Awesome experience! The price is very reasonable, and the trip was long enough to get a good experience of Santo Domingo. Staff was also very friendly and helpful. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommended.