The best routes to discover the Dominican Republic by car

Recommended itineraries for exploring the Dominican Republic by car include routes along the north coast, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as routes through the mountains in the center of the island, allowing visitors to explore charming villages and unspoilt natural landscapes.

By stopping off in historic cities such as Santo Domingo and sampling local specialties, tourists have the opportunity to fully appreciate the cultural richness and diversity of this country.

Exploring this country by car is an experience that allows you to discover a wide variety of landscapes, from magnificent beaches to majestic mountains, while soaking up a culture of incomparable richness. Thanks to the quality of the main roads, which are well maintained and in good condition, a road trip is the preferred choice for discovering in detail all the riches and wonders this country has to offer.

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary and unforgettable experience by following our comprehensive itinerary from Santo Domingo, the dynamic capital of the Dominican Republic, where you can explore a multitude of cultural, historical and natural treasures.

Departure point: vibrant Santo Domingo

Start your journey in the city of Santo Domingo, the dynamic and historically rich capital of the Dominican Republic. Founded in 1498 by Bartolomé Colón, this colonial city boasts a rich past and vibrant culture.

The colonial zone, more commonly known as Ciudad Colonial, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.

As you stroll through this part of the city, you'll have the opportunity to admire many emblematic monuments of the colonial era, such as the Cathedral of Santa María La Menor, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, and the Alcázar de Colón, the former home of Christopher Columbus' family.

The colonial zone is full of cobbled streets, picturesque squares, fascinating museums and charming restaurants, offering a complete immersion in the history and culture of the Dominican Republic.

The Malecón is an iconic seafront promenade that allows visitors to stroll while enjoying spectacular ocean views. It's the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll, relax and enjoy the sea breeze while admiring the surrounding panorama.

During your stay in the Dominican Republic, don't miss the opportunity to discover the local cuisine, rich in flavours and colours. Typical dishes such as mangu, a plantain puree, and bandera dominicana, a dish of rice, red beans and meat, can be enjoyed in local restaurants that will introduce you to the country's culinary traditions.

We strongly recommend that you leave early in the morning to avoid the traffic jams that tend to form in the city later in the day. This tip will help you save time and avoid the stress of heavy traffic.

From Santo Domingo to Punta Cana

The journey from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is about 200 kilometres and takes about 3 hours by car.

Leaving the capital, you can head east on highways such as the Autopista del Este, which guarantees ideal traffic conditions for your journey. As a major thoroughfare, there are plenty of petrol stations where you can fill up, as well as fast food outlets for refreshments along the way.

Make a stop in Bayahibe, a charming seaside village, and take time to stroll through its picturesque lanes lined with colourful houses, soaking up the friendly atmosphere and discovering the small local shops selling handicrafts and regional specialities. It would be a real shame not to visit the island of Saona, famous for the beauty of its white sandy beaches and the clarity of its turquoise waters.

Once in Punta Cana, you can enjoy the clear, turquoise waters of the magnificent beaches of Playa Bavaro and Playa Macao. These two magnificent beaches will allow you to soak up the sun, the soft sand and the gentle waves of the Caribbean Sea.

During your stay, you can discover a variety of exciting water activities, such as scuba diving or snorkelling to observe the colourful underwater life, or a peaceful catamaran excursion to contemplate the picturesque maritime panoramas while being rocked by the crystal clear waters.

From Punta Cana to Samaná

The drive from Punta Cana to Samaná is approximately 280 kilometres or 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Follow the picturesque roads heading north through the lovely villages of Miches and Sabana de la Mar. These roads offer scenic views and pleasant driving, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey while admiring the natural splendour of the region.

Located on the north east coast of the Dominican Republic, Las Terrenas is a charming village with a bohemian character, offering the ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Las Terrenas is the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a moment of peace and serenity, thanks to its quiet beaches, crystal clear waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Los Haitise National Park offers visitors an exceptional and fascinating adventure: a boat trip to explore its magnificent caves, decorated with prehistoric drawings left by the island's first inhabitants, the Tainos. This excursion allows you to explore these historical gems in depth and immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and history of the region.

Humpback whale watching in Samaná is highly recommended during the winter months of January to March.

A sturdy vehicle is recommended for driving on the secondary roads, which can sometimes be rough and have imperfections. The sturdiness of the vehicle will allow you to overcome the irregularities and possible difficulties you may encounter on these less frequented roads, guaranteeing a more pleasant and safer trip.

From magnificent Samaná to picturesque Jarabacoa

The distance between Samaná and Jarabacoa is about 210 kilometres, which is a 4 hour drive.

Once you've enjoyed the beaches of Samaná, it's a good idea to explore the countryside by heading to the mountains of Jarabacoa. This excursion offers an unforgettable experience, with the exploration of breathtaking mountains and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation and discovery.

The El Limón waterfalls, located in Samaná, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle that will delight nature lovers. It's the perfect place to take a final break before leaving the region, allowing travellers to fully appreciate the splendour of the surroundings and recharge their batteries before continuing their journey.

Located in the mountains of the Cordillera Central, in the heart of the Dominican Republic, Jarabacoa is a charming town. Known for its pleasant climate and breathtaking views, it is surrounded by crystal clear rivers, impressive waterfalls and lush forests, offering a wide range of outdoor activities. Nicknamed the 'City of Eternal Spring' due to its mild climate all year round, it offers a variety of outdoor activities such as rafting on whitewater rivers, hiking through picturesque landscapes and horseback riding to explore the surrounding area.

From Jarabacoa to Barahona

The journey from Jarabacoa to Barahona is about 300 kilometres and usually takes about 5 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions and speed.

Lake Enriquillo, a vast expanse of salt water, is the largest lake in the Caribbean. It is famous for its abundant wildlife, including alligators, flamingos, iguanas and a variety of water birds. It's a must for wildlife lovers who want to get close to a wide variety of animals in their natural environment and experience unique and privileged moments while appreciating the beauty and diversity of the local fauna.

In the area of Playa San Rafael you can enjoy magnificent beaches surrounded by imposing mountains on one side and tranquil rivers on the other.

Bahia de las aguilas is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. You'll need a boat or 4x4 to get there, as it's inaccessible by traditional means of transport.

It is advisable to be vigilant when driving on the roads in this area, as they are often marked by sharp bends and curves that require special attention from the driver. Drivers are urged to drive carefully, observe speed limits, keep a safe distance from other vehicles and pay close attention to traffic.

Back to Santo Domingo

Depending on traffic and speed, it's a 3-hour drive back to Santo Domingo, some 200 kilometres away.

Make the most of this last day to stroll the bustling streets of the city, explore the local shops and carefully select souvenirs that will remind you of the unforgettable moments you spent here. Take the time to soak up the buzz and energy of this vibrant city one last time so that you can remember every moment of this unforgettable stay.

Enjoy your Dominican republic road trip with a rental car : from national park to natural pools, you will discover and enjoy this caribbean sea !