Punta Cana
The city is considered one of the most important tourist centres on the island. Here, at the outermost edge of the island, the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. On top of that, there are more than 40 kilometres of white sandy beaches to explore in this area. It should not surprise you that this is the perfect place for you to get into holiday mood.
However, bear in mind that the Dominican Republic and especially Punta Cana is a popular destination for package tourists, so you will never have the beach all to yourself.
In case you’d want to explore something else besides the beach or a sunburn has ruined your plans, there’s plenty for you to explore; for example the kind of attraction you’d least expect to encounter on a Caribbean island: a replica of a 16th-century Italian village just outside of Punta Cana. Altos de Chavón is located above the canyon of the Chavón River. This cultural centre even offers an amphitheatre and everything that comes with it.
If your budget allows it, take a sailing trip to the island of Saona in the south. If the beaches in Punta Cana have already impressed you, you will like Saona even more, as the island is part of the East National Park and simply overwhelming. If you don't feel like going on a full day tour, feel free to explore Cap Cana. This is the district where the rich and famous own their houses on the island. This may not sound very exciting at first, but there are also some beaches that are open to the public. It is much quieter there than in the centre. Don't forget to always take diving goggles with you so that you can explore the underwater world at any time.
In Punta Cana, you will spend the night at the Macao Beach Hostel.
Samaná
A 300-km-long bus ride takes you to Samaná, which is situated on a headland in the northwest of the island. Compared to many other places, the peninsula is not very touristy and therefore invites you to relax.
Las Terrenas on the north coast is regarded as the tourist centre of the region. You can find anything from supermarkets to pharmacies here, but the highlight is the beach. White palm beach seems to have no end, no matter which direction you look.
A must-do during your stay in Samaná is a trip to the El Limón waterfall. You can either join a tour or explore it on your own with a bus tour to the town of the same name. Then, start the short hike from there. The scenery around the waterfall is really breathtaking and with a height of about 50 metres, this is the tallest waterfall of the island. The natural pool below just invites you to splash around.
During an excursion to Las Galeras in the northeast of the peninsula, you should definitely take a side trip to the "Boca del Diablo", the "mouth of the devil". This is a cave formed by water in the rocks, which is connected to the sea through a so-called blowhole and creates water fountains. The best part: the entrance is free! All you have to do is to pay for transportation.
While exploring the peninsula on the island, you will stay at Dan and Manty's Guesthouse in a 10-bed dorm for €14 per night.
Santo Domingo
After total relaxation in Samaná, you're probably ready for some excitement again. Time to explore the capital, Santo Domingo. Off we go to the south coast by bus.
It quickly becomes clear that this city is special – after all, it is the oldest city in the Caribbean built by Europeans. It was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Christopher Columbus.
During a walk through the city, the Spanish influence can be felt in the plaza when you admire the cathedral of Santo Domingo and the numerous colonial-style buildings. Make sure you take enough time to explore the old town before you go back to the beach. In the Parque Independencia, you can relax in the shade of the tall palm trees before you mingle with the locals in the Mercado Modelo and look for souvenirs and street food. Take a side trip to Calle El Conde at night, which is the oldest commercial street in the city. There are many hip bars and shops where you can watch people passing by while having a beer or a Cuba Libre.
If you are up for nature, Santo Domingo has something very special in store for you, and you don't even have to leave the city for it. Los Tres Ojos are three natural pools in the middle of the city. Since Santo Domingo is situated on the river Ozama, some parts of the city are washed out and there is a lagoon and refreshing pools right in the centre. One of the caves can only be reached by a short boat ride, which you shouldn't miss out on. In order to maintain the area, the government now charges some money for the entrance, but it's worth it.
During your stay in Santo Domingo, you will sleep in the Island Life Hostel in a 12-bed dorm for €14 per night.
Jarabacoa
Since most of your backpacking trip so far has been relaxed, you can now get your adrenaline pumping again – if you want to, that is.
From Santo Domingo we'll head inland to Jarabacoa in the region of La Vega. This part of the country is especially known for one thing: the river Yaquo del Norte and white-water rafting. If you like some action, you should not miss a rafting tour.
If wild water is not your thing, there is still a lot to experience. The mountainous landscape is ideal for longer or shorter exploration tours. We highly recommend climbing El Mogote: this is the highest point of the region, and the view compensates for all your effort. It is best to start early in the morning and take enough water with you. If you like to stay close to the water, you can also hike to Salto Baiguate, where another impressive waterfall with a natural pool invites you to refresh yourself.
Movie fans should hike to Salto de Jimenao, which is the location of a very, very famous movie: This is where the opening scene of Jurassic Park was shot. So, let's go and take a picture!
After so much action, you can end the day in the restaurant Jamaca de Dios (The Hammock of God). From the terrace, you can once again enjoy the incredible view over the wide landscape.
Sleep in a relaxed atmosphere at the Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel for only €16 a night.
All good things come to an end, and so does your tropical Caribbean backpacking trip. You will return to Punta Cana, from where you will start your journey back home (or to your next destination) filled with sun, action, and great memories.
