Tours/Punta Cana/Full-Day Tour: Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Colonial Zone
Viator · group up to 20 pax

Full-Day Tour: Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Colonial Zone

4.3(4)Punta Cana1 hour
VIATOR2.0(1)TRIPADVISOR5.0(3)

Description

Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the Americas — and most visitors only scratch the surface. Not with us. We pick you up directly at your Punta Cana hotel and handle every detail. Once you're on your way, you'll receive a WhatsApp message from our team confirming your pickup and sharing a direct contact number — so if you need anything during the drive, we're just a message away. No language barriers, no stress. Once in Santo Domingo, your certified bilingual guide takes you through it all: underground lakes at Tres Ojos, the Columbus Lighthouse, Alcázar de Colón, and the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO Colonial Zone. Chocolate tasting included. Lunch is a traditional Dominican buffet in the heart of the city. ABI Tours is a MITUR-licensed operator based in Punta Cana. History. Nature. Culture. All in one unforgettable day.

Tour Options

Full-Day Tour: Punta Cana to Santo Domingo Colonial Zone
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included40 min

The Los Tres Ojos Park features caves composed of limestone rocks, divided by three underground lakes, which is the main reason it is named 'The Three Eyes Park.' In addition to these lakes, it also has an exterior freshwater lake. This natural reserve allows us to preserve millennia-old geological formations, creating breathtaking landscapes both underwater and on land. It is a walking tour where, to explore the entire underground area, it is necessary to climb the 346 steps that connect the entire area.

10 min

Situated in the eastern part of Santo Domingo, near the East National Park, the Columbus Lighthouse stands as a monumental mausoleum. Stretching over 700 meters and reaching a height of 24 meters at its peak, this structure is a testament to both history and architectural grandeur.

Pass by

Since its inauguration on August 16, 1947, the National Palace has proudly served as the seat of the Dominican Government. Steeped in history, it stands as an enduring symbol of governance and national heritage.

Admission included20 min

Step into history at the Cathedral of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, the oldest in the Americas, consecrated by Pope Julius II in 1504. Its construction commenced in 1514, embodying centuries of heritage and spiritual significance.

Admission included20 min

"The Alcazar of Columbus is the only known residence of any member of the Columbus family in the New World, making it a historic monument. Protective wall of the Alcazar of Columbus. The Alcazar de Colon was home to three generations of the Columbus family, from 1512 to 1577."

Admission included60 min

We will have our buffet lunch for 40 minutes at one of the restaurants in the Colonial City. Then, we will stroll through the streets of the area for 40 minutes, exploring its iconic landmarks. The Colonial City (also called Zona Colonial) is the oldest urban nucleus in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. The Colonial City was the first permanent European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1502 by Spanish conquistadors. This area of Santo Domingo features colonial buildings and streets with ancient cobblestones, offering great tourist appeal. Notable attractions include the Alcázar de Colón (once owned by Diego Colón, son of Christopher Columbus), the Museum of the Royal Houses, the Cathedral of America, and the Ozama Fortress. As a result, there are both national hotels (like the Hotel Conde de Peñalba) and international ones (such as the Sofitel Nicolás de Ovando in the house of Nicolás de Ovando). Most hotels are located on Calle El Conde and Calle Las Damas.

Highlights

Hotel pickup and drop-off (all Punta Cana hotels)
Quench your thirst as you embark on the adventure with a complimentary bottle of water upon the start of your excursion.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Indulge in a delightful buffet lunch included within the enchanting surroundings of the colonial zone.

What's included

Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off (all Punta Cana hotels)
Quench your thirst as you embark on the adventure with a complimentary bottle of water upon the start of your excursion.
Air-conditioned vehicle
Indulge in a delightful buffet lunch included within the enchanting surroundings of the colonial zone.
Not included
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips (appreciated but not required)
Alcoholic beverages

Pickup Locations & Times

We pick up at the meeting point of your hotel, we pick up at all hotels in the Punta Cana area.

Traveller Ratings

4.3
4 reviews
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • - Explore the oldest city in the Americas — a UNESCO World Heritage Site - Swim inside Tres Ojos: freshwater lakes hidden in natural limestone caves - Stroll cobblestone streets that predate the United States by 300 years - Buffet lunch included at a local restaurant in the Colonial Zone - Hotel pickup from all Punta Cana hotels | A/C vehicle | Shared group tour - Certified guide in English and Spanish waiting for you in Santo Domingo
  • Enjoy a scenic 2.5-hour drive each way through the Dominican countryside. Your bilingual guide will be waiting for you upon arrival in Santo Domingo for approximately 3 hours of guided exploration.

Reviews(4)

7
724luisalbertod
July 8, 2026
Do not miss going to Santo Domingo.

It was an entertaining tour; you learn many things, the city is clean, the people are good, cultured, and the guides and transportation are 10/10. On August 5, 1498, they founded Santo Domingo, 488 years later on the same date as my birth.

Operator response

¡Muchas gracias por compartir su experiencia con nosotros! Nos alegra saber que disfrutó del recorrido, de la riqueza cultural e histórica de Santo Domingo, y que nuestro equipo de guías y transporte estuvo a la altura de sus expectativas. Qué bonita coincidencia la que compartió: celebrar su cumpleaños el mismo día en que fue fundada Santo Domingo hace que la visita tenga un significado aún más especial. Esperamos que haya sido un recuerdo inolvidable. Gracias por confiar en ABI Tours & Travel. Será un placer acompañarle nuevamente en una próxima aventura por República Dominicana. ¡Le esperamos pronto!

1
151samaraa
April 28, 2026
100% RECOMMENDED

Wonderful with the 3 excursions we take with ABI TOURS! Santo Domingo BUGGIES Samaná And we were transferred to the airport and Airbnb Recommended 100%, they are attentive and present throughout your stay, they transfer you to your accommodation and of course, they pass by you! PUNCTUAL! In your schedules and very professional, your impeccable transportation, nothing bad to say, we will rehire them in our next visit definitely

Operator response

¡Muchísimas gracias por sus palabras! Nos alegra saber que disfrutaron tanto las excursiones a Santo Domingo, Buggies y Samaná, así como todos tus traslados. Para nosotros es muy importante acompañarte en cada momento de tu estadía, así que saber que te sentiste bien atendido, puntual y cómodo nos motiva a seguir dando lo mejor. Gracias por confiar en ABI Tours. Será un placer volver a recibirte en tu próxima visita.

P
Peter_J
September 17, 2025
Could have been much more fun and better

Before we actually started the journey from Punta Cano to Santo Domenico already an hour and a half en route to meeting point. Guide, nice man, only in Santo Dominico, not during the trip, was admittedly in English, but not to follow. Tour had missed no logic, essentials of the sights. Where it seemed interesting, no more time. During rain, the guide provided umbrellas. We were thirsty for which little was arranged.

Operator response

Thank you, Peter, for sharing your experience with us. We are sorry the excursion did not fully meet your expectations. We appreciate the details you provided privately and are already taking steps to improve both logistics and the Santo Domingo experience. We hope to have the chance to welcome you again and provide you with a better service next time. Regards, ABI Tours & Travel

L
luzg812
October 19, 2024
Very warm treatment! 😊 100% recommended

Excellent service and attentions. Always keep an eye on whether I needed to stop to buy something I might need, use the bathroom and perform any transaction or service. Very warm treatment! 😊 100% recommended

Operator response

Muchas gracias Luz por su comentario y confiar en nuestros servicios! Esperamos volver a verles pronto.

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