Pico & More: The Dominican Adventure Route

A private round trip from the coasts to the highlands - with the highlight at Pico Duarte

A 16-day private adventure that combines waterfalls, coastal highlights, national parks and the ascent of Pico Duarte. With guided hikes, cultural visits and flexible activities through varied landscapes, this trip is aimed at travellers seeking challenge and discovery.

Days
16
Destinations
6
Type of journey
Private
Activities
6

Overview from the travel specialist

Hi, I'm Lennard: This route combines the cultural warmth of the Dominican Republic with its most impressive and accessible natural landscapes. Each region brings its own rhythm - coastal heritage, quiet fishing villages, waterfalls in the mountains and the colonial charm of Santo Domingo. The pleasant pace of the journey allows plenty of time to experience each place in a conscious and relaxed manner.

Highlights

Swim and hike through the waterfalls of Damajagua
Enjoy Cabarete's beaches - with surfing and kitesurfing options
Explore Los Haitises National Park by boat
Relax on the white beaches of Cayo Levantado
Climb Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean
Discover the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site


Our travel programme

The adventure begins on the north coast, where the fortress of Puerto Plata, views from the cable car and the waterfalls of Damajagua impressively combine nature and activity. In Cabarete, long beaches, constant winds and optional water sports courses make for a lively yet flexible start to the round trip.

Further east, Las Terrenas awaits with calm coasts and access to Los Haitises National Park, where mangroves, rock formations and caves frame an eventful day on the water. Inland, the mood changes in Jarabacoa: pine forests, rivers and optional outdoor activities adapt to the individual pace of a private journey.

The highlight is the multi-day ascent to Pico Duarte - through forests, high plateaus and over open mountain ridges to the highest peak in the Caribbean. After the descent into the lowlands, the trip ends in the Zona Colonial of Santo Domingo, where cobbled streets and historic buildings provide a relaxed, culturally enriching finale.

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Plata

After your arrival, you will meet your driver for the private transfer to your hotel in Puerto Plata. The rest of the day is deliberately kept relaxed to allow you to acclimatise after your journey. Short walks along the waterfront, cosy cafés and sweeping coastal views provide a pleasant way to get to know the surroundings. This gentle start will help you to find your personal travelling pace before the guided city tour starts tomorrow.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Puerto Plata (breakfast), private transfer from the airport

Day 2: Puerto Plata

Meet your guide for a comprehensive introduction to the cultural sights of Puerto Plata. You will explore the historic Castillo San Felipe, learn more about the famous Dominican amber in the museum and take the cable car up to Pico Isabel de Torres, where you can enjoy sweeping views over the coast. The tour ends with a rum tasting and an insight into local production. After returning to the hotel, there is time at leisure - for walks, shopping or relaxing hours by the sea.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Puerto Plata (breakfast), guided city tour of Puerto Plata (Castillo de San Felipe, Amber Museum, Pico Isabel de Torres, rum experience)

Day 3: Adventure at the Damajagua waterfalls

You drive inland to the Damajagua waterfalls, where an active half-day adventure awaits you. Hiking trails lead through wooded terrain to the cascades, where you can swim, slide or jump under the supervision of certified guides. The excursion is full of energy, but is easily doable for sporty travellers. Optional zipline courses or buggy rides can be added. After returning to Puerto Plata, the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore on your own.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Puerto Plata (breakfast), full-day excursion to the 27 waterfalls with zipline and buggy ride (lunch)

Day 4: Puerto Plata - Cabarete

Your driver will take you eastwards along the coast to Cabarete, known for its long beach and lively water sports scene. After checking in at the hotel, enjoy a free afternoon for a swim, a walk by the sea or to relax in a café right on the beach. The relaxed atmosphere and short distances allow you to move around without a fixed schedule. The evening is free for you to relax or plan optional activities for the next day.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Puerto Plata (breakfast), private transfer

Day 5: Cabarete (Free day)

Cabarete offers ideal conditions for beginners and experienced water sports enthusiasts alike. The instructors adapt the lessons and intensity to your personal level and the times can also be customised. If you want to take it easy, you will find shady spots on the beach and good opportunities for swimming. Cafés and small shops along the promenade invite you to take a relaxing lunch break. The evening is completely free for you to enjoy the town at your own pace.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Cabarete (breakfast)

Optional activity: Surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing course

Day 6: Cabarete - Las Terrenas

You continue eastwards to Las Terrenas, where quiet bays and a relaxed atmosphere provide a pleasant contrast to the lively atmosphere of Cabarete. After checking in at the hotel, you have the afternoon at leisure: Relax on the beach, discover nearby cafés or stroll through the small streets of the town. This transitional day gives you time to take a deep breath before the excursion to Los Haitises National Park tomorrow. The evening is free for an individual dinner or a walk by the sea.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Las Terrenas, private transfer

Day 7: Free day in Las Terrenas

Organise the day according to your interests. Take a hike through the forest to the El Limón waterfall, where you can swim and take photos, or visit the expansive Playa Rincón with its calm waters and light-coloured sand. A relaxing day in the town itself also has its charm - with good restaurants and pleasant beaches. Thanks to the private tour format, you can set your own pace and schedule and return to your hotel at any time.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Las Terrenas (breakfast)

Optional activity: Excursion to El Limón waterfall or Playa Rincón

Day 8: Los Haitises & Cayo Levantado

Explore the impressive landscapes of Los Haitises by boat. You will travel through mangrove channels, pass striking limestone cliffs and visit caves with historical rock paintings. You then continue to Cayo Levantado, where time for a swim and a simple, included lunch await you. The combination of nature, culture and a relaxing coastal holiday makes for a well-balanced excursion. You return to Las Terrenas in the late afternoon; the evening is at leisure.

Services: Hotel overnight stay in Las Terrenas (breakfast), lunch, visit to Los Haitises

Optional activity: Snorkelling extension

Day 9: Las Terrenas - Jarabacoa

You say goodbye to the coast and travel towards the Cordillera Central, where the temperatures become more pleasant and the landscape transforms into pine forests and wide valleys. After moving into your lodge, you have the afternoon at leisure - for short walks, photo opportunities or simply to relax. The tranquil surroundings of Jarabacoa set the mood for the optional activities of the day ahead. The evening remains flexible for an individual dinner or relaxing hours outdoors.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Las Terrenas (breakfast), private transfer

Day 10: Adventure day in Jarabacoa

Jarabacoa offers various outdoor activities for medium to demanding fitness levels. Choose from rafting with splashing rapids, canyoning with jumps and natural slides in river courses or mountain biking on scenic routes through valleys and hilly landscapes. All activities are accompanied by experienced guides and adapted to your ability. After returning to the lodge, there is time to relax, look through your photos or prepare for the trekking adventure ahead.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Jarabacoa (breakfast)

Optional activity: Rafting, canyoning or mountain biking

Day 11: Jarabacoa - La Cienaga

You drive to La Ciénaga, the traditional starting point for the ascent of Pico Duarte. There you will meet your trekking team, check your equipment and begin the ascent via wooded paths and steadily ascending terrain. Regular breaks help you to acclimatise and ensure a steady pace. Once you arrive at the first camp, you move into your tent while the support team prepares dinner. The tranquil mountain landscape will get you in the mood for the rhythm of the trekking days ahead.

Services: Overnight stay in tent, breakfast, dinner, private transfer

Optional activity: Hire of trekking poles

Day 12: La Cienaga/Pico Duarte

You continue the ascent through varied terrain. Dense pine forests give way to misty forest passages, while moderate climbs alternate with gentler stretches. Your guide ensures a steady, manageable pace and plans regular breaks for meals. As the altitude increases, wide views of distant mountain ridges open up. You reach camp in the late afternoon and have time to rest before dinner is served and preparation for the summit ascent begins.

Services: Overnight stay in tent, breakfast, lunch, dinner, activity

Day 13: La Cienaga/Pico Duarte

You set off in the early hours of the morning to reach the highest peak in the Caribbean. The steady climb leads you to impressive panoramic views at the summit, where there is time to enjoy the view, take photos and celebrate the moment. The descent then begins through forested and open sections of landscape towards the next camp. You reach your destination for the day in the afternoon and can relax over dinner together. This day combines sustained exertion with unforgettable nature experiences.

Services: Overnight stay in a tent, breakfast, lunch, dinner, activity

Optional activity: Very early start for the sunrise at the summit

Day 14: La Cienaga - Santo Domingo

You descend via familiar forest paths back to La Ciénaga, where your driver is already waiting for the transfer to Santo Domingo. The contrast between the tranquillity of the mountains and the lively city life is clearly noticeable on arrival in the Zona Colonial. After check-in at the hotel, the rest of the day is at your disposal - to relax, take a stroll through the nearby alleyways or enjoy a quiet evening after a day of trekking.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Santo Domingo (breakfast), private transfer

Optional activity: Evening walk through the colonial town

Day 15: Santo Domingo

A local guide will accompany you through the historic centre of Santo Domingo. You will visit the cathedral, Plaza de España, Calle Las Damas and other important buildings that reflect the early colonial history. The explanations are vivid and leave plenty of room for questions. Lunch in a local restaurant is included in the programme. After the tour, the evening is free for you to visit your favourite places again or to relax at the hotel.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Santo Domingo (breakfast), guided city tour (lunch)

Day 16: Departure

After breakfast, you will meet your driver for the private transfer to the airport. The journey offers a final moment to reflect on the impressions of the trip - from waterfalls and surf forts to pine forests and the summit of Pico Duarte. Check-in and departure formalities take place at the terminal. On your arrival at the airport, the included services end and with them your Dominican adventure tour.

Services: Hotel accommodation in Santo Domingo (breakfast), private transfer to Santo Domingo airport


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What is included?

Accommodation

Accommodation in selected hotels

Transfer

In air-conditioned vehicles

Meals

Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Tour guide

Local, English-speaking tour guide for the activities included in the price

Entrance fees/ activities

All excursions and entrance fees listed in the itinerary

24/7 availability

We are available around the clock if you have any questions!

Plan your dream holiday

Don't miss the chance to make your dream trip a reality! Contact our experienced travel consultants now and let them inspire and advise you for your trip.

Your travel expert

Optional services

  • International flights
  • E-visa services
  • Optional excursions and optional services
  • Gratuities and personal expenses (not included)
  • Transfer from your home to the airport and back

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