A shorter trip for anyone who wants beaches, action and a taste of local life without committing to two full weeks. You'll hit Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone, ride the waves (or watch them) in Cabarete, explore caves and fire pits on the north coast, and finish in the European-flavoured beach town of Las Terrenas on the Samana peninsula.
MERENGUE · BEACHES · CAVES
Merengue Circuit
6 days / 5 nights, A shorter trip for anyone who wants beaches, action and a taste of local life wi
WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL
Trip highlights
Walk the Malecon in Santo Domingo and dine in the Colonial Zone's best restaurants
Try kitesurfing or windsurfing at Cabarete, one of the Caribbean's top wind spots
Explore the El Choco caves and underground lagoons near Cabarete
Relax at beachside fire pits on the north coast after sunset
Swim at Playa Grande, regularly ranked among the world's most photogenic beaches
Discover Las Terrenas, a walkable beach town with French bakeries, Italian trattorias and coconut palms
DAY BY DAY
Your itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Santo Domingo
Airport transfer and check-in. Evening walk along the Malecon waterfront followed by dinner in the Colonial Zone. Live merengue music spills out of the bars here most nights, hard to resist.
Day 2: Transfer to Cabarete
Morning drive north to Cabarete on the Atlantic coast. Check in to your beachfront hotel. Afternoon free to try kitesurfing or windsurfing (equipment rental available locally) or just watch from a beach bar. Cabarete has a laid-back surfer vibe and some of the best street food on the island.
Day 3: El Choco Caves & Playa Grande
Morning visit to El Choco National Park, a network of limestone caves with underground lagoons where you can swim. Drive east along the coast to Playa Grande, a long golden beach backed by cliffs. Return to Cabarete for a beachside fire pit evening with drinks and local music.
Day 4: Transfer to Las Terrenas
Drive east to the Samana peninsula and the town of Las Terrenas. This place has a unique mix of Dominican, French and Italian influences, the bakeries and restaurants reflect that. Check in and explore the main strip on foot. Afternoon at Playa Bonita, a sheltered cove with calm water and palm shade.
Day 5: Las Terrenas at Leisure
Full day to relax. Walk along Playa Coson, rent a motorbike to explore the peninsula, or take an optional boat trip to Playa Rincon, a half-moon bay only reachable by boat. Evening in town trying fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.
Day 6: Departure
Breakfast, then transfer to El Catey International Airport (Samana) or back to Santo Domingo for your departure flight.
What's Included
- 5 nights with daily breakfast
- Private air-conditioned transfers between all destinations
- Scenic stop at Playa Grande beach
- Medical assistance card for the duration of the trip
- English-speaking assistance at check-in points
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Kitesurfing and windsurfing gear rental in Cabarete
- El Choco National Park entrance fee (approx. US$5)
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses and gratuities
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Cabarete is fun to hang out in even if you never touch a board. The beach bars, street food and sunset fire pits are the main draw for most visitors. Playa Grande and Las Terrenas are calm swimming beaches.
Interested in This Trip?
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Real reviews
What our customers say
From travellers who visited Dominican Republic with us
“
We took the kids (aged 9 and 12) to the DR and it was perfect for families. Snorkelling at Isla Catalina, exploring Los Haitises National Park by boat, and the children loved the zip-lining near Puerto Plata. Fabian recommended a family-friendly boutique hotel in Bayahibe that was far better than any chain resort. Already looking at Cuba next.
Claire & Rob A.
“
First time in the Caribbean and the Dominican Republic did not disappoint. Santo Domingo's colonial zone was fascinating, the oldest cathedral in the Americas, cobblestone streets, and fantastic rum bars. The drive out to Punta Cana for a few beach days at the end was a nice wind-down. Only giving four stars because the internal transfer was a long drive, but that's the country not the service.
Marcus T.
“
The DR was brilliant. We based ourselves in the Samaná Peninsula rather than the big resorts and it felt like a completely different country. Whale watching in the bay was magical, we saw a mother and calf from barely twenty metres away. The local restaurants in Las Terrenas served incredible mofongo and fresh lobster. Travelfab knew all the best spots.
Jenny & Paul C.
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