8 days in Dominican Republic Itinerary

In an area boasting beaches that face both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, vacations in Punta Cana have been popular with tourists since the early 1970s.

Spend the 28th (Wed) spotting exotic species with a safari tour. Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Bavaro Beach, get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, stop by La Perla Dominicana, and step off the mainland to explore Saona Island.

For other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Punta Cana tour planning website.

Portland, USA to Punta Cana is an approximately 9-hour combination of bus and flight. You can also fly. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Portland to Punta Cana. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Portland in March; daily highs in Punta Cana reach 84°F and lows reach 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to take a shuttle to Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, remains the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the New World.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Thu): get a sense of history and politics at National Palace and then make a trip to Zona Colonial. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Alcazar de Colon, then steep yourself in history at Fortaleza Ozama, and then appreciate the history behind Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon).

To find maps, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Santo Domingo trip itinerary site.

Take a shuttle from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.