Private car transfer from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo

If you are feeling adventurous, discover one of the caves you can encounter en route. Cueva del Puente, located in the Cotubanamá National Park, is famous for the Taino pictographs. And while Cueva de Chicho also has evidence of the Taino Indians, it offers a very unique place for swimming worth exploring. As you are visiting the cigar country, you also cannot miss the opportunity of taking a tour of the VegaFina Factory which will be intriguing even for non-smokers!

The Caribbean city was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, the brother of Cristopher Columbus, and to this day, Santo Domingo is renowned for being the very first colonial city. It is also home to the oldest university in the Americas. The most visited place in Santo Domingo is the Ciudad Colonial (Colonial City), a UNESCO-listed neighborhood steeped in history where you can wander through the cobblestoned streets and explore the colonial architecture that has been well-preserved to this day.

While Santo Domingo is rich in colonial-era architecture, it surprises with its blend of historical charm and modernity. As a metropolitan city, Santo Domingo offers a diverse array of options for everyone: entertainment, restaurants, lively nightlife, outdoor activities, and much more.

Speaking of outdoor activities, the Dominican Republic’s main sport is baseball (or pelota, as locals call it), which comes as a surprise, knowing that most Latin American countries are passionate about football. Although attending a baseball game at the Quisqueya Stadium in Santo Domingo might not be a popular tourist activity, it surely is one of the best ways to learn about the local culture.

Have some cash in your pocket

Make sure you carry some Dominican pesos with you. While it's convenient to have cash for tipping at restaurants, you may also encounter situations where locals ask for a propina (tip) after giving directions. This practice isn't unique to Santo Domingo. You may have already experienced it in Punta Cana or other parts of the Dominican Republic.

From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by bus

The cheapest way to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is by bus, with the journey time around 3 to 4 hours. The most popular bus company amongst travelers is Expreso Bávaro. However, bear in mind that you cannot purchase the tickets online, so you will have to arrive at the bus station earlier to secure a seat.

From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by taxi

As there are not many transportation options available on this route and you don’t feel like taking a bus, you can also opt for a taxi. Nonetheless, it is not the most convenient way to move between these cities. Expect the drive to cost starting from $140. If you would still like to reach Santo Domingo without compromising your comfort, keep on reading!

From Punta Cana to Santo Domingo by private car service

Undoubtedly, the most convenient, comfortable, and flexible way to travel from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo is by a door-to-door private car service. Daytrip will assign a driver who will happily pick you up from your accommodation in Punta Cana. Expect a comfortable, clean, and well-air-conditioned car (perfect for the Dominican climate) which will take you on a scenic drive of 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Nothing beats what Daytrip can do for you. Apart from your comfort, you will also be granted the flexibility to make the trip yours by adding any sightseeing stops along the way. Are the Punta Cana beaches not enough? Dive into the Chicho Cave tucked in the Cotubanamá National Park. This cave is famous for the indigenous Taino carvings, giving your relaxing stop a hint of history. Make sure you don't miss out on visiting the famous Three Eyes National Park, where you can admire three underground lakes (known as "eyes").

Admire the oldest cathedral

As the Colonial City neighborhood is surely on your itinerary, definitely visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor which is known for being the first and oldest cathedral in the Americas. This impressive cathedral was built in Gothic style, and it used to house the remains of Columbus until they were transferred to Seville.

Walk down the Ladies’ Street

If you seek more historic ‘firsts’, Santo Domingo is the ideal destination. Calle de las Damas, named after Diego Columbus' wife, is the oldest paved street in the Americas. The street is lined up with colonial architecture, including the Alcázar de Colón, originally the home of Christopher Columbus' son Diego, now transformed into a museum.

Go on a shopping spree

Santo Domingo has the best shopping malls in the Dominican Republic, Ágora Mall being the most famous one. Located near the heart of the city, this mall features four floors filled with a wide selection of shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering visitors a comprehensive shopping and dining experience.

Dive into the local gastronomy

Discovering local cuisine is the gateway to understanding local culture, so you should definitely sample some of the local dishes. Here are three of our recommendations:

• Sancocho: a meat and vegetable stew that locals usually serve on special events.
• Habichuelas con Dulce: sweet cream made of beans, coconut milk, sweet potato, raisins, and cookies on top.
• Mangú: a breakfast dish which is made of mashed plantains. It can be served with meat, cheese, and eggs.