Backpacking Dominican Republic Travel Guide

Welcome to my Dominican Republic travel guide! Backpacking around the Dominican Republic probably isn’t the kind of trip most people have on their bucket list. Postcard-perfect beaches, palm trees that kiss the sky, clear turquoise warm waters, luxury hotels and a paradise for all-inclusive tourists. That is what most people have in mind when they think of traveling in the Dominican Republic. For some reason or another, this Caribbean Island is often overlooked as a backpacking destination.

So you’re probably wondering now: “is backpacking the Dominican Republic worth the effort?”

The answer is absolutely YES! In fact, the DR is one of the most surprisingly beautiful countries in the Caribbean. It cannot be reduced down to only staying at all-inclusive resorts or expensive tours and excursions. This would be an unjust condemnation of the distinct and interesting culture of the Dominican Republic.

Therefore, with a backpack, a shoestring budget, and an adventurous mind you will have the possibility to see what this country has to offer. This backpacking Dominican Republic travel guide will provide you with all the information I wish I would have had before I booked my ticket.

I’ll give you some ideas for choosing alternative transportation options, budget accommodation in the Dominican Republic, tips, tricks, and places I have been, in case you need an idea of the itinerary.

Where to Go Backpacking in the Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic is one of the best countries that I visited while exploring the Caribbean on the cheap. There is a lot going on here and trying to sort through all of it may seem overwhelming at first. Luckily, this Dominican Republic travel guide is here to help you overcome these complications and fears, embrace cultural differences and better navigate the country.

First, I’m going to show you the itinerary that I used during my backpacking trip in the Dominican Republic. It was specially drafted to give you the best possible experience.

Afterward, I’m going to reveal places to visit in the Dominican Republic and then follow with some more specific information e.g. Costs, Food, Accommodation, etc. By the end of this travel guide, you’ll have all the information you might need to go backpacking around the Dominican Republic and on a budget!

Dominican Republic 1 Week Itinerary

With only 7 days in the Dominican Republic, any itinerary is going to feel a little rushed. That is why I’m here to help you make the most of every day!

Day 1 – Punta Cana

Needless to say, Punta Cana is the quintessence of all-inclusive vacations in the Dominican Republic. Situated on the east coast of the island, one may call it all-inclusive heaven. Drive along the main street and you’ll see one resort after another, each entrance similar to what I’d imagine driving up to a palace would look like.

While it can be all-inclusive heaven, there isn’t much to do outside of the resorts. Have a drink or two, enjoy the beach and water activities and hop on a bus to Santo Domingo to start your second day in the DR.

Day 2 – Santo Domingo

Take Express Bavaro bus in Friusa or Veron that goes to Santo Domingo. The trip costs around 400 pesos and will take more or less three hours.

Dominican Republic capital city is a vibrant place full of old Latin charisma. I spent my second day backpacking around the Dominican Republic here exploring the UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial and Santo Domingo’s seafront boulevard – the Malecon.

Don’t miss checking out the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the oldest church in the Americas and a curious mix of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance traits. The cathedral was built between 1504 and 1541 in golden-tinted coral limestone, and inside you can visit the beautiful treasury with an excellent art collection composed of woodcarvings, funerary monuments, silver on display.

Day 3 – Santiago de los Caballeros

I was very excited to leave Santo Domingo and head north after a long day of intense sightseeing. I’m a big fan of street art and I couldn’t have missed some of the best murals in the DR. Some of the finest examples are around Calle Cuba and Calle 16 Agosto.

Santiago is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic and home to the Aurora cigar factory. There are tours available. So if you want to familiarize yourself with the long process of making cigars, be sure to pay a visit.

Day 4 and 5 – Cabarete and Further South

Getting to Cabarete may involve hiring a motoconcho or hopping on Guagua in Sosua. Both options are reliable and will get you to your final destination.

This little seaside village is a popular kitesurfing destination, with a long sandy beach where the wind blows year-round. The resort town of Cabarete has a palpable Bohemian vibe and a plentiful scattering of yoga practitioners and deep tissue massage, windsurfing, and kitesurfing businesses. This growing community retains its backpacker roots.

If you’re not into windsurfing or kitesurfing, the area surrounding Cabarete is full of amazing natural sights. Continue your Dominican Republic itinerary along the scenic road towards Los Cabos. This sleepy town is only a stone’s throw away from Laguna Dudu, which is actually a cenote. Dive into the cenote from a 13-meter zip line, or just float into the two smaller cave pools with turquoise water.

Day 6 – Las Galeras

It takes about 4 hours to get from Cabarete to Samana by bus. From Samana, I had to take a cheap local Guagua to do the rest of the way to Las Galeras.

Las Galeras is yet another sleepy beach town, where everything is slower but with more fun. While I had only one day to spend there it’d be a good idea to allocate at least five days for exploring the place.

I spent my day in Las Galeras hanging out and soaking up the sun. Playa Rincon is the highlight here. Las Galeras is really chill and I’m happy I went. However, the seaside village of Las Terrenas is now high on my list. And I’d expand this one-week Dominican Republic itinerary just to check out its beaches and the El Limon waterfall.

Day 7 – Back to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana

Your final day will depend or where you are flying from to return home. If you’re flying from the Santo Domingo airport, then hop on a bus from Samana to Santo Domingo.

But if you’re flying from Punta Cana out of the same airport you arrived in, you may want to take a ferry from Samana to Sabana de la Mar and then do the rest of the way via Miches by guagua to Punta Cana.

Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic

Now that we’ve covered some of the best travel itineraries for backpacking the Dominican Republic, let’s plunge right into and explore some of the best places to visit in the Dominican Republic on your adventure!

1. Altos de Chavon, the City of Artists

The city of artists is a 16th-century Mediterranean village replica near La Romana. Established by American tycoon in 1976 it was completed in the early 1980s to entertain celebrities and wealthy men. Exploring the cobblestone paths and architecture of Altos de Chavon, as well as the surrounding area, is an amazing adventure. The village accommodates several restaurants, craft shops, Altos de Chavon School of Design and the Greek-style amphitheater where Frank Sinatra played the inaugural concert in 1982. Walking around the Altos de Chavon is like stepping back in time.

2. Go Kayaking in Jarabacoa

The Jarabacoa region lies in the Cordillera Central and is home to the several beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails like El Mogote. Today, you can visit Jarabacoa, a right spot to escape the heat of the lowlands and a completely off the beaten track destination. Be sure to visit Salto De Jimenoa Uno, a beautiful waterfall that is one of the highest in the area. You can get there by taking a tour or hiring a local guide. Go kayaking along the Yaque del Norte and Jimenoa rivers near Jarabacoa.

3. Los Tres Ojos Caves

Due to its central location in urban Parque Mirador del Este, the impressive Los Tres Ojos caves are very popular. With a large number of magnificent sculptures and picturesque sites in the Park, the limestone sinkholes are the most remarkable. The entire place got its name because of three (actually four) lagoons with turquoise water. There are paved trails all around the park, which make it a good spot for lots of activities and if you love stalactites and stalagmites, don’t miss out on this place. Admission is $2. You can rent a boat for an additional .50 cents USD.

4. Las Casas Reales Museum

One of the most popular museums in the Dominican Republic, Las Casas Reales, has some interesting exhibits on colonial history, architecture and the resistance movement. Even if you’re not a fan of the history of the Dominican Republic, you should stop by just to check it out. The interior of this museum is worth checking out.

5. Attend Dominican Republic Festivals

It seems that the Dominican Republic has some kind of celebration on every day of the year. Most of the festivals held in honor of the city’s or town’s patron saint. Such festivals as Santiago Apostol held in June. The Independence Day held at the end of February and Festival de Merengue in August.

6. Discover Gri Gri Lagoon

I read a lot of pirate books when I was a kid and I often wondered what was their secret for escaping the pursuit. The Gri Gri lagoon is some kind of an answer. As the boat moves through the mangrove channel, it ends up with a decent berth. The lagoon sits in Rio San Juan and connected to the ocean by a channel, which is home to a huge number of birds. When going there bring your snorkel mask and be sure to go as a group to save money.

7. Whale Watching

From January to March, the whale watching season in the Dominican Republic is at its peak as the humpback whales leave the cold Arctic waters and make their way to the island to mate. With several breeding grounds near the island, it is a great chance to hear male humpback whales courting songs and leaping out of the water. Whale watching is a pricey venture. But totally worth the money when you’re guaranteed to spot a few whales.

8. Go Underground in El Dudu Lagoon

The El Dudu lagoon, surrounded by natural cliffs is famous for its amazing underwater landscape. For many years the sunken trees were forming the unique world as limestone impurities slowly turned wood into stone. Thick trunks and thin branches create a surreal view of this underwater forest.

There are three paths leading deep into the rock. One of them ends with a cave with pockets of breathable air. The lagoon is a stone’s throw from Cabrera. This incredible place has a restaurant, a volleyball court, and camp facilities on-site. Sliding down the zip line into the lagoon was a great fun! There are carved stone steps leading down to the water for those who prefer a calmer experience. Admission is 150 Pesos ($4 USD).

9. Explore Santo Domingo

No trip to the DR is complete without visiting Santo Domingo. The largest city in the Caribbean boasts magnificent cathedrals, palaces, and historic sites. If you want a taste for some of the places that make the Dominican Republic special, Santo Domingo isn’t to be missed. Be sure to visit the Colonial City (Zona Colonial), which features old world Spanish architecture and quaint cobblestone streets. Such sites like the Palace of Fine Arts, the Museum of Modern Art, and the National Palace give you a deep understanding of the country’s rich history and culture.

10. Visit Faro a Colon (Columbus Lighthouse)

An astonishing cross-shaped monument of Christopher Columbus was built in 1992 for the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in the Western Hemisphere. It became known as a Columbus Lighthouse because of high-power lights projecting a blinding white cross in the sky that can be seen even from Puerto Rico. With plenty of artifacts from all over the region and documents related to Columbus’ voyages, there is some debate whether it’s actual Columbus’s burial place.

11. Hoyo Azul Lagoon

A natural pool with clear turquoise water located 16 km (10 mi) from the Punta Cana airport. Also known as the Blue Hole, it is one of the most beautiful places in Cap Cana and really popular with tourists. As you start to travel here, you discover a lovely hiking trail that brings you to the pool.

Since the Pond is fairly small it can’t accommodate everyone at once there’re might be a queue. To avoid crowds I’d recommend visiting Hoyo Azul Lagoon in the morning. With no public transport around, the only way to get there is by guagua or motoconchos.

Best Time to Travel to the Dominican Republic

The weather in the DR is great year-round so there really is no bad time to visit. However, the island does experience a rainy season and there’s a distinction between the hotter and cooler times of the year. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic depends on other factors too, like whether you’re tied to a specific holiday or intent on keeping costs down.

There are two distinct seasons: A dry season that runs from mid-December through mid-April, and a rainy season that runs from June through November. Due to the lower prices and lack of crowds, the wet season can also be a good time to visit. You can still enjoy good weather especially in the months of June, July and November which often see lots of sunshine without any storms. December to February are very busy months here.

If you plan on spending a lot of time doing outdoor activities in the Dominican Republic, then the dry season is the obvious choice to visit. If your backpacking trip is more focused on doing yoga, culture, or permaculture courses, then really you can come at any time of the year. The spring shoulder season is a great time to visit. The prices and crowds are at their lowest.

Backpacker Accommodation in the Dominican Republic

The country offers a wide range of backpacker-type accommodations. These range from hostels, guesthouses to budget hotels. Most can be booked for a good price. Backpackers who travel to the Dominican Republic on a shoestring budget should have little problem finding the right lodge for their style.

Conventional hostels are found around the country’s more popular tourist areas. However, as you get off the beaten track, hostels become less widespread and guesthouses/budget hotels become more prevalent. If you want to score the cheapest accommodation option try booking once you get there. Chances are you will get much better rates. These rates are often cannot be found online, so I paid between $25-$40 USD per night for my rooms in Cabarete and Las Galeras.

When staying in remote areas where few tourists visit, try negotiating room prices with the manager prior to committing; they may be willing to bargain if they have not seen a guest in a while.

Camping is an option while backpacking through the Dominican Republic and, it can be your best bet. For example, in Cabarete, you’ll find a tiny lot where you can pitch your tent wherever you’d like. They have outdoor showers, private outdoor bathrooms, picnic table, and enough trees for hanging up a hammock.

Read Next: How to Find Cheap Anywhere

Avoid wild camping in the Dominican Republic because it’s not quite safe. Instead, stick to designated spots where there is some sort of security. Overall, there are a few key and beautiful areas on the island that are ideal for camping.

I always encourage Couchsurfing! It’s a great way to meet the locals and one of the most-effective ways to save money on accommodation.

Airbnb is present in the DR and most apartments are better than you might think. If you’re thinking about getting your own apartment, be sure to read my guide on how to find cheap travel accommodation anywhere. Use this AirBnB coupon for $35 off your next rental!

Where To Stay in the Dominican Republic

Below are a few of my favourite hostels and budget accommodation options when backpacking the Dominican Republic:

Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel
Casa Picaflor, Las Terrenas
Island Life Hostel, Santo Domingo
Dan and Manty’s Guesthouse, Las Terrenas
Hostal Playa Bibijagua A & L, Punta Cana
Macao Beach Hostel, Punta Cana
Hostel Laguna Park, Cabarete
Hostel La Ballena Backpacker, Las Galeras
Parador El Cachimbo De Mama, Jarabacoa

Dominican Republic Travel Guide to Getting Around

The DR is very well connected internationally and there are several ways to get to the island.

Flying into the Dominican Republic is a relatively straightforward affair. Most international flights will arrive in the Dominican Republic via Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) or Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ). From there, connections can be made to other domestic airports. There are several other international airports in the country but they have limited international flights.

How to Travel in the Dominican Republic

From Punta Cana Airport, the best way to reach the capital city is by direct express bus, which should cost around $8 USD.

By Bus

The cheapest way to travel in the DR is by cramped mini-buses. However, I think that Bavaro express offers better value for money and they have big air-conditioned buses! A big deal in the DR! They have almost all their routes running through the capital, Santo Domingo.

In my case, I was flying into Punta Cana (in the east of the country) and traveling to Cabarete passing through Santo Domingo. So there was no inconvenience about getting from one point to another on the island. At the same time, most big buses don’t connect the small towns directly, but fortunately, there’s another option to get around.

By Guaguas

In a nutshell, guaguas are old pick-up trucks with wooden bench seats along the perimeter of the truck bed. They are also the most common way to travel between smaller towns. You can hail guaguas anywhere along your route even where there are no marked stops. Guaguas are really cheap, a bit cramped and offer an amazing and adventurous way to explore every nook and cranny on the island.

If you are planning to visit some remote and secluded spots, traveling by guaguas may be the best way to go.

By Motos/Motoconchos

Traveling with a backpack gives plenty of benefits! One of my favorites is the possibility to hop on the back of any random motorbike that passes to cover a short distance in the shortest time. Motoconchos are even cheaper than guaguas and sometimes the only way to get around in small towns.

These motos are easier to find than ordinary four-wheeled taxis and can fit 2 or even 3 extra people on the back. Take my advice: motoconchos are often not designed for more than two people and one should avoid riding with more than two passengers on a bike. Remember, due to the extra weight it’s harder to control the scooter for the driver. Especially when performing daredevil driving maneuvers!

Another great thing about motorcycle taxis is that you can negotiate a price before the ride! You can pay in US dollars, Euros or Pesos, but it’s a good idea to bring the exact change since you don’t want the driver to keep the change.

Food in the Dominican Republic

Those who have been backpacking in South America for a while and are sick of the bland diet should be very happy in the DR! Thanks to the strong European, African and indigenous Taíno influences, the Dominican Republic has some of the best and most exciting food in the region. Local herbs and spices are used liberally, produce is fresh, and the seafood is amazing.

Like all Latin countries, the keystone of the Dominican cuisine is a hearty fillers, in this case, rice and meat. Like in most Hispanic cultures, Sofrito forms the basis for a vast range of dishes in local cuisine. It is a sautéed mix of local herbs and spices that are used to bring out the flavors of the dishes. With its vibrant variety and flavorful combinations, the food of the DR is definitely worth a try!

Trekking in the Dominican Republic

Some of the best treks in the Caribbean can be found within the borders of the Dominican Republic. As a country bursting with natural beauty, you must absolutely make time to tackle a few epic treks! The Dominican Republic has amazing national parks filled with hiking trails. Here I have listed a few of my personal favorites.

Isla Cabritos National Park

Located in the southwest corner of the DR, Isla Cabritos National Park is a great place to discover some of the country’ amazing wildlife. Lago Enriquillo with its largest population of American crocodiles, endemic iguanas, and over 60 bird species all make Isla Cabritos a popular excursion from Barahona province.

Jose Armando Bermudez National Park

Here you can tackle the Dominican Republic’ tallest mountain: Pico Duarte. Once you start to climb into the cloud forest’s altitude, the weather cools and you begin to feel a freshness that you haven’t felt since you entered the Dominican Republic.

Camping within the park is possible and you can sleep at the camp base in a tent the night before your hike. Jarabacoa Mountain Hostel and Hotel Gran Jimenoa are the affordable accommodation options if you decide to stay outside of the park. There are plenty of tour guides offering their services. I’d highly recommend avoiding “VIP” packages and opt for local park-permitted guides.

Parque Nacional Monte Cristi

Wedged between the sea and the mountains in the northwestern region of the Parque Nacional Monte Cristi boasts a wide variety of landscapes. Coral reefs, beaches, lagoons and mangroves – and all the flora and fauna found in these habitats. Monte Cristi national park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. There are several paths to El Morro – an impressive limestone mesa towering above the sea surface and facing a gorgeous stretch of beach.

Parque Nacional Monte Cristi counts offshore islands, including Cayos Siete Hermanos, lagoons formed around Yaque del Norte River, and the National Reserve of Villa Elisa, a dried subtropical wood.

Scuba Diving in the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has numerous diving sites across the island. As weather conditions deliver great diving almost all year round, the underwater sites vary from resort to resort.

Bayahibe area is known for its El Chico and Padre Nuestro caves. With a famous St George wreck nearby, Bayahibe area has more than 30 dive sites.

Cap Cana offers an opportunity to explore the Patricia wreck and check out barracudas and turtles in the lagoon. The Taino cave near Santo Domingo is a right place to enjoy white stalactites, winding tunnels and the halocline – the boundary between fresh and saltwater.

The Underwater National Park of Monte Cristi is the major ancient shipwreck graveyard of the Caribbean with around a hundred ships can be found here.

Must-Try Foods In The Dominican Republic

Asopao – hearty rice soup with meat, chicken, pork, and vegetables.

La Bandera Dominicana – the staple of the Dominican Republic diet that can be found pretty much everywhere. Three colors of the Dominican flag – white rice, red beans, chicken or beef usually represents the third color.

Mangu – a traditional Dominican breakfast made up of boiled green plantains that are then mashed and topped with sauteed red onions.

Pasteles en Hoja – the Dominican version of tamales that is made during the Christmas holiday with a combination of starchy vegetables that could include bananas, yams, taro, and West Indian pumpkin.

Puerco Asado – oven-roasted pork with marinade, garlic, onion, sour orange, and herbs.

Sancocho Stew – a chunky soup with plantains, cassava, yams, cilantro, and potato. It may consist of pork, beef, goat, and sausage.

Mofongo – a delectable dish made with fried green plantains. Locals serve this delicious dish with chicharrón (pork cracklings) or bacon inside. Dressings include garlic and olive oil.