Private Santo Domingo: Waterfalls and Culture of Monte Plata
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
From EUR 129.24
Office phone number: +1 809 770 8953 & +1 829 2857733
Private Santo Domingo: Waterfalls and Culture of Monte Plata
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.

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Tour snapshot
Lounging on the beach is an essential part of the Caribbean experience but if you’re looking for a break from the sand, surf and cocktails, the Dominican Republic has plenty of culture and breathtaking natural wonders to explore. This tour takes you to the heart of the island where you’ll take a dip in the most stunning waterfalls, visit one of the country’s most important churches and enjoy a traditional lunch at one of our favourite family-owned restaurants, located deep in the countryside. You’ll be glad you took a morning off from sunbathing to soak up some of the island’s hidden treasures with us!
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of three travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for three travellers.
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Highlights
- Explore three of the island’s most beautiful waterfalls in one day
- Visit a typical Dominican home and chat with the family about local life here
- Learn about the pilgrimage of the Holy Christ of Bayaguana and make a pilgrimage to the striking colonial church
- Enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch in the heart of the lush countryside
- Taste the Dominican Republic’s intoxicating national drink, Mamajuana, which is made with rum, red wine and honey, and left to soak with tree bark and local herbs
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Schedule details
- Duration: 7 hours
- Pickup location:
We can pick you up at any hotel or private address in Santo Domingo City, near the Santo Domingo Cruise Terminal or the Sans Souci Cruise Terminal. Please provide your pick-up address when you book your tour.
- Pickup time: 8.30 AM
- Drop off location:
We can drop you off at the starting point, or any hotel or private address or cruise terminal in Santo Domingo City. Please provide your drop-off address when you book your tour.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, one bottle of water, Dominican lunch as described in the itinerary, waterfall tickets, one beer or soda, one Dominican coffee, Mamajuana tasting, two milk treats.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Your tour begins in spectacular fashion, with a visit to one of the island’s most picturesque waterfalls, which just so happens to be in the heart of a beautiful rainforest. A short hike will transport you to Socoa Waterfall, where the emerald colour of the pool beckons those who visit to enjoy a refreshing dip!
After cooling off underneath one of nature’s wonders, we’re going to absorb some local culture now, with a stop at a typical rural house, where you will learn about the laidback Dominican lifestyle in the rural centre of the island.
We’ll then head to the village of Bayaguana, one of the most important pilgrimage centres in the country and visit the Holy Christ of Bayaguana at the colonial church. We’ll also make a stop nearby to try some local milk treats.
From here we will have another dip, this time at Comatillo Waterfalls, and admire the breathtaking natural beauty of this diverse island.
Next up, we’ll take a scenic drive through the tropical countryside to the heart of the island to meet the locals and explore their colourful homes. We’ll also make a stop at our third and final waterfall of the day, the Salto Alto Waterfall.
These are all our favourite waterfalls, surrounded by lush forest with a lake large enough for a good swim.
You will have built up quite an appetite by now, so we’ll finish your day of nature and culture with lunch at a charming family restaurant where you’ll taste real Dominican food from the countryside. You will try two of our national dishes, el sancocho (a thick soup made with lots of vegetables and meat) and la bandera (Rice, beans, salad and meat), and of course, our Dominican beer, covered with white bridal dress (that means in a frosted bottle). Plus, we’ll try mamajuana, a local speciality you’re sure to love!
After lunch, your tour guide will take you back to your hotel or some other centrally located spot. Before you go, don’t forget to ask for more tips on what else to see, do and eat during your vacation.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of three travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for three travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, one bottle of water, Dominican lunch as described in the itinerary, waterfall tickets, one beer or soda, one Dominican coffee, Mamajuana tasting, two milk treats.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: Please bring a hat or cap, sunglasses, bathing suit, towel, change of dry clothes.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pick up hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours. If you make your last minutes booking, you should call to our local hotline number to check the availability
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@santodomingourbanadventures.com
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Local contact
Office phone number: +1 809 770 8953 & +1 829 2857733
Email address: info@santodomingourbanadventures.com
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