Colonial Zone Tour: Explore Historic Santo Domingo

Embark on a full-day shared tour to Santo Domingo and immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of the Dominican Republic. Explore historic sites, visit the colonial zone, enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch, and discover local products.

Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The 3 Eyes National Park - In this national park, you’ll discover one of the city’s best-kept natural secrets: its four lakes:
  1. Sulfur Lake: The first lake visible upon entry, named for the whitish substance at its bottom, which was once thought to be sulfur.

  2. Ladies’ Lake: Previously used as a spa, this shallow lake was reserved for women due to its discreet location. It reaches a depth of 2.5 meters at its deepest point.

  3. La Nevera: Named for its low temperatures, this lake never receives sunlight and maintains temperatures between 15°C and 21°C.

  4. Los Zaramagullones: The fourth lake, named after a species of native amphibious ducks. It is surrounded by impressive natural vegetation.

  • Columbus Lighthouse (Faro A Colon) - Faro A Colon is a cross-shaped monument commemorating the Christianization of the Americas, measuring approximately 800 meters long and 36.5 meters high. Although it was believed to house the remains of Admiral Christopher Columbus, genetic studies have confirmed that his remains are in the Cathedral of Seville.

When the lighthouse is lit, it projects a cross-shaped light into the night sky, visible from about 64 kilometers away. However, this powerful lighting can cause problems with the electricity supply in nearby neighborhoods, so the lighthouse is only turned on on special occasions.

  • Panteon Nacional - The National Pantheon is a mausoleum where the remains of prominent figures in the history of the Dominican Republic are preserved. The National Pantheon has around 36 empty spaces to house future heroes. There is also an empty space without a plaque, dedicated to the unknown soldier. There is a permanent honor guard, made up of members of the presidential guard, dressed in gala attire, without moving a single muscle. One of them makes a solemn round in the central corridor, which goes from the main entrance to the front of the High Altar. In it, along with the Dominican flag, the flags of the Air Force, the Navy and the Army of the Dominican Republic are displayed.
  • Parque Colon - The Parque Colón, the main place or square for recreation in the Colonial City, is surrounded by important monuments such as the Catedral Primada de America, the first City Hall of Santo Domingo, and La Calle el Conde, known for its famous restaurants.
    In the park there is a statue of Christopher Columbus erected by the French sculptor Ernesto Gilbert in 1887.
  • Palacio National - We will visit the National Palace or presidential palace and we will stop to take pictures and continue the tour
    Here is included the time it will take to move from one place to another
  • Museo De Las Casas Reales - The Museum of the Royal Houses or Royal Palaces, as it was called during the time of the captaincy general and the province, had two palaces as its headquarters, which date back to the 16th century. This royal palace was built by order of the Crown of Castile, during the reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon, on October 5, 1511, with the purpose of housing the main government offices of the time. This was called the Building of the Royal Houses, since it housed the Royal Audience, which was the first court in the New World, and was also used as the Residence of the Governors and Captains General of the time. This building served as a home for people such as Bartholomew Columbus, Louis Ferrand, among others. Important meetings or parties composed of the main figures of society of the time were held in the halls of the Royal Audience.
  • Calle Las Damas - Las Damas Street was the first street in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic and America.

Located in the Colonial City, it owes its name to the fact that at the beginning of the colonial period, ladies used to walk along this street, which is currently decorated with colonial tiles. This street’s attractions include Fortaleza Ozama, La Real Audiencia, the house of Don Rodrigo de Bastidas, the “Trampolín” children’s museum, colonial houses (some with colonial shields) and at the end, Plaza España.

Distinguished families of the colony built their houses on this street, including the Oviedo, Dávila, Heredia, Campuzano Polanco, Infante and Coca families.

  • Museo de la Gastronomía Dominicana (Mugado) - Here we will have a break to enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch! Enjoy a varied buffet full of the traditional flavors of the Dominican Republic. A culinary experience that will take you straight to the heart of the Caribbean!
What's Included
  • Lunch included
What's Not Included
  • Alcoholic Beverages
Additional Information

We begin with a meeting at the starting point coordinated with our operator until we reach the 1st point: Las Cuevas de los Tres Ojos, where you will explore its underground wonders with an expert guide. We will have a stop at the Gran Faro a Colón to take incredible photos, inaugurated by Pope John Paul II and we will visit the great Presidential Palace and other emblematic points of the Dominican Republic. We will continue the tour in the historic Colonial Zone, admiring the Alcázar de Colón, the majestic National Pantheon, and the Catedral Primada de América. We will continue with the Convent of the Dominicans, walk along Calle Las Damas and explore the Amber Museum. After immersing yourself in history, we will pause to enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch in a place full of history and local tradition, where you will learn more about the culture of the area. We will conclude our day at the local crafts and take you back to your hotel.

  • Alcoholic beverages only for adults
Location
The 3 Eyes National Park
Avenida Las Americas, Parque Nacional del Este
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(6 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Meganoo1757im
Jan 29, 2024
Fun full day tour - Very pleased with this tour! Loved every stop, lunch was good, and really enjoyed shopping downtown Santo Domingo for souvenirs. I would book this tour again!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wilfredo
Aug 9, 2023
10 out of 10 - I had an amazing time with M & E tour. It exceeded my expectations in every aspect. The tour operators were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. The itinerary was well-organized, covering the city's highlights and some hidden gems. The transportation was comfortable and the timing was perfect. I give this tour a perfect 10 out of 10. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elkin
Aug 7, 2023
Santo Domingo - Me and my family had a great time the service was great the driver and guide we awesome and funny they were telling us all about Santo Domingo and when they were talking I felt like I had lived in Santo Domingo for many years because of the way they were explaining how Santo Domingo was founded and all the beautiful places they took us to
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sherpa19823709544
Aug 7, 2023
Holy Sunday passes - It was an excellent day, very good attention, the young Castro gave us a VIP service, the bus had good air and the driver was very professional, thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Melany_h
Apr 12, 2024
Excursion - Tour guides English was poor and didn't give much useful information. Not all advertised sites were visited
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today