Private Tour: Waterfalls and Culture of Monte Plata
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!
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
Full Itinerary
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.
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.
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@dominicananadventures.tours
Note that the food samples may vary from tour to tour depending on what is available that day
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DepartureWe 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 the tour
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Departure Time8:30 AM
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Return Time3:30 PM
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IncludedLocal English-speaking guidePrivate TransportationOne bottle of waterDominican lunch as described in the itineraryWaterfall ticketsOne beer or sodaOne Dominican coffeeMamajuana tastingTwo milk treats
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Not IncludedAdditional food and drinksSouvenirs and personal shoppingTips/gratuities for your guide
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Maps
Testimonials
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Very good tour that gives a real feel of the city and the little hidden corners It was an excellent tour with a very knowledgeable, friendly and experienced guide (Luis). The tour was so good that... read moreIt was an excellent tour with a very knowledgeable, friendly and experienced guide (Luis). The tour was so good that I decided to do another one for the evening. read less 
Reshmi T3 years ago -
Ana C4 years ago - BEST TOUR AND TOUR GUIDE, period!!! My friend and I went on a Santo Domingo Private City Tour...it was excellent! Jose Uribe proudly showed us his... read moreMy friend and I went on a Santo Domingo Private City Tour...it was excellent! Jose Uribe proudly showed us his city with excellent stories connected to the sights. Our experience at Lago Los Tres Oros probably was my favorite stop, even getting a chance to pull the underground boat across water to explore another section in the cavern. If you decide to visit Santo Domingo before or after a cruise, please consider contacting Jose for a city tour...you won't be disappointed! read less
Tamara M5 years ago - What a wonderful cultural exerience! Jose (my friend) you are the best!!! When I started planning our honeymoon trip, I wanted to include a true cultural experience, in our plans. We had... read moreWhen I started planning our honeymoon trip, I wanted to include a true cultural experience, in our plans. We had reservations at a very nice all inclusive resort in Punta Cana, but I know (from experience) these type places actually kind of shield you from the true flavor, culture and experience of the country they are supposed to represent. So, I set out to find an experienced and highly regarded local guide. Using the internet and friending several people on FB, I found several people that had wonderful experiences with Mr. Jose. After contacting and discussing what I was looking for myself and Wife to experience, I felt I could not go wrong. Well, I was SO right. Jose is a fine gentleman and true steward of his fine country. His knowledge and passion is second to none. We only had a day to go to the city and he utilized every second of our day to the fullest! He gifted me with exactly what I had asked him to provide, a true taste of The Dominican Republic. The city, the rich colonial history, the forest, a waterfall (that we had all to our selves), a wonderful little rural town (where we dined on very authentic, amazing food with locals), some freshly prepared milk candy that was to die for and all the history and local flavor that we could soak in, within the 12 hours we spent together. We... When I started planning our honeymoon trip, I wanted to include a true cultural experience, in our plans. We had reservations at a very nice all inclusive resort in Punta Cana, but I know (from experience) these type places actually kind of shield you from the true flavor, culture and experience of the country they are supposed to represent. So, I set out to find an experienced and highly regarded local guide. Using the internet and friending several people on FB, I found several people that had wonderful experiences with Mr. Jose. After contacting and discussing what I was looking for myself and Wife to experience, I felt I could not go wrong. Well, I was SO right. Jose is a fine gentleman and true steward of his fine country. His knowledge and passion is second to none. We only had a day to go to the city and he utilized every second of our day to the fullest! He gifted me with exactly what I had asked him to provide, a true taste of The Dominican Republic. The city, the rich colonial history, the forest, a waterfall (that we had all to our selves), a wonderful little rural town (where we dined on very authentic, amazing food with locals), some freshly prepared milk candy that was to die for and all the history and local flavor that we could soak in, within the 12 hours we spent together. We so enjoyed ourselves that I am already planning to bring my 17 year old stepson and stay in the city, so we have more time to soak up the beautiful Dominican culture. That day was truly one of the most memorable I've ever had traveling and to top it all off, we gained a new friend. Muchos gracias amigo, Brian K Pinsonat & Angela T PinsonatHope to see you soon! More read less
C2472GMbrianp4 years ago
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