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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Great tour with José. I highly recommend José. He does a terrific job and is very knowledgeable. We will book him for our next visit. 
A TripAdvisor Member3 years ago - A great tour of Dominican life As part of a large group, we hired Jose to give us a tour of Santo Dominica. He was very... read moreAs part of a large group, we hired Jose to give us a tour of Santo Dominica. He was very accommodating and knowledgeable. While we did many tourist things including a trike tour and visit to the caves. My favorite part of the tour was getting to visit where locals enjoyed food and drink. I would definitely recommend this tour!! read less
Sean G3 years ago - Incredible tour at an incredible price! This tour was amazing! A blend of both the historical elements of the city as well as the natural elements... read moreThis tour was amazing! A blend of both the historical elements of the city as well as the natural elements found at the National Park. The Los Tres Ojos park was simply breathtaking and our tour guide (Rainer) brought us to see another area of the caves where a 4th lake is. He even discussed the films that have used footage from this area including the original Jurassic Park. It was amazing how some of the lakes seemed to glow a bright teal when the sunlight hit them. Rainer's extensive knowledge of the historical buildings and areas of the city was also excellent. He described the city and his country with such pride and passion. It was exciting to hear about the history from someone who so clearly loves to share it with others. I cannot believe the price of this tour considering how much you are able to see and experience. My only word of warning, when you are leaving the Los Tres Ojos, there are many vendors set up who will instantly harass you and try to get you to buy things. The prices are ridiculous and they are very aggressive. I ended up buying a couple of things just to satisfy them and leave but when my friend politely declined (at least 20 times), the second she turned around, I saw them sneer at her and start speaking very "rudely" about her. They assumed we couldn't understand... This tour was amazing! A blend of both the historical elements of the city as well as the natural elements found at the National Park. The Los Tres Ojos park was simply breathtaking and our tour guide (Rainer) brought us to see another area of the caves where a 4th lake is. He even discussed the films that have used footage from this area including the original Jurassic Park. It was amazing how some of the lakes seemed to glow a bright teal when the sunlight hit them. Rainer's extensive knowledge of the historical buildings and areas of the city was also excellent. He described the city and his country with such pride and passion. It was exciting to hear about the history from someone who so clearly loves to share it with others. I cannot believe the price of this tour considering how much you are able to see and experience.My only word of warning, when you are leaving the Los Tres Ojos, there are many vendors set up who will instantly harass you and try to get you to buy things. The prices are ridiculous and they are very aggressive. I ended up buying a couple of things just to satisfy them and leave but when my friend politely declined (at least 20 times), the second she turned around, I saw them sneer at her and start speaking very "rudely" about her. They assumed we couldn't understand and continued to say some pretty awful things until our group left. Just be prepared for that. (Not the fault of Rainer or the tour). Again, if you are looking for a way to see a large amount of landmarks and take in the beauty of the city at a very small price, do yourself a favor and book this tour! More read less
shepdep2 years ago -
Walking food tour This was a very interesting experience. I wasn’t expecting to go to a Chinatown but as my wonderful guide Lewis... read moreThis was a very interesting experience. I wasn’t expecting to go to a Chinatown but as my wonderful guide Lewis explained the food reflects the history. He told me about immigration policies and their influence on food. The tour was good but when I explained I was having trouble with ATMs he went above and beyond helpful. He took me to banks I didn’t know about. He took me back to the office to ring the card centre. He didn’t leave me until it was resolved. As an older woman travelling solo with only English it can be very stressful dealing with problems. Lewis was calm and courteous. Thank you again Lewis. You are the best More read less 
Curiosity640478690352 years ago
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