Christopher Columbus History in Santo Domingo
Spanish explore Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola (which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti) on his first voyage in 1492, and Santo Domingo was founded by his brother Bartholemy in 1496. The largest city in the Caribbean and the oldest continuously inhabited location in the Americas, Santo Domingo has a modern feel mixed with some of the first outposts of the New World. Here are some top sites that speak to the city’s history.
Columbus Alcazar (Alcázar de Colón)
The entire Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Alcazar is one of the highlights. The building was completed in 1512 and was once the home of Diego Columbus (son of Christopher Columbus), who acted as Governor of Hispaniola, and his wife María de Toledo. The couple’s bedrooms, grand entertaining hall, and intricate inlaid floors are well preserved.
Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon)
The exact location of Christopher Columbus’ remains are unknown. Some believe he is buried in a tomb in Seville Cathedral in Southern Spain, while others swear that the mausoleum here at the Columbus Lighthouse (Faro a Colon) is his final resting place. Whatever the case, this huge cross-shaped 10-story building, finished in the 1990s to mark 500 years since the 1492 discovery, is an atmospheric memorial to the great days of exploration.
Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor (Catedral Primera de América)
A lasting reminder of the historically close relationship between the Catholic church and the Spanish state, the Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor was built during the 1500s by a succession of architects. The building that stands today is a combination of Gothic, Romanesque, and baroque styles, and plays its own role in the history of Santo Domingo: The English explorer Francis Drake used the cathedral as his headquarters while briefly gaining possession of the city in the 1580s.
95 Tours and Activities | All Santo Domingo Tours
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Saona Island Day Trip from Santo Domingo
9
Sail the Caribbean Sea for a day trip to the beautiful Saona Island! Get on a catamaran or speedboat and sail through the crystal clear waters and visit the Natural Pool with photos with the starfish to Saona Island. Savor a delicious lunch under the shade of a palm tree on the beach. Dive into the turquoise waters, play volleyball, learn to dance the meringue or simply sunbathe on the white sand beach of this paradise island.
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From
$96.00
Price varies by group size
From
$96.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Walking Tour of the Historic Area of Santo Domingo
Visit the oldest city in the New World and the first permanent settlement of Christopher Columbus after his "discovery" of the Americas. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. This incredible historic area boasts some of the oldest buildings in the New World. Top attractions include the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral in America, and the Alcazar de Colón, the former residence of Christopher Columbus's son. Other attractions include the Dominican Convent, the first monastery in the Americas, and Ozama Fortress, the oldest fortress in the New World. The Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo also has beautiful parks and squares. Parque Colón, in front of the cathedral, is the perfect place to take a break and people watch. Plaza de España is a huge square with some of the best restaurants in the area.
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From
$77.28
Price varies by group size
From
$77.28
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Adventure to the 27 Damajagua Falls from Santo Domingo
1
Your adventure begins at the main gates of the place, where you will be received and by the friendly staff that will accompany you on the tour. A narrated rural tour will take you to Damajagua "base camp" located within a tropical forest. Immersed in the beautiful landscape of the "Cordillera Central", the "Salto de la Damajagua" and its 27 waterfalls are part of the system of a protected area of the Dominican Republic. This natural monument of the Damajagua River is made up of 27 pools of water of various sizes.
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From
$183.86
Price varies by group size
From
$183.86
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana & Viceversa (one way)
6
With Pleasant Tours and Travels you have the option of booking a private transportation on an air conditioned minivan from Santo Domingo city to any place in Punta Cana and Bavaro area for up to 6 people. This air conditioned shuttle will take you straight to your final destination avoiding stopping at different places to drop off different people.
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From
$169.00
per group
From
$169.00
per group
Full Day to Catalina Island in Catamaran with Snorkeling
2
We will board a water boat on board where we will enjoy the landscape of departure from the Romana dock where we will stop at the coral bank and do dives to snorkel for 55 min and also See the impressive fall that extends to the Caribbean Sea and learn about close to the colors of the coral and the vibrant fish that inhabit the Wall. then we go to Catalina Island. You will have free time to swim in the turquoise waters, enjoy a little more snorkeling of impressive reefs and beaches on Catalina Island. the open bar and the sun. During the day you can enjoy merengue, bachata, beer shots and cuba libre and live sport animation and where an open Bar of National Drinks awaits us.
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From
$142.37
Price varies by group size
From
$142.37
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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All-Inclusive Cayo Arena Day trip from Santo Domingo
5
With this experience you will be able to experience firsthand what few can do when coming to Santo Domingo to enter the natural beauties that the north of the country offers, and return in time for dinner. Enjoy comfortable transport with breakfast included in the road, your eyes can see because it is known as Cayo Paraiso (Paradise Cay) to this beautiful destination.
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From
$427.50
$22.50 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$427.50
$22.50 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Private Transfer from SDQ Airport in Santo Domingo to Samaná
1
private service
door to door
always on time
friendly drivers
always online via whatsapp and email
safety and comfort
new and clean vehicles
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From
$186.00
per group
From
$186.00
per group
Cocoa trail and making of chocolate tour from Santo Domingo
During a tour of approximately 2 hours we will see the cocoa process until it is turned into chocolate.
We will start the tour with a hot chocolate, while we see the sowing, cutting and extraction of the fruit, then the fermentation and drying process. We will also have the opportunity to see the chocolate process until it is packed and we can even choose a mold to create a chocolate figure of our own taste.
After this we will have a delicious typical lunch.
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From
$357.95
Price varies by group size
From
$357.95
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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10-12 Hours Private Punta Cana Dune Buggies Adventure from Santo Domingo Tour
10
With this experience you will be able to experience firsthand what few can do when staying in Santo Domingo going to our most visited part of the island which is Punta Cana where we can live the adventure of going through plantations, caves swallow by water and enjoy the beautiful beach of Macao all this in an amazing journey on a dune buggie.
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From
$245.00
Price varies by group size
From
$245.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Hiking and Cave Swimming Nature Tour in National Park of the East
4
Our National Park of the East private nature tour gets you away from the hustle and bustle and into pristine forest with the best local nature guides around. Our 1.5 hour nature walk takes you through one of the most pristine forests in the Dominican Republic and visits several caves, one of which you can go swimming in. Our adventure begins on the outskirts of the quiet fishing town of Bayahibe, where people have lived and fished for over 1,000 years. Once in the area we set out on a light hike into the beautiful National Park of the East, a vast dry tropical forest and one of the largest parks in the country. We spend the morning exploring the trails and then swimming at a spectacular cave just off trail. Next, we enjoy a delicious Dominican style lunch prepared by a local family in the nearby sea side community of Bayahibe. After lunch we explore the beautiful village a bit and take you to some of our favorite spots in town before heading back.
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From
$194.88
Price varies by group size
From
$194.88
Price varies by group size
Private Boat Nature Tour of Los Haitises National Park
1
Magical private boat tour in one of our most amazing nature preserves, Los Haitises National Park. Explore our largest mangrove forest, visit large caves with indigenous art, see a wide variety of wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking views of the large limestone cliffs and small islands that dot this spectacular coastline. Afterwards, we visit the historic fishing village of Sabana de la Mar for a delicious Dominican style lunch. An unforgettable day mixed with nature, history and culture.
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From
$179.49
Price varies by group size
From
$179.49
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Nature Tour of the Waterfalls of the Monte Plata Rainforest
Our private waterfalls of the Monte Plata rain forest tour takes you about an hour from the city to a lush tropical rain forest and 2 spectacular waterfalls found there, Salto de Socoa and Sierra de Agua. At both spots you can swim in the cool and clean waters of the river or simply enjoy the amazing beauty and peace of the lush tropical rain forest. After spending the morning at the Socoa Falls, set off on a short scenic drive through the countryside on our way to the second waterfall, on route we enjoy a typical Dominican style lunch prepared by locals.
Next, a short 10 minute drive takes to our grand finale, the spectacular Sierra de Agua Waterfalls. This beautiful protected waterfall is made up of three side by side 50 foot waterfalls that create a crystal clear pool of water perfect for enjoying a refreshing dip. Visiting this region provides you with a unique opportunity to see a part of the real Dominican Republic that not many tourists get to see.
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From
$153.85
Price varies by group size
From
$153.85
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe
2
If you came from local and international areas then you can get transfer service from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe Hotels. This service will enable you to easily reach Bayahibe hotels where you will stay.
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From
$105.00
per group
From
$105.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Shared Transportation From/To Punta Cana International Airport.
15
Forget paying excessive taxi cab fares. Ensure peace of mind by booking your Punta Cana airport transfer in advance.
Start with a pickup from your Dominican Republic hotel and travel to Punta Cana International Airport in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan.
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From
$29.00
From
$29.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Shared Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to differents Hotel Zones
Enjoy a high-quality service, you can choose a shared transfer one way or round trip departing from Santo Domingo airport, you can choose between 3 hotel zones Santo Domingo, La Romana/Bayahibe, or Punta Cana.
MAKE SURE that the chosen section CORRESPONDS to the location of your hotel to guarantee a smooth service.
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From
$19.50
From
$19.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Punta Cana Dune Buggy Adventure from Santo Domingo with lunch
3
Our Buggies Macao excursion is one of the best-selling tours in the Dominican Republic Hotels and This tour takes the buggy ride to a new level in Macao, Make your way through the holes of Pantanos, through the towns and typical houses of Bávaro, Visiting Taina cave hole through the beaches and sands of Macau and put yourself to the test on all-terrain tracks. This is the best off-road experience, and you can only participate in this event in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! Drive your own 1600cc buggy complete with 5 Point seat belts, Safety cages, arm guards, comfortable racing bucket seats and bandanas to not breathe and protect you from any inappropriate respiratory activity in the jungle. Ready for an exciting off-road trip?
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From
$158.64
Price varies by group size
From
$158.64
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Arrival Private Transfer: Santo Domingo Airport SDQ to Santo Domingo by Minivan
1
Why spend your precious time waiting in long shuttle or taxi lines. Avoid the language barrier and currency exchange. Travel in style from Santo Domingo Airport SDQ to your Hotel in Santo Domingo City Center by private vehicle and reach your final destination relaxed and refreshed.
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From
$51.23
Price varies by group size
From
$51.23
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Santo Domingo Airport Arrival Transfer(Airport to Santo Domingo Hotel or Address
PRICE SHOWN IS PER VEHICLE .
Book your private arrival transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to any Hotel or Address in Santo Domingo city today!
Our driver will meet&greet you at the airport with a sign with the lead passenger name and take you to your car. We will then transfer you directly to your destination in Santo Domingo City.
What is included (final rates with no surprises):
- NO HIDDEN CHARGES
- PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS
- FREE CANCELLATION UP TO 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL
- MEET&GREET SERVICE (Our driver will wait you in the arrivals hall with a sign with the lead passenger name)
- TOLLS INCLUDED
- 60 Minutes free waiting time.
Benefit from our best offers today and book your arrival transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Santo Domingo Hotel or address.
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From
$87.91
per group
From
$87.91
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Santo Domingo transfer to downtown (one-way private)
1
Proud member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame | Winner of 7 consecutive TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence! | Founded in 1994, we have a 25-year proven track record for reliability! | All our vans have a/c so comfortable ride! | Last-minute availability often available! | Door to door service. We pick you up as you exit the terminal building and drop you off at the hotel lobby! | Includes all taxes and tolls.
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From
$44.80
per group
From
$44.80
per group
Private Airport Transfer: Las Americas Int. Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo
1
Book here your safe and reliable Private Airport Transfer from Las Americas International Airport (SDQ) to your hotel or destination within the Santo Domingo city area.
Our service operates across 150+ countries and 1500+ airports with an excellent customer satisfaction rating of 9/10 based on 35k+ reviews.
- Fixed price with no hidden costs after booking.
- Modern cars only.
- Certified professional drivers.
- Meet&Greet Service: We welcome you at the airport arrivals hall holding a board with your name.
- 24/7 Customer Support (English, German, Spanish, French, Dutch and Portuguese).
- Your flight is delayed? We wait for you up to 90min with no extra charge!
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From
$23.13
Price varies by group size
From
$23.13
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo hotels - Arrival Private Transfer
Book your private transfer from Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo any hotel or adress.
Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination.
• Meeting with a Nameplate
• We track your Flight
• Door-to-door Service
• No Hidden Charges
• Clean cars & Professional drivers
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From
$10.78
From
$10.78
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Round-Trip Transfer: Santo Domingo City International Airport (1 - 4)
2
Pre-book your private transfers to and from Santo Domingo International Airport and enjoy a hassle- free transportation!
Plan ahead and book your Punta Cana round-trip private airport transfer in advance to enjoy a convenient, efficient and stress-free way to start and end your vacation.
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From
$80.00
per group
From
$80.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Private Transfer From Las Americas Inter. Airport to Santo Domingo City
1
Punta Brazilis is a tourist transport company in the Dominican Republic. With the concept of giving our customers the maximum satisfaction in their transfers to any part of the country. Our services are comfortable, safe and punctual; with a trained and responsible team. Our rates are the best and most competitive in the country.
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From
$38.00
per group
From
$38.00
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Shared Transportation From/To Punta Cana International Airport.
1
When you arrive at Punta Cana International Airport, don't get bogged down with rental cars and maps. Take the easy way, by booking this speedy airport transfer service!
Enjoy convenient transport from the airport to your hotel in Santo Domingo.
…More
From
$42.00
From
$42.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More