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.
83 Tours and Activities | All Santo Domingo Tours
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Santo Domingo Colonial City walking tour
2
The Alcazar of Diego Columbus, the Cathedral, Royal Houses Museum, Ozama Fort, a number of first institutions formed in the Americas, monastery, convent, university, hospital, and other very early 16th century institutions are explained from outside by a historian and researcher getting into the reasons of their formations and evolutions. Follow the footsteps of the Columbus and the conquerors actions to the indigenous and Spanish population; understand the administrative foundations and the architectural and art beginnings of an entire continent and where the first slaves in the Americas were sold and how life was back then in the colony, like convents stretegic roles .
The city captured by British, pirates and corsairs, French, Haitian, and Americans aces expectations. See landmarks, film locations, and centennial urban transformation and modern ways of businesses too.
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From
$189.75
per group
From
$189.75
per group
10-12 Hours Private Punta Cana Dune Buggies Adventure from Santo Domingo Tour
9
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
$179.99
$20.00 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$179.99
$20.00 savings
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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Transport from Santo Domingo Airport to Punta Cana Hotels
Ground transportation is an essential part of any travel, and in case of airport transfers, it’s also the “small thing” giving you first impression of your destination and setting the mood for the whole trip.
The trendy idea to share and contribute to a local community and small businesses also makes many people to search the Internet for a good, affordable, regional choice. Being meet and great on arrival feels really wonderful, but how to select proper people or reliable company?
Transfers that creates modern, safe and very easy to use booking engine, logistics management, and multi-lingual customer support.
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From
$106.67
From
$106.67
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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Santo Domingo to La Romana transfer
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!
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From
$101.34
per group
From
$101.34
per group
Colonial Santo Domingo and hidden natural beauties City Tour
3
We will take you to the 15th century Santo Domingo called Zona Colonial where we will visit amazing locations for photos and enter some of the most amazing museums.
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From
$120.00
$8.20 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$120.00
$8.20 savings
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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Bayaguana Countryside Safari by Runners Adventures
5
Leave the beach crowds behind on a full-day cultural excursion to the Bayaguana Countryside where you visit a sugarcane plantation, explore the historic streets of Bayaguana, and take a cool dip in the clear waters of the Salto Alto Waterfalls. Your tour includes easy transportation in a safari truck, a Dominican buffet lunch at a countryside ranch, and hotel pickup and drop-off around Boca Chica and Juan Dolio.
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From
$81.03
From
$81.03
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private transfer from Santo Domingo to Punta Cana (one way)
4
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
Shared Round-Trip Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport
1
Pre-book your transfers to and from Santo Domingo International Airport and enjoy a hassle- free transportation!
Plan ahead and book your Santo Domingo round-trip airport transfer in advance to enjoy a convenient, efficient and stress-free way to start and end your vacation.
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From
$26.00
From
$26.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Monkeyland & Plantation Safari Full Day from Juan Dolio
A guided tour that allows you to interact in close proximity to our beautiful and friendly squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland and visit a typical Dominican house where you learn more about our culture and way of living.
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From
$81.03
From
$81.03
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Santo Domingo transfer to downtown (one-way private)
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
Shared Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotel
1
When you arrive at Santo Domingo 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 La Romana, Bayahibe, Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, Juan Dolio, Boca Chica, Santo Domingo city, Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Samana or Las Terrenas.
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From
$13.00
From
$13.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Private Transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Bayahibe
1
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
$109.00
per group
From
$109.00
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
Santo Domingo City Tours Full Day From Punta Cana
Get a comprehensive tour of Santo Domingo with round-trip transportation from Punta Cana, which means no need to rent a car. Stroll the streets of El Conde, where you can take in the art and architecture, history and culture. Stop for a buffet lunch featuring typical Dominican food, then head for the historic cave of Los Tres Ojos.
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From
$92.63
From
$92.63
Full Day City Tour Santo Domingo
Immerse yourself in the history of the Dominican Republic's first city on this history-focused tour. You'll spend a full day exploring the city highlights with a guide to enrich your experience, providing commentary and navigation. Sites visited include the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, the Casas Reales, the Cathedral, Colon Park. Calle de las Camas, El Conde, and others.
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From
$90.00
From
$90.00
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
Private Round-Trip Transfer: Santo Domingo City International Airport (12 - 15)
Pre-book your private transfers to and from Santo Domingo International Airport and enjoy a hassle- free transportation!
Plan ahead and book your Santo Domingo 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
$672.00
per group
From
$672.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More
Santo Domingo Airport Transfer (Airport to Santo Domingo) ROUND-TRIP
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! The ROUND-TRIP transfer is included.
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
- ROUND TRIP TRANSFER
Benefit from our best offers today and book your arrival transfer from Santo Domingo Airport to Santo Domingo City.
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From
$178.72
per group
From
$178.72
per group
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
Santo Domingo to Punta Cana transfer
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.
…More
From
$201.60
per group
From
$201.60
per group
Private Transfer From Las Americas Inter. Airport to La Romana Cruise Port
5
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.
…More
From
$140.00
per group
From
$140.00
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
Private Transfer From Santo Domingo City to La Romana Cruise Port
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.
…More
From
$175.00
per group
From
$175.00
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
Private Arrival Transfer: Santo Domingo International Airport to Hotels (1 - 4)
For a hassle-free way to begin your vacation or business trip in Santo Domingo, book a private airport arrival transfer.
Avoid public transportation or long taxi lines with this convenient, door-to-door transportation service, which takes you from Santo Domingo International Airport to your hotel.
Transfer services are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
This private transfer is for individuals or private groups of up to 4 people.
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From
$40.00
per group
From
$40.00
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 La Romana Cruise Port to Las Americas Inter. Airport
2
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.
…More
From
$140.00
per group
From
$140.00
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
Private Santo Domingo Airport (SDQ) Transfers To La Romana & Bayahibe Hotels
Santo Domingo airport (SDQ) private airport shuttle transfer transportation, VIP suburban or cadillac service, taxi, uber, to La Romana & Bayahibe hotels in Dominican Republic , Our main Objective is to give our travelers the best transportation services. Our fleet of transportation are late model vehicles with air conditioning. We believe security, satisfaction, punctuality, good hygiene vehicles , good customer service communication 24/7, is what makes us , #1 in the Dominican airport transfers business.
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From
$122.67
per group
From
$122.67
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Round Mountain with Macao Beach from Santo Domingo
Montaña Redonda is the name giving to this amazing place in Miches, Dominican Republic with amazing views, where you can swing or flight on a broom, what's gonna be?
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From
$249.00
Price varies by group size
From
$249.00
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
Learn More
Private Airport Transfer: Las Americas Int. Airport (SDQ) to Santo Domingo
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!
…More
From
$23.53
Price varies by group size
From
$23.53
Price varies by group size
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Learn More