Overview

There's no place quite like the Dominican Republic. As part of the Tropic of Cancer, the Dominican Republic has a breathtaking topography.

The Dominican Repulic occupies the eastern two thirds of a large, central Caribbean island; it is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south and shares a western border with Haiti. 

Mountains, valleys and beaches make up the diverse photogenic land. Three large mountain ranges run through the island, including the nearly two-mile high peak of Antilles. In fact, nearly half of the island is taken up by the large mountain ranges that run through it. The Dominican Republic also has the lowest point in the Caribbean, Lake Enriquillo. It is one of many lakes, lagoons and rivers that accompany the Dominican Republic’s 1000 miles of beautiful Caribbean beaches. 

The character of the island is also unique. That’s because its history is the result of an unlikely mixture of influences; nowhere else will you find a blending of European, African, and native Taíno Indian cultures.  These distinct cultures still drive the social identity of the people today. Every aspect of their food, music, art, sports and religion provides a unique insight into the development of their country. In a single day you can experience both ancient and modern cultures from around the globe. 

Accommodation

Tropica Casa Laguna

3 Star

Casa Laguna is situated only 50m from the beach and is set amid tropical gardens. It is directly oposite the Beach Club and was fully renovated in 2003.

The hotel offers 120 rooms, all with private facilities, and garden views. Three restaurants serving International, Mexican and Italian are available, together with 2 bars.  There are four swimming pools for relaxation during the afternoons in the heat of the day. There is a meeting room at the groups disposal and activities also include a volleyball pitch.

Rancho Baiguate

3 Star

Rancho Baiguate is located in the valley of Jarabocoa, which stands 500m above sea level in the Central Mountains. Cool temperatures, the longest river of the Caribbean and the highest peak make this a unique experience.

The accommodation offers cabin style rooms, a large swimming pool, buffet restaurant, and bar with a gift shop and art gallery. For relaxation there in a table tennis area, volleyball court, softball field and basketball court.

The ranch was awarded the “Green Button” as an ecological enterprise by the Ministry of Tourism. The ethos of the ranch is to uphold the philosophy of upholding and respecting the ecological values of its surroundings; food is harvested from their own gardens and orchards, Rooms have been built with non-toxic materials and the ranch established the first biological treatment facility for its waste on the island. It re-forests its own lands with species native to the area.

Hotel Europa

3 Star

The Hotel Europa is located in the heart of the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo, dripping in history and dating back to the time of Christopher Columbus. The hotel maintains many of its original features, standing out for the exquisite detail and design of its balconies with the characteristic ironwork of the period. The present owners have remodelled but sought to preserve the original architecture, including the lovely floor work, considered to be the heritage of colonial architecture.
The hotel services include restaurant, bars, convention rooms, business and Internet Centre, travel and tourism agency. All guest rooms are decorated in an antique style, combining colonial atmosphere and modern conveniences. In room facilities include: Mahogany furniture, air conditioning, safety deposit box, bathroom amenities, cable television and telephone.

Sample Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive Santo Domingo Airport
  Transfer to Cabarete, approx 3.5 hours
  Check –in to the 3* Hotel Tropical Casa Laguna
• Day 2

  Morning orientation meeting with fluent English speaking guide
  Tour of Cabarete town
  Lunch (included)
  Afternoon for relaxation or optional activities
• Day 3

  AM Transfer to Camu and El Muñoz Communities to commence projects
  Meet with Rotary Club Members for orientation and explanation of works to be undertaken.
  Spend 3 hours in the communities
  PM Return transfer to Cabarete
  Lunch (included) and free time
• Day 4 - 6

  AM Transfer to Camu and El Muñoz for community work projects, 3 hours
  PM Transfer to Cabarete
  Lunch (included) and free time
• Day 7

  AM transfer to Jarabacoa, Mountain Resort
  Stops en-route at Ceramic Factory and Coffee Plantation
  Arrive Rancho Baiguate
  Orientation Meeting
  Lunch (included)
  Free time for Horseback riding or Mountain Biking
  Overnight
• Day 8

  Morning guided walk to forest and waterfalls
  Lunch (included)
  Free time for outdoor activities
  Overnight
   
• Day 9

  Morning departure for Santiago
  City tour and visit to the Centro de la Cultura
  Lunch (not included)
  Return to Cabarete
  Overnight
• Day 10 and 11

  AM Transfer to Camu and El Muñoz for community work projects, 3 hours
  PM Transfer to Cabarete
  Lunch (included) and free time
• Day 12

  AM Transfer to Camu and El Muñoz for community work projects, 3 hours
  PM Transfer to Cabarete
  Lunch (included)
  Transfer to Santo Domingo
  Overnight
• Day 13

  Morning bus tour of Santo Domingo
  Lunch (not included)
  Free time in the afternoon to visit Colonial Zone and shopping
  Overnight
• Day 14

  Departure for the Airport for return flight to the UK and onward journey to school.

  Please note that depending upon flight times it is likely that the group will return the day after departure, Day 15.

Further Information

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR TOUR:

TRANSFERS

• 1 Return airport transfer from Santo Domingo to Cabarete.
• 7 return trips to the communities of Camu and El Munoz
• 1 return trip Cabarete to Jarbacoa - Santiago - Cabarete
• 1 half day city tour Santo Domingo
• 1 transfer from Santo Domingo to airport

GUIDE SERVICES:

• 2 Airport transfers
• 1 Orientation meeting of the island and tour of Cabarete town
• 7 Days of English speaking assistance in Munoz and Cabu
• 1 Outward transfer Cabarete to Jarabacoa including stops at Ceramic Factory and Coffee Plantation en-route.
• 1 Return transfer from Jarabacoa stopping in Santiago for a city tour and visit to the Centro de Cultura.
• 1 Morning forest walk in mountains of Jarabacoa including visit to WaterfallJimenoa
• 1 Transfer Cabarete to Santo Domingo
• 1 Morning walking tour of Colonial Zone

ENTRANCES INCLUDED:

• Coffee Plantation
• Jimenoa Falls
• Centre de Cultura Santiago
• Santo Domingo Museums

ADDITIONAL / OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOT INCLUDED

We aim to provide a core itinerary that everyon can enjoy. However we also recognise that some participants may want to experience additional activities.  The options and approximate prices are below; they are reserved for the group in advance and payable locally.

•  Windsurfing, Cabarete Beach – starting from US$25.00 for 1 hour
• Boogie Board, Cabarete Beach – US$10.00 board hire for 1 hour
• Surfing, Cabarete Beach – starting from US$15.00 half day
• Kayak, Cabarete Beach – starting from US$5.00
• Mountain Biking, Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa – approx US$25.00pp Four selected routes within the mountain area of Jarabacoa, graded on level of effort.
• Horse riding or Jeep Hire, Rancho Baiguate, Jarabacoa – starting from US$20.00pp
• Ride by horse or jeep to the Baiguate or Jimenoa Waterfall (25mtr / 35mtr) surrounded by nature at its finest. Time to swim in the natural pools. Lunch is also included in the price.

THE COMMUNITIES:

EL MUNOZ COMMUNITY PROJECT

El Muñoz is located in the countryside of Puerto Plata. A mixed community of Dominicans and Haitians, there is much need for development and assistance. The Rotary Club of Puerto Plata has aided this community and has various on-going projects for improvement.
The students will spend 3/4 days in the El Muñoz Community, dedicating the majority of their time to repairing the school building and its grounds. Their activities will include painting, tending the grounds and general repairs that are required to maintain the school facilities.
The school will be officially closed for summer break which allows the students to work with ease. At the same time this allows them to mix with the locals including the school children who undoubtedly will be curious and excited in getting to know their new foreign friends! The students would be at the school/community in the mornings, approx 09.00hrs to 12.30hrs.

CAMU COMMUNITY PROJECT

Camu is situated in the hills of Puerto Plata, on the mountain road to Santiago de los Caballeros. This is a small country community with very limited resources and in need of much assistance, similar to El Muñoz Community.
The students would spend 3/4 days in Camu, assisting and improving the school facilities and local community developments. They would spend the mornings here, approx 09.00hr s to 12.30hrs.

These are examples of two community projects; there are many more communities that need assistance on the island.