Road Trips in the Dominican Republic

The country’s capital, Santo Domingo, is the largest and most vibrant city in the country. It offers an amazing myriad of cultural and historical highlights. Start your journey around the city from Zona Colonial with excellent examples of colonial architecture. While sightseeing, don't forget to visit Museo Prehispánico. The city also offers stunning botanical gardens and a cave lagoon known as Los Tres Ojos.

If you are into the exploration of underwater worlds, head for the Silver Coast. With plenty of tourist resorts like Rio San Juan, El Castillo, Puerto Plata, and Dajabon, you’ll have a plethora of top-notch water sports opportunities at your disposal. 

On the Samana Peninsula, you can watch thousands of humpback whales in their natural habitat, spend some relaxing time on the pristine Playa Bonita, or admire the thundering waterfall of Salto El Limon. 

The southern part of the country is famous for its extensive sugar cane plantations. Here, you can also spend some quality time close to nature. Travel to Parque Nacional Los Haitises to see the country’s beautiful flora and fauna at its best. Be sure to also check out Punta Cana, the most popular resort town in the region. 

It’s still not enough for you? You can explore the Cordillera Central mountain range. It is a true paradise for lovers of active holidays. This part of the mountain chain can boast the highest peaks in the whole Caribbean. Visit La Vega to feel the true ambiance of a small colonial town. Its top-notch dining venues will allow you to dive into a paradise of new tastes and traditional meals.

Suggested Road Trips in the Dominican Republic

• The North Coast Road Trip: This road trip takes you along the beautiful north coast of the Dominican Republic, from the lively resort town of Puerto Plata to the historic city of Santiago de los Caballeros. Along the way, you'll pass by stunning beaches, lush forests, and quaint colonial-era towns, offering a glimpse into the diverse landscape and culture of the country.

• The Samaná Peninsula Road Trip: This road trip takes you to the breathtaking Samaná Peninsula, a peninsula in the northeast of the Dominican Republic that is home to some of the most beautiful and remote beaches in the country. From the bustling town of Samaná, you can drive along the scenic coastline, stopping at picturesque villages, secluded beaches, and cascading waterfalls along the way.

• The Mountain Adventure Road Trip: If you're looking for adventure, this road trip is for you. It takes you into the heart of the Cordillera Central mountain range, where you'll find breathtaking vistas, hidden waterfalls, and scenic roads winding through lush forests. Along the way, you can explore the charming colonial-era town of Jarabacoa, go hiking in the surrounding hills or even go white-water rafting on the Rio Yaque del Norte.

Public transport in the Dominican Republic mostly relies on bus travel. It’s an easy and affordable option for travelling around most recesses of the country. Even though there often exists a possibility to book a ticket in advance, there’s no need for that as buses are rarely overcrowded. 

However, travellers who feel a need of staying totally independent of the public transportation and time tables should definitely consider renting a car. There is a wide choice of car rental companies in the capital and at the international airport. They offer a great selection of interesting vehicles that will live up to your most demanding expectations.

The Dominican Republic follows right-hand traffic, which means that overtaking takes place on the left. That’s pretty good news for all travellers who come from a similar road environment. Generally, driving in the Dominican Republic is smooth and pleasant thanks to one of the better highway systems in the Caribbean and even the whole Central America. The roads are characterised by paved surfaces and well-maintained hard shoulders.

In order to rent a vehicle the drivers have to be older than 25 and younger than 80. It’s important to carry your driver’s licence, passport, and sometimes an International Driving Permit (depending on the country where you’re from).

There are many restrictions to follow and breaking them may result in high penalties. Remember that passengers sitting in the front and in the rear seats must wear seatbelts. When it comes to blood alcohol level the allowed amount is 0.05% in the Dominican Republic. You can only use hands-free sets for talking on the phone while driving; otherwise, you may face high fines. Interestingly, there exist no laws regulating child car seats.

While travelling around the Dominican Republic, you should summon up some patience as native motorists are known for being very undisciplined. They don’t use indicators and some of them drive very aggressively breaking the most basic traffic regulations. In the event of a car accident, you shouldn’t move your vehicles until a police patrol comes.

On highways, you can drive 120 km/h, outside built-up areas 80 km/h, and in built-up areas 40-60 km/h.

When taking a road trip in the Dominican Republic, here are some things to be aware of:

• Road conditions: Some roads in the Dominican Republic can be in poor condition, with potholes and narrow winding roads common in rural areas. Drive with caution and be prepared for slow speeds in some areas.

• Road signs and navigation: Road signs in the Dominican Republic can be limited and confusing, so consider using a GPS or map to help with navigation. It's also a good idea to plan your route in advance to avoid getting lost.

• Safety: While the Dominican Republic is generally a safe destination, it's important to exercise caution when driving, especially in urban areas where crime rates can be higher. Always keep your car doors locked and windows closed, and be aware of your surroundings when stopping at rest areas or gas stations.

• Insurance: Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for your rental car before starting your road trip, and be aware of the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.

• Speed limits: Speed limits in the Dominican Republic can be different from what you're used to, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the local regulations before you start driving.

• Local customs: Be aware of local customs and traditions, especially when driving in rural areas, where traffic laws may be loosely enforced. Always be polite and courteous to other drivers, and respect the local culture.

The best time to take a road trip in the Dominican Republic is between December and April, during the dry season. During this time, you can expect clear skies and dry roads, making it easier to navigate the country and enjoy scenic drives. The temperature is also more pleasant during this time, with average temperatures ranging from the low 80s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so you may experience heavier traffic on popular roads and in tourist areas.

The cost of a road trip in the Dominican Republic can vary depending on various factors such as the type of accommodation, dining options, and activities. Here's a rough estimate of the costs per person for a day, week, and month:

For a day, the average cost per person can range from $30 to $80, depending on your preferences. This would include a budget accommodation, local street food, and free or low-cost activities such as visiting a beach or hiking.

For a week, the average cost per person can range from $200 to $600, depending on your travel style. This would include mid-range accommodation, dining at local restaurants, and some paid activities such as guided tours or water sports.

For a month, the average cost per person can range from $800 to $2,500, depending on your travel style and the places you visit. This would include a mix of budget and mid-range accommodation, dining at a variety of restaurants, and a mix of free and paid activities.

Renting a car in the Dominican Republic can also add to your travel expenses. The cost of a rental car can vary depending on the type of vehicle, rental company, and length of the rental period. On average, you can expect to pay around $30 to $60 per day for a rental car, although prices can vary depending on the season and location.

It's worth noting that these are rough estimates and the actual cost of a road trip in the Dominican Republic can vary based on individual preferences, travel style, and other factors. It's important to plan your budget carefully and research the costs of accommodations, dining, and activities before embarking on your road trip.

Here are some guidebooks and road maps that could be helpful for planning a road trip in the Dominican Republic:

• Lonely Planet - Dominican Republic: Lonely Planet is a well-known travel guidebook publisher that offers a comprehensive guide to the Dominican Republic. Their guide includes information on places to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.

• Rough Guides - Dominican Republic: Rough Guides is another popular travel guidebook publisher that offers a guide to the Dominican Republic. Their guide includes information on history, culture, and practical information for travelers.

• National Geographic Adventure Map - Dominican Republic: This is a detailed map of the Dominican Republic that includes all the major roads, highways, and smaller routes. It also highlights national parks, hiking trails, and other points of interest.

• Michelin Map - Dominican Republic: Michelin is a well-known map publisher that offers a detailed map of the Dominican Republic. Their map includes information on distances, driving times, and scenic routes.

• DRVisitor.com: The official website of Dominican Republic Tourism offers a wealth of information on things to do, places to stay, and how to get around the country. They also offer maps and brochures that can be downloaded for free.

Remember to always check for any travel advisories or safety concerns before embarking on your road trip in the Dominican Republic.