Cultural Discovery and Local Flavors in La Romana
Visit of La Romana and Altos de Chavon
Just a few kilometers from the resorts of Bayahibe and Punta Cana, set off for an off-the-beaten-path experience, far from all-inclusive packages. This full-day excursion immerses you in the soul of the Dominican Republic: between picturesque villages, ancestral caves, local crafts, gourmet tastings, and breathtaking viewpoints, this adventure will reveal an entirely different side of the island.
Embark on an exclusive adventure through the region of La Romana, where nature, culture, crafts and gastronomy blend to offer you an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, explore exceptional sites and discover the daily life of Dominicans, far from the beaten paths. Join a small group, from 4 to 10 people max, for a more intimate and personalized experience, where every moment is unique.
La Cueva de las Maravillas & Iguana Park
Your day begins with an unforgettable visit to the Cueva de las Maravillas, a classified natural site, located between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana. In this majestic cave, you will discover the fascinating world of the Taínos, the first inhabitants of the island of Hispaniola. Authentic cave paintings, several centuries old, take you back to a distant era, while the underground setting, enhanced by modern lighting, reveals stalactites and stalagmites in astonishing shapes.
Upon exiting, you will meet rhinoceros iguanas, emblematic species of the Dominican tropical fauna, living in a protected area, symbolizing the natural richness of this island bathed by turquoise waters.
Visit to an Underwear Factory & Lunch in La Caleta
To help you discover the reality of Dominican daily life, we then take you to a local underwear factory.
An authentic and surprising stop, where you will see with your own eyes the organization of a workshop, the meticulousness of manual work, and the resilience of dedicated Dominican workers. An informative and human interlude, far from the clichés often associated with mass tourism.
Lunch break then takes place in La Caleta, a small fishing village along the coast of La Romana. Here, no impersonal buffets or beachside pools: you’ll enjoy freshly caught fish, cooked in the local way, served with a view of the white sand beach and Catalina Island in the background. This traditional meal by the sea is a true breath of tranquility, in a place far from crowded all-inclusive resorts.
Altos de Chavón & Chocolate Factory : A Blend of Culture and Indulgence
Availability
All year round, from Tuesday to Saturday
We need a minimum of 4 people to guarantee the excursion.
Duration
Full day
Hotel pick-ups start depending on your hotel zone. The exact time will be communicated to you upon reservation.
Included
- Free hotel pick-up in Bayahibe/Dominicus and La Romana
- Comfortable air-conditioned taxi
- Entry to Cueva de las Maravillas and Casa de Campo
- Beverages (water, Coca-Cola, Sprite, etc.)
- Lunch at La Caleta with a stunning view of the Caribbean Sea and Catalina Island
- English-speaking guide
Not Included
- Pick-up from Punta Cana (additional cost)
- Souvenirs and tips
*For any booking request, a deposit will be required via PayPal. The remaining balance will be paid on the day of the excursion in cash (euros, dollars, or pesos).
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Saurez-vous trouver la sortie ? 👀🔍
On vous présente notre nouvelle excursion au départ de La Romana ou Bayahíbe, disponible tous les mardis en petit groupe de maximum 10 personnes pour une expérience vraiment privilégiée.
En demi-journée, explorez les Cuevas Maravillas, un site naturel impressionnant, puis amusez-vous dans un labyrinthe mystérieux qui plaira autant aux adultes qu’aux enfants.
👉 Parfait en famille ou pour ceux qui veulent une activité captivante sans y passer toute la journée !
Prêts à relever le défi et trouver la sortie ?
Will YOU find the way out? 👀🔍
Here’s our brand-new excursion from La Romana or Bayahíbe, available every Tuesday in a small group of up to 10 people for a more exclusive experience.
This half-day adventure takes you through the stunning Cuevas Maravillas and into a fun, mysterious labyrinth—perfect for families or anyone looking for an exciting activity without spending the whole day out.
Are you ready to take on the challenge and find the exit? ✨
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Vous aviez promis de découvrir de nouveaux horizons… Mais la République dominicaine a conquis votre cœur 🙈🇩🇴
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You promised to discover new horizons… But the Dominican Republic has won your heart 🙈🇩🇴
Between jungle, sea and serenity, the Dominican Republic will always remind you!
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Personne ne t’emmène ici…
Et c’est bien pour ça que c’est magique ✨
Une expérience unique depuis Punta Cana & Bayahibe 🌿
Petite équipe, max 14 personnes, pour une journée hors du commun.
☀️ Cano Hondo : petit-déj, cascades, baignade, déjeuner local.
🚤 Puis cap sur Los Haitises : grottes, nature brute & plage sauvage.
📅 Chaque mercredi — guide 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
🕕 Pick-up dès 6h30 / retour vers 19h
👉 Le genre d’endroit que les autres n’osent pas montrer.
Réserve ici : https://tropicalevasion.com/cascade-cano-hondo-et-parc-national-los-haitises/
An exclusive experience from Punta Cana & Bayahibe 🌿
Small group — max 14 people — for a day off the beaten path.
☀️ Cano Hondo: local breakfast, waterfalls, swim & Dominican lunch.
🚤 Then off to Los Haitises: caves, wild beach & pure nature.
📅 Every Wednesday — guides in 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇪🇸
🕕 Pick-up from 6:30 AM / back around 7 PM.
👉 The kind of place no one else will show you.
Book now: https://tropicalevasion.com/en/cano-hondo-waterfall-haitises-national-park/
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Le vrai paradis n’est pas dans les resorts 😱
Tu veux voir la vraie République Dominicaine ? 🇩🇴
Avec Tropical Evasion, pars pour 4 jours et 3 nuits, tout compris, d’aventure au cœur du Parc National Los Haitises.
🌿 Balade en mangrove, exploration de grottes mystiques, cascades naturelles, observation des oiseaux, et nuits dans un écolodge en pleine nature.
Une immersion entre authenticité, nature et émotions, parfaite pour une première expérience en circuit ou pour sortir du tout inclus le temps d’une escapade inoubliable.
👉 Laisse tomber les buffets, viens goûter le vrai goût de l’aventure !
The real paradise isn’t in the resorts.
Want to see the real Dominican Republic? 🇩🇴
With Tropical Evasion, set off on a 4-day, 3-night all-inclusive adventure deep inside Los Haitises National Park.
🌿 Explore mangroves, mystical caves, hidden waterfalls, enjoy bird-watching, and spend your nights in an eco-lodge surrounded by nature.
An immersion of authenticity, nature, and emotion — perfect for a first adventure experience or for stepping away from the all-inclusive routine into something unforgettable.
👉 Skip the buffets — come taste the real flavor of adventure!
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What are the best excursions away from mass tourism in the Dominican Republic?
Unlike the classic Saona or Catalina tours, Tropical Evasion has designed a be-spoken cultural excursion that combines the charm of Altos de Chavón with the authentic atmosphere of La Romana. This tailor-made experience highlights the local culture, Dominican crafts, and regional gastronomy, offering travelers something very different from the typical tourist routes.
Are there any excursions to discover the culture and daily life of Dominicans?
This be-spoken cultural excursion goes far beyond the typical beach tours. It includes a visit to a local underwear factory, the chance to meet Dominican artisans, and a traditional lunch in a fishing village. You’ll also discover the customs and traditions of the Dominican Republic, offering a tailor-made immersion into the daily life of its people.
Which excursions include local cuisine and typical Dominican meals?
This day places Dominican gastronomy at the center of the experience. You’ll enjoy a fresh fish lunch by the sea, served with traditional sides such as cassava, plantains, or Creole rice, along with seasonal fruits and local drinks.
To complete this be-spoken cultural excursion, the tour ends with a chocolate tasting at an artisanal factory — a delicious way to discover the authentic flavors of the Dominican Republic.
Are there any excursions with fewer participants for a more intimate experience?
This cultural tour is limited to just 4 to 10 participants, traveling in an air-conditioned taxi with a French-speaking guide. The small-group format ensures comfort, personalized exchanges, and a friendly atmosphere — far from the crowded tourist buses.
What is Altos de Chavón and why is it famous?
Altos de Chavón is a 16th-century Mediterranean-style village, entirely reconstructed by local artisans with remarkable authenticity. It is located in the heart of the prestigious Casa de Campo Resort, world-renowned for hosting celebrities and for its legendary golf course, Teeth of the Dog, ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
The village is celebrated for its 5,000-seat amphitheater, which has welcomed international artists, as well as its art galleries, craft workshops, and picturesque church, often chosen for weddings. From its cobblestone streets, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Chavón River and its lush gorges — a postcard-perfect panorama.
Are there any excursions to Altos de Chavón with an English-speaking guide?
Yes, Tropical Evasion offers a English-speaking guided tour of Altos de Chavón. Your guide will share the fascinating history of the site while walking you through its cobblestone streets, artisan workshops, and unique Mediterranean-style architecture.
Can you visit Altos de Chavón on your own?
Yes, it is possible to visit Altos de Chavón independently. However, the site is located inside the private Casa de Campo Resort, which requires entering with an authorized taxi or agency. The entrance fee to the village is $25 per person, plus a minimum of $90 round-trip for the taxi from Bayahibe.
In comparison, our be-spoken cultural excursion at $119 per person includes much more: not only entrance to Altos de Chavón, but also a guided visit to the Cueva de las Maravillas, an authentic encounter with Dominican artisans, a traditional seaside lunch, and a tour of a local artisanal chocolate factory. All of this is done in a small group with a French-speaking guide, ensuring a tailor-made experience far beyond a simple visit.
How long is the Discovery Tour in La Romana?
The full-day experience lasts about 8 hours. It includes transportation in an air-conditioned taxi van, a guided visit to the Cueva de las Maravillas, a stop at a local clothing workshop to meet Dominican artisans, and a seaside lunch with panoramic views of Catalina Island.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the iconic Altos de Chavón village before ending the day with an artisanal chocolate tasting, returning by late afternoon.
This be-spoken cultural excursion has been carefully designed to offer a tailor-made journey into Dominican history, art, and gastronomy, with the option of arranging it as a private charter tour for those seeking an even more exclusive experience.
What payment methods are accepted for booking the excursion?
To secure your spot on this Altos de Chavón + La Romana cultural excursion, we ask for a small deposit via PayPal at the time of booking. The remaining balance is paid on the day of the tour directly to our team, in cash (euros, US dollars, or Dominican pesos).
This simple and flexible system allows you to confirm your be-spoken cultural experience with ease, while keeping the final payment stress-free and transparent.
What should I bring for the excursion to La Romana and Altos de Chavón?
We recommend bringing comfortable, lightweight clothing, walking shoes, a hat or cap, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You may also want to carry a bit of local currency for purchasing artisan crafts or artisanal chocolate during the tour.
No need to worry about drinks: throughout this cultural excursion, we provide a cooler with fresh water and sodas in the air-conditioned taxi for the entire day. This ensures comfort while you enjoy your discovery of the Dominican Republic.
Is the excursion suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome from the age of 6 and up. Since the day is fairly long, with transfers and walking, it is best suited for kids old enough to keep up with the pace.
The visit to the Cueva de las Maravillas, with its fascinating Taíno cave paintings, is often a highlight for younger travelers. The cultural stops and the traditional Dominican lunch also bring a fun and enriching dimension for families.