Colonial Santo Domingo

During our stay in Punta Cana this year, we decided to take a day and head into Santo Domingo.

It’s just over a two-hour drive from Punta Cana, so it’s not a quick trip - and taking a tour bus meant it was a three hour ride each way (and a very early start to the morning). Still, it was something that we knew we wanted to see. It's always fun to see a different part of the Island and to learn about their rich history.

About halfway there, we stopped at a small roadside place for coffee. It was a lovely spot with a café, a couple of small tiendas to purchase snacks and local artwork, and a beautiful area to just sit and relax. It was the perfect spot to stretch our legs, have a bathroom visit, and break up the drive. We almost didn't want to get back on the bus.

Our first stop once we arrived was Los Tres Ojos National Park.

Los Tres Ojos National Park is a series of open-air limestone caves that hold three (it's actually four) natural freshwater lagoons, or cenotes. The name “Three Eyes” comes from the way the main caves are positioned, each one opening up to its own pool of water. It’s a protected area, surrounded by beautiful foliage that makes you feel like you're no longer in the city - if it weren't for the hoards of visitors.

Yes, to say it was crowded is an understatement.  

Even though we had done research on what we would be seeing, Los Tres Ojos was still a surprise. Our  guide led us down into the caves, providing us with the history of how, and when they was discovered. He led us along the pathways to each cenote. Each pool of water was incredibly clear and each one was a different colour. It it weren't for the crowds, I could have stayed all day.

From there, we went to Faro a Colón.

It’s large, imposing, and a little unexpected. While it's something the Dominicans are very proud of, it wasn't my favourite stop.  Still, there’s a lot of history tied to it, including the claim that Christopher Columbus is buried there - though that’s still up for debate. 

After that, we headed into the Zona Colonial, which ended up being my favourite part of the day.

The first order of business here was to have lunch.  Our guide led us to a lovely buffet-style restaurant, one that is obviously used for the many tour groups that come through each day.  The building was steeped in history and it was easy to just sit and enjoy the surroundings.

With our bellies full, our tour guide led us to the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, which has a calm, quiet feeling as soon as you walk inside. It’s considered the oldest cathedral in the Americas - construction began in 1504 and was completed in 1550. The limestone walls, the high ceilings, and the small details all come together without feeling overwhelming. It’s not particularly large, especially if you’re comparing it to some of the cathedrals in Europe, but for a long time, it was one of the largest churches in the Americas. Today, it also holds a collection of artifacts and treasures that add another layer to its history.

We made our way through the streets of the Colonial Zone, enjoying the history and old architecture along the way. The streets are lined with centuries-old buildings, many with soft colours, iron balconies, and little courtyards tucked just out of view.  It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why, but it still feels lived-in rather than preserved for show. It’s the kind of place where wandering without a plan ends up being the best way to see it.

By the time we boarded the bus back to Punta Cana, it felt like we’d had a full day without trying to fit too much in - but we still felt like we wanted more.

Santo Domingo has a completely different feel from Punta Cana. Less polished, more layered, and a little more real. I’m really glad we took the time to go. Next time we plan on going for  a couple of nights so we can enjoy just being there.