EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW
Race through the countryside in an all-terrain vehicle and enjoy a cool mountain stream and its tumbling cascades. The Damajagua River is the waterfalls' source and the setting couldn't be more beautiful. After hiking through the jungle, you will arrive at a series of cascades that comprise this natural wonder. You will be free to swim in the numerous mountain pools, slide down cascades with slick rock chutes and even jump off some of the waterfalls into the refreshing water below. This area is only accessible on foot, which limits the number of other adventurers. The adrenaline rush will continue once you ease into an ATV and tear off into jungle. You can take the wheel or ride in the passenger seat. Either way, it will be exhilarating, especially if it's been raining because the mud will be flying. Although you will be mostly off road, you will stop in a village to interact with the locals.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls
• Slide down the slick chutes that the cascades have carved into the rocks.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.
• Race through the countryside in an open-air ATV built for adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Prepare for three times the fun on this ultimate adventure by zip line, ATV and by following a jungle trail to the gorgeous Damajagua waterfalls. The leisurely hike through the unspoiled wilds will introduce the natural beauty that you will experience three ways. You will first race through the tree canopy on a series of five ziplines, each uniquely exhilarating. Negotiating two suspension bridges between the ziplines will add to the thrills. Upon reaching the waterfalls, you might swim in the pools at the bottom of the many cascades or simply enjoy the serenity of the surrounding forest. Few places are quite so breathtaking. You will see this natural wonderland from yet another perspective by riding off-road in an open-air vehicle built to handle even the toughest terrain. The experience will deliver one thrill after another as you tear across a river, through the mud and into a small village for a cultural encounter.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Fly high above the jungle floor on five ziplines and walk across two suspension bridges.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls.
• Race through the countryside in an open-air ATV built for adventure.
• Marvel at the gorgeous countryside, which you will explore three thrilling ways.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW
Experience the Damajagua waterfalls in every way imaginable with a local guide leading the adventure. A leisurely hike through a jungle-like landscape will bring you to the waterfalls, whose source is the Damajagua River, a cool mountain stream. This breathtaking natural wonder contains numerous cascades of varying heights, and you will reach about a dozen of them. You will jump off some of the waterfalls, negotiate other ones by sliding down slick rock chutes and swim in the sparkling pools at the base of all of them. Wooden walkways and steps connect many of the cascades, allowing you access that would be impossible otherwise. The river is known for its beautiful blue hue as it spills out of the mountains and carves its way through the rocky terrain. Steep limestone canyons line much of the Damajagua, making the scenery all the more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Boasting one of the largest man-made dolphin habitats in the world, Ocean World is a must-see attraction for everyone cruising Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Day Pass visitors have the opportunity to snorkel in a Tropical Reef Aquarium (Minimum height 115 cm/ 45"), learn about marine mammals, feed exotic tropical birds, walk through a tropical rain forest, and observe dolphin, sea lion and tropical bird shows. Guests will also have a free access to the dolphin beach and the fresh water oasis located at the Pirate's Pool! This tour also includes a hearty Dominican lunch and allow to Immerse in the rich Dominican culture tasting handmade chocolate and observing skill woodcarving artisans on the go. Appreciate the expertise involved in cigar rolling and learn a few steps of Merengue and Bachata or sit back and admire a professional presentation with our folkloric ballet. Before you go, visit the Dominican Corner, the ideal spot for shopping local souvenirs. Photos, videos and drinks are available at an additional cost. At an additional fee get an unlimited water park pass to use the Water Slides in the beach area (Minimum height required 122 cm / 48").

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely walk to a series of waterfalls for a refreshing swim and then experience the local culture by shopping for handicrafts and dining on characteristic Dominican cuisine. The source of the cascades is the Damajagua River, a cool crystal-clear stream that tumbles through the mountains forming waterfalls of varying heights. You will have time to time swim in the placid pools below the cascades and admire the natural setting before continuing on to a typical country market. A sampling of fresh-brewed coffee and a chocolate sweet will serve to whet your appetite for the sumptuous buffet lunch that follows at the nearby hacienda La Huerta. Most of the ingredients for your lunch will have been grown in the gardens that surround this former sugar plantation. To enhance the dining experience, you will be offered a tasting of Brugal Rum, which has been distilled in Puerto Plata since 1888.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through a serene tropical jungle where the only sounds are those of nature.
• Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools below the Damajagua waterfalls.
• Browse the shops in a country market and savor a cup of coffee and local chocolates.
• Dine on traditional Dominican dishes at a hacienda on what was once a sugar plantation.
• Sample a selection of rums from a distillery that was founded in 1888.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a look at local life by interacting with the fun-loving residents of Monkeyland and by visiting a typical Dominican home. Two families of squirrel monkeys live in the Monkeyland nature reserve, where they spend most of the day in the trees, although not high in the canopy. Unlike other New World monkeys that use their prehensile tails to grasp tree limbs, squirrel monkeys rely on their remarkably human-like hands and powerful feet to hold on. You will see them leaping about the trees, and they will likely come down for you to hand-feed them. If you encourage them, the squirrel monkeys will climb up on your shoulder. They are exceptionally social, highly intelligent and quite vocal as they communicate through dozens of calls such as barks, purrs and squawks. You will also see how many Dominicans live by dropping by a traditional house at Monkeyland for a cup of organic coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact up-close with the gregarious squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland.
• Gain an understanding of their social behavior and high intelligence.
• Enjoy a cup of organic coffee in a traditional Dominican home at Monkeyland.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the Dominican culture by experiencing the local cuisine, spirits and dances firsthand. While pausing for photos along the seaside boulevard El Malecon, you will discover a bit about the local history, which you will delve into more deeply at the engaging Confluence Ethnographic Gallery. Besides browsing the museum's exhibits - which cover topics ranging from piracy to Carnival celebrations - you will enjoy a tasting of premium Dominican rum, most likely a selection from Ron Barceló, a brand made with 100% sugarcane juice. The restaurant La Catalina will serve as the venue for the remaining festivities, which begin with a performance of merengue, a lively dance so emblematic of the national identity that UNESCO recognized it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. You will be encouraged to join the costumed dancers, who will be happy to show you the steps. A delightful lunch of traditional Dominican stew known as sancocho follows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delve into the Dominican culture and history through immersive experiences.
• Browse an ethnographic museum and sample a popular premium Dominican rum.
• Watch costumed dancers perform the merengue and join in the fun if you wish.
• Dine on a traditional Dominican stew at the atmospheric restaurant La Catalina.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Experience the outdoors in unusual ways that bring you much closer to nature. A visit to Monkeyland will literally put you in touch with nature because the resident squirrel monkeys have been trained to eat right out of your hand. Bright-eyed and intelligent, these slender monkeys are exceptionally social creatures and will and climb up on your shoulders, if allowed. You will interact with nature in a more physical way at Damajagua Falls, a series of cascades that you will reach by walking up a jungle-enshrouded river bed. Upon reaching a deep pool at the bottom of one of the remarkably blue cascades, you will be welcome to swim. Or you may opt to simply rest on a boulder along the shore and admire the scenery. The mood will be entirely different once you hop into an ATV-like buggy and race off-road through the countryside. Few experiences are quite so exhilarating.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Interact up-close with the gregarious squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland.
• Walk through the rainforest to a series of waterfalls on the Damajagua River.
• Swim in a pool beneath a waterfall and relax on the surrounding boulders.
• Ride through a jungle-like setting in a buggy designed for off-road adventure.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

After a short ride, get ready to enjoy the best family activity at Ocean World, the Dolphin Encounter, which offers close contact with dolphins in waist-deep water, kissing, feeding, and playing with these gentle mammals. This 20-minute interaction is fun and educational, ideal for non-swimmers and families with babies. This tour features additional activities including: Dominican buffet lunch, snorkeling with hundreds of fish in the tropical reef aquarium (Minimum height 115 cm/ 45"). Swim at the dolphin beach lagoon and relax at the Pirate's Pool. An unlimited water park pass to use the Water Slides in the beach area (Minimum height required 122 cm / 48"). Visit to the rain forest. Encounter, feed, and take pictures with love birds. Observe toucans, macaws and flamingos. Dolphin, sea lion, and bird shows are presented, guests may take advantage of these shows time permitting. Photos, videos, and local souvenirs are available at the gift shop and the photo lab at an additional cost. The park also features bars and restaurants with a variety of local drinks and food available for purchase.

OVERVIEW
Visit many of the key landmarks that define Puerto Plata and spend time relaxing on a golden beach that is considered to be among the city's best. You will see remarkably diverse attractions, ranging from a Victorian Era district of gingerbread homes to a lounge where you can learn to roll cigars with premium Dominican tobacco. Nearby, you will find the lovely Cathedral of San Felipe and Pink Alley, a monochromatic walkway where everything is painted bright pink. For an authentic glimpse at local life, you will meander through Central Park, a popular gathering spot also known as Independence Square to commemorate the unification of the Dominican Republic following the War of Restoration. A traditional lunch and free time at Playa Dorada follows. This spectacular stretch of sand is a Blue Flag beach, a prestigious designation only awarded to beaches that are clean and eco-friendly.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Gain an overall understanding of Puerto Plata by visiting its landmark attractions.
• Visit the central park, Victorian Era district and highly unusual Pink Alley.
• Spend hours enjoying eco-friendly Playa Dorada beach on your own.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Drive through downtown Puerto Plata in a meticulously restored vintage automobile and pause along the way at the city's most well-known attractions. From your seat in a classic car from the 1950s or 1960s, you will see a remarkable variety of landmarks. After driving along the waterfront, you will stop to watch cigars being hand-rolled from premium Dominican tobacco and to browse a museum devoted entirely to amber, an ancient hardened tree sap that sometimes holds fossils. For a bit of local color - literally - you pause for photos at Dona Blanca Alley, all of which is painted bright pink, and at Umbrella Street, a pedestrian walkway with dozens of colorful umbrellas hanging overhead. You will also have the opportunity to walk around Fortaleza San Felipe, a 16th-century Spanish-built fortress overlooking the bay. The most immersive experience may be the rum tasting at the Macorix House of Rum, where you will sample a variety of spirits.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Sightsee from the comfort of a vintage automobile while driving through downtown.
• Pause to snap photos at colorful Umbrella Street and an alleyway that’s painted bright pink.
• Drive along the waterfront malecón and browse a 16th-century fortification on the bay.
• Enjoy a rum tasting at the Macorix House of Rum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable water shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours relaxing at a quintessential beach resort and dine on an inspiring lunch created by the acclaimed Chef Tita. The resort lies in Sosúa, just east of Puerto Plata along a private stretch of sand known for its natural beauty and gorgeous views. You will be free to luxuriate there however you please. The options include basking in the sun on a lounger, lying in the shade under a coconut palm and taking a refreshing swim in the sea. If you prefer freshwater pools, the resort offers three, one of them an infinity pool overlooking the waterfront. Inéz Páez Nin, also known as Chef Tita, will prepare your meal using locally sourced ingredients that highlight the Dominican gastronomic heritage. The exact menu for the four-course meal will be determined by what is freshest and seasonal, but it will most likely feature avant-garde dishes that she has reinvented from traditional Dominican recipes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Luxuriate at a waterfront resort on a private beach in the town of Soúsa.
• Enjoy full access to the resort amenities, including the beach and swimming pools.
• Dine on an inspiring meal that Chef Tita has created that redefines Dominican cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.