EXCURSÕES EM TERRA

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

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

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

Motor over to the idyllic island of Cayo Arena on a power catamaran and enjoy free time there and back on the mainland in Fricolandia. The island may be a speck in the middle of the sea, but there is plenty to keep you entertained. No wonder Cayo Arena is also known as Paradise Island. You might swim in the crystal-clear waters, wade out onto the gently sloping sand just offshore, bask in the sun, relax in the shade of a thatched hut and take in the surrounding natural beauty. The island is a wonderful setting to unplug, relax and watch the natural world unfold. More of the same awaits you in Fricolandia, a waterfront resort area on the Dominican Republic’s north shore. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in swimming pool, stretch out in a shaded hammock and savor a buffet lunch of Dominican dishes such as seafood paella and twice-fried plantain tostones.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take in the gorgeous views while cruising to the island of Cayo Arena on a power catamaran.
• Spend your time on the island doing whatever you please, whether swimming or just relaxing.
• Enjoy the laidback ambiance of Fricolandia, the waterfront setting for your buffet lunch.

OVERVIEW
Spend hours luxuriating at Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada, an exclusive waterfront resort with seemingly endless amenities. The all-inclusive day pass will give you access to the entire property, allowing you to focus on the attractions that you find most appealing. You might bask in the sun on a beachside lounger, relax in the shade of a coconut palm, stroll along the gently sloping shoreline and take a refreshing swim in the Caribbean. If you prefer swimming pools to the sea, there are three at the resort and Jacuzzis. You might also enjoy the pool bar and beach bar, two popular venues that are always full of life. The day pass includes a hearty buffet lunch featuring international dishes as well. You will have plenty of time to enjoy this contemporary resort, shopping if you please and simply wandering about without a care in the world.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Luxuriate for hours on end at the beachfront resort Emotions by Hodelpa Playa Dorada.
• Relax as you please, whether swimming in the sea, basking in the sun or strolling the shore.
• Enjoy a buffet lunch of international dishes that are sure to please.

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

Become immersed in the natural side of Puerto Plata by strolling through Isabel de Torres National Monument, a protected botanical garden with endemic flora and fauna followed for a visit to a sustainable ecolodge with organic plantation where you will sample some of its artisanal fruits. After driving up Mount Isabel De Torres, which looms directly behind the city, you will meander through the tropical gardens that blanket the summit. It is beautifully natural setting that a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer crowns. Entrance fee of visiting the National Park Isabel de Torres Mountain contributes to maintain the protected inhabits biodiversity. The lush landscape that surrounds nearby El Gallo Ecolodge is another serene environment in harmony with the natural world. There, you will discover how the farm grows herbs using permaculture practices. Solar energy powers to protect environment El Gallo and local springs supply the water. An enlightening tour will reveal more details about the farm’s eco-friendly methods. Afterwards, you will be drive to the Spanish-built Fort San Felipe for a panoramic view and photo stop, the only remaining structure in Puerto Plata from the 16th century, look out for beautiful port views from ashore.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW
Race through the tree canopy on a series of exhilarating zip lines and then cool off in the Damajagua River as it cascades through the dense jungle terrain. The five ziplines more or less follow the river and offer a wonderfully unique perspective of the tropical landscape, as they span platforms high above the ground. To reach some of the ziplines, you will need to walk across swaying suspension bridges, which definitely add to the excitement. Afterwards, you will follow the guide along a section of the river with a dozen cascades. You will jump off some of the waterfalls into the deep pools below, while other waterfalls are more easily negotiated by sliding down natural waterslides carved in the rocks. You will also have time to swim in the cool, remarkably blue water between the cascades. Over time, the Damajagua has carved steep canyons into the terrain, so you can expect the scenery to be magnificent.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Fly high above the jungle floor on five ziplines and walk across two suspension bridges.
• 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.

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

OVERVIEW

Watch artisans demonstrate how they make an array of local products and enjoy shopping for these signature items before relaxing on one of the area’s most beautiful beaches. You can expect to see premium cigars being hand-rolled from a blend of tobacco leaves, coffee beans being roasted and organic cocoa beans being processed for chocolate and to flavor other foods. You will also browse a museum devoted entirely to amber, an ancient hardened tree sap that is often used in jewelry. Similarly, larimar is a rare blue mineral only found in the Dominican Republic and it too is often incorporated into jewelry. Besides seeing how all of these raw products are hand-crafted into extraordinary merchandise, you will spend free time shopping in downtown Puerto Plata. And what better way to relax afterwards than by basking in the sun on a gorgeous stretch of beach and swimming in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how local products such as cigars, coffee and chocolate are made from raw materials.
• Browse a museum full of amber products, including exquisite jewelry.
• Spend free time shopping in downtown Puerto Plata.
• Relax on one of the beaches that rims the city and swim in the sea if you like.

HELPFUL HINTS

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