Dominican Republic - The Caribbean beyond the resorts

Day 1: Arrival & First Caribbean Vibes – Punta Cana

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   Arrival & the First Evening in the Dominican Republic
   
   Punta Cana → accommodation near Macao
   
   Private transfer from the airport directly to the accommodation.
   
   Welcome drink
   
   Light dinner
   
   Introduction to our local guide
   
   Short walk to the beach
   
   First Dominican cocktail / rum
   
   Introduction to the programme for the following days
   
   The principle: No “performance” on the first evening. Just arrive, slow down and settle into the Dominican rhythm.

Day 2: Punta Cana Beyond the Tourist Bubble

1. Punta Cana
   Pass by
   Morning: A Slow Start by the Sea
   
   Breakfast, beach and swimming.
   
   We only set off around 10:00–10:30.
   
   ️ Local Life
   
   Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, we focus on one local guide and a few authentic encounters:
   
   A small local community
   
   A traditional Dominican shop / colmado
   
   A local market
   
   A short visit with a local family or artisan
   
   Higüey as our cultural anchor:
   
   Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, the city centre and a local market.
   
   A glimpse of the Dominican Republic beyond the resort bubble.
   
   Lunch
   
   One genuinely good family-run restaurant / casa de comida — not a tourist buffet.
   
   Ideally:
   
   pollo guisado, chivo or fresh fish, rice, beans, tostones, salad and fresh fruit.
   
   And most importantly: eat with locals, not “Dominican lunch included” inside of the hotel.
   
   Afternoon: Macao
   
   Beach, swimming, coconuts and, for those interested, an optional surf lesson.
   
   Return to the accommodation in the evening.

Day 3: Day 3 — Cocoa, Coffee & the Dominican Countryside

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   From Cocoa Bean to Chocolate
   
   Visit to a small local farm.
   
   Clients will:
   
   See how cocoa grows
   
   Taste a fresh cocoa fruit
   
   See the fermentation and drying process
   
   Learn how cocoa is processed
   
   Taste local chocolate
   
   Taste Dominican coffee
   
   Optionally prepare a simple cocoa drink themselves
   
   Similar farm visits are already commonly offered on excursions from Punta Cana. However, they are often just one of many stops during an extremely busy day.
   
   Our difference – We don't want to show you 15 places. We want you to truly experience one.
   
   ️ Lunch on the Farm or with a Local Family
   
   The signature moment of the journey.
   
   A genuine local meal and an opportunity to experience Dominican hospitality
   
   Afternoon
   
   Return to the accommodation → free time.
   
   Pool / beach / massage / reading / a drink.

Day 4: A Day with No Programme

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   “A Day for You”
   
   No group programme.
   
   Clients can:
   
   Stay at the beach
   
   Have a massage
   
   Go surfing
   
   Rent a paddleboard
   
   Relax by the pool
   
   Take an individual excursion
   
   Or simply do absolutely nothing.
   
   VIVENTRA provides personalised recommendations based on how they feel that day:
   
   I want the sea
   
   → Macao / Juanillo
   
   I want adventure
   
   → Surfing / buggy / zipline
   
   I want to relax
   
   → Massage + beach
   
   I want food
   
   → Local restaurant
   
   I want to meet people
   
   → Visit to a local community

Day 5: Nature: Lagoon / Cenote / Cave

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   A Day in Nature — the Wow Moment
   
   Depending on the exact location of the accommodation:
   
   Lagoon
   
   Freshwater swimming
   
   Cenote / cave
   
   Alternatively, Ojos Indígenas
   
   Time to swim, explore and take photographs.
   
   Picnic / Simple Lunch
   
   Not a restaurant.
   
   A basket filled with local products:
   
   Fresh fruit
   
   Bread
   
   Cheese
   
   Ham
   
   Fresh juice
   
   Coconut
   
   Sweet pastries
   
   Then return to the accommodation.
   
   In the evening, a shared dinner at a quality restaurant.

Day 6: A Day with No Programme

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   No group programme.
   
   Clients can:
   
   Stay at the beach
   
   Have a massage
   
   Go surfing
   
   Rent a paddleboard
   
   Relax by the pool
   
   Take an individual excursion
   
   Or simply do absolutely nothing.
   
   VIVENTRA again provides personalised recommendations based on their mood:
   
   I want the sea
   
   → Macao / Juanillo
   
   I want adventure
   
   → Surfing / buggy / zipline
   
   I want to relax
   
   → Massage + beach
   
   I want food
   
   → Local restaurant
   
   I want to meet people
   
   → Visit to a local community

Day 7: Caribbean Day

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   ️ Morning
   
   A later breakfast.
   
   Out on the Water
   
   A small private boat / catamaran exclusively for our group:
   
   Snorkelling
   
   Swimming
   
   A more secluded stretch of coastline
   
   No loud music
   
   Rum and fresh fruit
   
   Simple lunch on board
   
   Afternoon
   
   Return to the accommodation.
   
   Free time.
   
   Evening
   
   Final group dinner.

Day 8: Final Morning & Departure

1. Punta Cana
   1 day
   Breakfast.
   
   One last swim.
   
   Private transfer to the airport.

Pickup details

We will pick you up at the airport in the arrivals hall. After a comfortable landing and collecting your luggage, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness