Dominican Republic Small Group Tour & Chavón River Lunch

Summary

Higuey Local Life Experience with River Cruise & Traditional Meal

This is your chance to explore Higuey’s lively market with a local guide, watch cigars being rolled by hand, taste fresh sugar cane in the fields, and enjoy lunch right by the Chavón River before cruising its calm waters. Meet real people and experience everyday Dominican life far from crowded resorts.

What’s the experience like?

“Try this one,” our guide said, handing me a slice of fresh sugar cane as we bumped along in the safari truck. We’d just left Bayahibe behind, and already the air felt different—warm, a little sweet, with the sound of merengue drifting from a roadside shop. Higuey came into view all at once: bright houses stacked beside each other, motorbikes weaving through the morning bustle, and vendors calling out over heaps of fruit and spices at the market.

Inside the market, I caught a whiff of ground coffee mixed with something sharper—maybe dried oregano? Our guide pointed out local produce I’d never seen before and shared stories about daily life here. We watched women bargaining over plantains while kids darted between stalls. Someone pressed a tiny cup of strong coffee into my hand; it was thick and sweet, perfect for waking up.

The next stop was a small cigar factory tucked behind painted gates. The workers moved fast but smiled when we peeked in. One showed us how to roll tobacco leaves—her hands stained from years of practice—and offered us a taste paired with a splash of local rum. Out on the road again, we passed endless rows of sugar cane swaying in the breeze. Our guide stopped to let us try cutting some ourselves (the machete looked heavier than it felt), then we chatted with folks in a nearby batey village who waved as we passed.

Lunch came just when hunger hit—a wooden table set right by the Chavón River under tangled trees. Rice, chicken in sauce, fried plantains, salad, fruit—it all tasted better outdoors. Afterward, we climbed onto a platform boat for a slow ride down the river. The water was cool on my feet when I jumped in; someone swung out on a rope like they were ten years old again. By late afternoon, everyone was smiling and sun-warmed as we headed back to Bayahibe.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Local Life and Nature Exploration

• Meet in Bayahibe and safari to Higuey
• Visit Higuey local market
• Shopping for typical souvenirs
• Tour family cigar factory with tasting
• Explore sugar cane fields and Batey village
• Traditional lunch and river boat trip with swim

Top questions

How many people are in each group?

Groups are kept small—no more than 18 travelers—to keep things personal and easy to manage throughout the day.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, you’ll enjoy a traditional Dominican meal served by the river; drinks like water, soda, and rum are also provided.

What should I bring for the river cruise?

Bring swimwear if you want to swim or use the rope swing on the Chavón River; sunscreen and comfortable shoes are also helpful.

Are there any physical restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues but is suitable for most fitness levels otherwise.

What’s included

Your day covers pickup from Bayahibe or Dominicus plus all transportation in an open-air safari truck. You’ll have an expert local guide leading every step—from exploring Higuey’s market to visiting a family cigar factory—along with tastings of fresh sugar cane and rum. Lunch by the river is included too, with drinks like Coca-Cola, Sprite, water, and coffee served throughout. And when it’s time to relax after lunch, your spot on the platform boat is ready for that gentle cruise down the Chavón River.