La Romana Day Tour: Caves, Chavón Village & Lunch

Summary

Explore caves and culture near La Romana with local lunch

You’ll travel from Santo Domingo to La Romana’s Cave of Wonders with a local guide, explore ancient pictographs underground, enjoy a hearty lunch in Bonao, and wander Altos de Chavón’s cobbled streets before relaxing by the marina—moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

We started the day just outside Santo Domingo, piling into an air-conditioned van that honestly felt like a blessing after the sticky morning air. Our guide, José, was already cracking jokes about how he never gets tired of the drive to Cueva de las Maravillas — “every group sees something different,” he said. The cave itself surprised me; you walk through this small exhibition room first (murals of birds and plants I’d never heard of), then you’re suddenly underground where it smells faintly of earth and salt. I tried to imagine the Taino people painting those pictographs on the walls — José pointed out one that looked like a bird but could’ve been anything, really. There’s this stillness down there, except for our footsteps echoing off the stone. I didn’t expect to feel so small in a cave.

Afterwards, we wandered past an iguanarium (the iguanas barely moved — probably smarter than us in that heat) and watched some kids ride horses nearby. You can do it too if you want, but I was happy just watching. Then came the labyrinth — not as confusing as I thought it’d be, but fun enough that we lost track of time for a bit. By then my stomach was making itself known, so lunch in Bonao couldn’t come fast enough. The place was simple but busy; plates of rice and chicken kept coming out, and someone at another table laughed so hard they almost spilled their juice. It felt like everyone knew each other.

Altos de Chavón is almost unreal — cobblestone streets, little shops selling amber and larimar jewelry (I bought a tiny blue stone for luck), and this amphitheater that looks straight out of Italy. Our guide told us about concerts there; apparently Frank Sinatra sang once? Hard to picture with all the quiet around us that afternoon. We peeked into San Estanislao church where someone was lighting candles — I stood back because it felt private somehow. Later we strolled down to the marina at Casa de Campo; boats bobbing gently, sun glinting off the water. Took too many photos but none really caught how peaceful it felt just standing there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cave Exploration and Chavón Visit

• Explore Cave of Wonders with murals and petroglyphs
• Lunch at typical Bonao restaurant
• Visit Altos de Chavón village and museum

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Santo Domingo to La Romana?

The experience lasts most of the day including travel between sites.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch at a typical Bonao restaurant is included.

Are guides provided during the tour?

A local guide accompanies you throughout the day.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

Cueva de las Maravillas cave and Altos de Chavón village are included.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transport is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Can I ride horses during the tour?

You can ride horses near Cueva de las Maravillas for an extra cost.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Santo Domingo by air-conditioned vehicle, entry to Cueva de las Maravillas with a local guide leading you through murals and petroglyphs, bottled water along the way, a hearty lunch at a typical Bonao restaurant, plus time exploring Altos de Chavón village and its marina before heading back.