Santo Domingo: Guided City Tour with Scooter & Lunch

Summary

Historic Landmarks & Local Flavors in Santo Domingo

Experience Santo Domingo by scooter with a local guide, explore historic sites like Alcázar de Colón and Los Tres Ojos caves, then share a traditional Dominican lunch with your group. Expect stories, laughter, and flavors you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in Santo Domingo balancing on an electric scooter, but there I was, helmet a bit crooked, following our guide Luis as he waved us forward. The city felt alive — horns somewhere in the distance, the air heavy with that mix of sea breeze and street food smoke. We zipped past the Obelisk and Luis pointed out a mural of the Mirabal sisters; he told their story so simply I almost missed how important it was. There’s something about hearing history from someone who actually cares — you feel it more.

The colonial zone was all uneven stones and sudden bursts of color from painted doors. We stopped at Alcázar de Colón, and inside it smelled faintly of old wood and polish — like time itself had soaked into the walls. I tried to imagine Columbus’ son walking those same halls. At one point, a local kid darted past us chasing a soccer ball, which made me laugh because it broke the spell for a second. Luis just shrugged and said that’s Santo Domingo for you.

Later we drove out to Los Tres Ojos National Park. The caves were cooler than outside — literally and figuratively — with blue-green water reflecting bits of sunlight that slipped through cracks above. It was quiet down there except for our footsteps echoing off stone. I touched the damp rock wall (probably not supposed to) just to feel how cold it was. Afterward, we saw the Columbus Lighthouse from outside; honestly, it’s massive but kind of stark compared to everything else.

Lunch back at JR Luxury offices was “La Bandera” — rice, beans, meat, plantains — nothing fancy but so good after all that walking (and scootering). Someone put merengue on their phone speakers while we ate and everyone started tapping along without thinking about it. I still think about that meal sometimes when I smell fried plantains at home. So yeah, if you want a day trip in Santo Domingo that feels real — not just ticking off sights — this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Santo Domingo Historical Tour

• Introduction to founding fathers
• Enter New World Colonial Zone
• Visit seafront park and obelisk
• Tour Ozama Fort
• Explore Alcázar de Colón and Spain Plaza
• See monastery ruins
• Visit First City Square and oldest cathedral
• View Columbus Lighthouse
• Explore Los Tres Ojos National Park caves
• Enjoy traditional Dominican meal

Top questions

How long does the guided tour in Santo Domingo last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 to 5.5 hours including all stops and travel time between points.

Is lunch included on this Santo Domingo city tour?

Yes, a full Dominican meal called “La Bandera” is included at the end of the tour.

Do I need experience riding an electric scooter?

No prior experience is needed; scooters are easy to use and suitable for most fitness levels.

What landmarks will we visit during this day trip?

You’ll see places like Alcázar de Colón, Ozama Fort, Columbus Park, Columbus Lighthouse, and Los Tres Ojos National Park.

Are entry fees or water included?

A free bottle of water is provided at the start; entry fees are covered where required.

Is pickup available from Punta Cana?

Punta Cana tours add about 3 hours due to bus travel; check availability when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes an electric scooter ride through Santo Domingo’s colonial zone with a local guide leading the way, entry to Los Tres Ojos National Park and other historic sites, bottled water at the start of your journey, plus a full Dominican lunch (“La Bandera”) served back at JR Luxury offices before heading home.