Compare Dominican Republic – Heart & Soul of the Caribbean by Discover Corps vs Dominican Republic: All-Inclusive Hotel Riu Palace Macao (Adults Only) by Great Value Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 5 days |
| Price From | $ 2,595 | $ 1,290 |
| Price Per Day | $ 324 | $ 258 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Retreats |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
Awake in a traditional chalet just steps away from the ocean. Spend the morning working on a sustainable bottle clinic or volunteering in a local school. In the afternoon, explore the coast and mountains on nature walks and scenic catamaran rides. Once the sun goes down, reflect on the day’s experiences over dinner. You’ll also engage in conversations with your Discover Corps host or with guests who are tackling issues related to environmental sustainability. |
Find a heavenly escape in Punta Cana at the Hotel Riu Palace Macao. Offering pristine beaches, swaying palms, and an irresistible atmosphere, this all-inclusive hotel will make your beach getaway an indulgence like no other. Enjoy the offerings of Punta Cana on and off the resort as you relax on the beach, bask in the sun, and take fun day trips to explore the surrounding area. |
Days 1-2:
Travellers will arrive to the Dominican Republic on the first day of the trip. Discover Corps staff will meet you at the airport and then travel together to the Home Base, located on the North Coast of this beautiful country. We will learn about current social, political, and cultural issues in the Dominican Republic and the cultural dynamics in the surrounding village. The group will also become oriented with the schedule of activities and projects for the trip over the coming week. We’ll explore the small Dominican town of Playa Las Canas, where we are based, and get to know some of the local people. Spend an afternoon orienting yourself to the local markets sampling local dishes then take the short walk down to the beach, where waves gently crash along the shoreline. We will have a small welcome fiesta and dinner on the first evening with the local staff, introducing you to the easy-going nature of this island.
Most afternoons you'll have time to relax by the beach, enjoy the fine sand and clear blue water. These are some of the most pristine beaches in the world, and are a central economic driver of the local economy which we will learn about from guest speakers. We will also explore the various settings of the North Coast, taking in the rhythms of the island. Take a nature hike to a rural community in the mountains, uncover a crystal clear freshwater lagoon in an ecological preserve, and witness the vast array of tropical flora and fauna that makes up the landscape.
Evenings are reserved for discussion, relaxation and reflection. Enjoy a traditional Dominican style dinner cooked by the local Home Base staff while reminiscing in the day’s activities. Some evenings will feature a guest speaker from a local non-profit or leader in the community. Topics range from sustainable development in the region to the complex colonial history of the island of Hispaniola. Playa Las Canas, the location of our Home Base, is far different from the Dominican Republic that you see stepping off a cruise ship. This is the true Dominican Republic - unspoiled beaches, welcoming local communities, lush mountain landscapes and the true rhythms of island life. Given our unique connections in this community, we are able to work alongside some of the region’s leading organizations and directly immerse ourselves in this quaint island town. In your free time, relax at any of the nearby beaches, take a dip in the warm Caribbean waters, venture into the town’s local markets or hang out by the pool and chat with the local staff at our Home Base. Playa Las Canas - The Unspoiled North Coast The Discover Corps Home Base is a cluster of beautiful, rustic thatched-roof chalets around a swimming pool, walking distance from the beach. This unique eco-lodge was constructed using sustainable building techniques and the design reflects that of the indigenous Taino community from the region.
Our travelers are the only ones staying here, so there is a sense of community and family. Meals are eaten in our thatched roof dining area. Beer and wine are available for purchase and can be enjoyed on the beach. Rooms are double or single occupancy with private bathrooms.
Days 3-6:
Over the next few days you'll roll up your sleeves and be involved in a variety of community projects that all benefit the surrounding towns and revolve around the concept of sustainable development. The projects will include helping to construct schools and health clinics out of discarded plastic bottles, known as “bottle schools” or “bottle clinics”. We will also visit a Haitian batey, or communities of displaced Haitians who come to the other side of the island seeking better economic opportunities, engaging with the women and children of the community on our projects. Each project will provide a hands-on learning experience that will not only impact you and the local community, but also bring you closer to the people you’re working with.
Afternoons will be spent exploring the island’s beaches and mountainous interior. Uncover cool swimming holes and dense jungle trails in the lush Dominican mountain landscapes. Hike to a rural village in the mountains and experience the traditional ways of life. Contrast this with the secluded white sandy beaches that the North Coast is best known for. This is the real Dominican that travelers rarely see.
Day 7:
Today, we’ll head out to a nearby river, the Rio San Juan, to learn about the local ecosystem. Take a boat ride through a mangrove forest and explore a nearby cave system learning about these different environments. We’ll then have lunch on a pristine, secluded beach and spend the afternoon snorkeling over the colorful reefs. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner together, reminiscing about the week’s experiences and bidding goodbye to the local community we’ve worked alongside over the past week.
Day 8:
After breakfast, we’ll travel to Puerto Plata or Santiago to board our flights home.
Day 1 Welcome to Punta Cana!
Land in Dominican Republic and enjoy a transfer to your hotel. Once you've settled into your hotel room, explore the property and treat yourself to a poolside cocktail!
Day 2 Punta Cana
The Hotel Riu Palace Macao is within a Riu Resorts complex together with the Riu Palace Punta Cana, Hotel Riu Bambu, Hotel Riu Naiboa and Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro, and like its neighbors, it offers an entertainment program that you can enjoy all day long. The all-inclusive system gives you the opportunity to try out various activities and sports such as table tennis, gymnastics, water polo, volleyball, windsurfing, sailing, kayaking, bodyboarding and much more.
Day 3 Punta Cana
Visit the Arena Gorda beach today. It is located nearby and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Arrange a day-trip here and spend the day enjoying the white sands and blue waters.
Day 4 Punta Cana
Soak in the rays in the morning and then venture off and do some exploring! The Del Este National Park is a natural sanctuary formed by semi-humid forests and the island of Isla Saona, complete with heavenly beaches and sparkling waters. The area is also notable for its 400 or so caves. Many of them contain cave paintings by the Tainos, the inhabitants of the island until the Spanish settlers arrived.
Day 5 Depart Dominican Republic
Today you'll pack your things, enjoy a transfer back to the airport, and board your flight back home!
