Punta Cana in 1 Day for Families - Explore the freshwater grottoes at Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos

In Collaboration with Xcape Tours. Updated on February 17, 2026.

Punta Cana in 1 Day for Families - Explore the freshwater grottoes at Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos

Full-day guided tour with round-trip hotel transport from Punta Cana. Visit Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos, Faro a Colón, exterior views of the Presidential Palace, and explore the UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial (including Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, Calle Las Damas and the Panteón Nacional). A buffet lunch is included in the Colonial Zone before a final stroll along Calle El Conde and return‑S

Disclaimer

This itinerary was created in collaboration with Xcape Tours, inspired by the tour Santo Domingo Full Day Tour From Punta Cana with Lunch & Cenote. Please check the tour information during your booking process.

Highlights

  • Explore the freshwater grottoes at Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos
  • Panoramic view of Faro a Colón
  • Walk through the UNESCO-listed Zona Colonial and visit the oldest cathedral in the Americas
  • Buffet lunch in the Colonial Zone
  • Stroll along pedestrian Calle El Conde
Punta Cana Travel Guides!

More than 9 itineraries in Punta Cana.

Itinerary

Day 1

Hotel pickup in Punta Cana in the early morning; full-day guided sightseeing in Santo Domingo with return to Punta Cana in the evening.

Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos (Los Tres Ojos)

09:00 – 10:00 • 1h

Visit Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos to see the limestone grottoes and freshwater lagoons. The site features short trails and stairs down to the caves; time reserved for exploration and photos.

avenida las Americas, #26, 00000 Santo Domingo

Tips from local experts:

  • Not stroller- or wheelchair-accessible; bring a carrier for infants and supervise children on stairs.
  • Wear closed shoes with grip — some paths and steps can be wet and uneven.
  • Carry a small bottle of water and sun protection; there is limited shade near the viewing areas.

Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse)

10:20 – 11:00 • 40m

Panoramic visit to Faro a Colón to view the cross-shaped monument and the exterior grounds. Time is allocated for photos and a brief orientation to the memorial.

Av. Ana, On the water side of Los Tres Ojos, near the airport in the Sans Souci district, 11604 Santo Domingo

Tips from local experts:

  • The site is largely outdoor — bring sun protection and a light layer for coastal breezes.
  • Interior exhibits may have limited accessibility; plan to view main features from the public grounds if mobility is limited.
  • Keep children close near monument edges and lookout areas; there are elevated viewpoints and limited barriers.

Palacio Nacional (Presidential Palace) — exterior view

11:15 – 11:35 • 20m

Drive-by and short exterior stop at the Palacio Presidencial to admire the neoclassical façade and gardens from public vantage points. Interior visits are not included; this is an exterior viewing only.

Gazcue, 10204 Santo Domingo

Tips from local experts:

  • This is an exterior-viewing stop; follow your guide’s instructions and keep a respectful distance from security barriers.
  • Avoid loud behavior and large backpacks near official buildings for security screening reasons.
  • Photographs of the exterior are allowed from public areas; do not attempt to enter restricted zones.

Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone) & Cathedral of Santa María la Menor

11:45 – 12:45 • 1h

Explore the historic Zona Colonial (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Time reserved for visiting the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and an orientation walk through the main squares and streets.

Santo Domingo de Guzman

Tips from local experts:

  • Cobblestone streets can be uneven — supervise children and use sturdy footwear.
  • Public restrooms and shaded cafés are available in the Colonial Zone; plan brief restroom breaks during this block.
  • Carry small bills and coins for souvenirs and restroom fees; many small vendors prefer cash.

Calle Las Damas

12:45 – 13:05 • 20m

Short guided stroll along Calle Las Damas to view colonial-era buildings and notable landmarks lining the street.

10210 Santo Domingo

Tips from local experts:

  • Stroll at a relaxed pace; the street is historic and narrow in places — keep children close.
  • Many historic façades are fragile; avoid touching walls or displays and follow guide directions.
  • If anyone in your group has mobility limitations, alert the guide in advance — some stretches have steps.

Panteón Nacional (includes buffet lunch during this time block)

13:05 – 14:05 • 1h

Visit the Panteón Nacional to see the mausoleum of national heroes. The scheduled time also covers the included buffet lunch in the Colonial Zone (served as part of this block); please advise of dietary restrictions to the guide at the start of the day.

C. Las Damas, 10210 Santo Domingo de Guzman

Tips from local experts:

  • This block includes both a short visit to the Panteón Nacional and the included buffet lunch; tell the guide about allergies or dietary needs before arrival.
  • The Panteón requests quiet and respectful behaviour; supervise children and avoid running inside the building.
  • Carry a small photocopy of any medical or allergy notes and keep necessary medications accessible during the lunch period.

Calle El Conde (pedestrian stroll)

14:15 – 14:45 • 30m

Leisurely walk along Calle El Conde, the main pedestrian avenue in the Colonial Zone — a final chance for shopping, cafés, and local atmosphere before returning to the bus to head back to Punta Cana.

Calle El Conde # 502, Ciudad Colonial, 10210 Santo Domingo

Tips from local experts:

  • Calle El Conde is pedestrianized and busy — keep a close watch on children and personal items in crowds.
  • Small souvenir vendors and cafés are common; if buying for children, confirm sizes and ingredients for food items.
  • Plan to reconvene at the designated meeting point at the end of the street on time so the group can board the bus promptly.

Itinerary Attributes

Days1
Highlights5
Season-
Month-
PersonaFamilies
Transfers-
Restaurants-
Total Activities7
Total Places7
Activities TypesAttraction, Culture, Neighborhood

Cooking experiences in Punta Cana

Upcoming Events in Punta Cana

More options in Punta Cana

Explore more travel plans and guides for Punta Cana.

1 Day
Blue Lagoon Tour with Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling
Blue Lagoon Tour with Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling

Blue Lagoon Tour with Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling

Perfect for Friends

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

1 Day
Dune Buggy Adventure at Punta Cana
Dune Buggy Adventure at Punta Cana

Dune Buggy Adventure at Punta Cana

Perfect for Friends

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

1 Day
Punta Cana Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter (Private 4-hr) — Friends
Punta Cana Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter (Private 4-hr) — Friends

Punta Cana Offshore Deep Sea Fishing Charter (Private 4-hr) — Friends

Perfect for Friends

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

1 Day
Family Zipline Adventure — Extreme Zipline Experience in Punta Cana with Mountain Views
Family Zipline Adventure — Extreme Zipline Experience in Punta Cana with Mountain Views

Family Zipline Adventure — Extreme Zipline Experience in Punta Cana with Mountain Views

Perfect for Families

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Book the tour in advance!

Santo Domingo Full Day Tour From Punta Cana with Lunch & Cenote