QUICK ANSWER
This half-day tour covers three of Santo Domingo’s top sights in one trip: the UNESCO Colonial Zone walking section (45–60 min), Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse, 30 min), and Los Tres Ojos National Park (60–90 min). Organised tours cost $40–$49 USD including transport and guide.
Why This Combination Works
These three sites sit within 10 km of each other in eastern Santo Domingo, making the combination efficient for visitors with limited time — particularly those on a day trip from Punta Cana or connecting through SDQ airport. A half-day tour covers all three comfortably with time for lunch.
Stop 1: The Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial)
The Colonial Zone is the oldest European settlement in the Americas, founded in 1496. Key highlights on a short visit include:
- Catedral Primada de América — the first cathedral built in the New World (1514)
- Calle Las Damas — the oldest paved street in the Western Hemisphere
- Alcázar de Colón — the palace of Diego Columbus, son of Christopher Columbus
- Parque Colón — the central plaza with cafés and street life
Stop 2: Faro a Colón (Columbus Lighthouse)
The Faro a Colón is a cross-shaped monument completed in 1992 to mark 500 years of Columbus’s arrival. Inside, it houses the claimed tomb of Christopher Columbus (disputed by Seville) and a series of national art galleries. Entry costs 200 DOP (about $3.50 USD). The lighthouse projects a cross of light into the sky on special occasions.
Stop 3: Los Tres Ojos National Park
Los Tres Ojos is the natural centrepiece of the tour — three interconnected cave lakes carved from limestone, with a fourth accessible by raft. The park is just 5 km from Faro a Colón, making it a natural final stop. Entry: 100 DOP. Budget 60–90 minutes including the optional raft ride.
Tour Options and Prices
You have three main choices for doing this combination:
- Organised group tour — $40–$49 USD per person; includes guide, transport, and entrance fees
- Private tour — $80–$130 USD for up to 4 people; fully flexible itinerary, own pace
- Self-guided by taxi — $30–$40 USD total in taxi costs; you pay entrances separately
For a fully customised experience, see our guide to private tours in Santo Domingo.
Book the Colonial Zone, Faro a Colón and Los Tres Ojos Tour
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ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Written by the Los Tres Ojos editorial team, local Santo Domingo travel writers with over 8 years of experience visiting, reviewing, and booking tours at Los Tres Ojos and across the Dominican Republic.
