Santo Domingo Cultural Tour

In this national park we will find one of the best kept natural secrets of the city, its 4 lakes:
1. Sulfur Lake: The first lake we can see from the moment we enter, its name is due to the fact that a whitish substance can be seen at the bottom and therefore people thought it was sulfur.

2. Ladies' Lake: Its name is due to the fact that it was previously used as a spa and due to its discreet location and because it is shallow, it was reserved for women. It is 2.5 meters deep at its deepest part.

3. La Nevera: Its name is due to the low temperatures it reaches since it never receives sunlight, its temperature ranges between 15°C and 21°C.

4. Los Zaramagullones: This is the 4th lake, its name is due to a species of amphibious ducks that are native to the area. It has impressive natural vegetation that surrounds the lake.

Faro A Colon is a cross-shaped monument commemorating the Christianization of the Americas, measuring approximately 800 meters long and 36.5 meters high. Although it was believed to house the remains of Admiral Christopher Columbus, genetic studies have confirmed that his remains are in the Cathedral of Seville.

When the lighthouse is lit, it projects a cross-shaped light into the night sky, visible from about 64 kilometers away. However, this powerful lighting can cause problems with the electricity supply in nearby neighborhoods, so the lighthouse is only turned on on special occasions.

The National Pantheon is a mausoleum where the remains of prominent figures in the history of the Dominican Republic are preserved. The National Pantheon has around 36 empty spaces to house future heroes. There is also an empty space without a plaque, dedicated to the unknown soldier. There is a permanent honor guard, made up of members of the presidential guard, dressed in gala attire, without moving a single muscle. One of them makes a solemn round in the central corridor, which goes from the main entrance to the front of the High Altar. In it, along with the Dominican flag, the flags of the Air Force, the Navy and the Army of the Dominican Republic are displayed.

The Museum of the Royal Houses or Royal Palaces, as it was called during the time of the captaincy general and the province, had two palaces as its headquarters, which date back to the 16th century. This royal palace was built by order of the Crown of Castile, during the reign of Ferdinand II of Aragon, on October 5, 1511, with the purpose of housing the main government offices of the time. This was called the Building of the Royal Houses, since it housed the Royal Audience, which was the first court in the New World, and was also used as the Residence of the Governors and Captains General of the time. This building served as a home for people such as Bartholomew Columbus, Louis Ferrand, among others. Important meetings or parties composed of the main figures of society of the time were held in the halls of the Royal Audience.

The Parque Colón, the main place or square for recreation in the Colonial City, is surrounded by important monuments such as the Catedral Primada de America, the first City Hall of Santo Domingo, and La Calle el Conde, known for its famous restaurants.
In the park there is a statue of Christopher Columbus erected by the French sculptor Ernesto Gilbert in 1887.

Here we will have a break to enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch! Enjoy a varied buffet full of the traditional flavors of the Dominican Republic. A culinary experience that will take you straight to the heart of the Caribbean!

Las Damas Street was the first street in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic and America.

Located in the Colonial City, it owes its name to the fact that at the beginning of the colonial period, ladies used to walk along this street, which is currently decorated with colonial tiles. This street's attractions include Fortaleza Ozama, La Real Audiencia, the house of Don Rodrigo de Bastidas, the "Trampolín" children's museum, colonial houses (some with colonial shields) and at the end, Plaza España.

Distinguished families of the colony built their houses on this street, including the Oviedo, Dávila, Heredia, Campuzano Polanco, Infante and Coca families.