EAT, DRINK AND DANCE DOMINICAN FIESTA
Get to know traditional Dominican dishes and dances during this approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion. The itinerary includes a cooking class and dance lesson after a visit to some of Puerto Plata’s key sights.
The Dominican Republic has a vibrant culture influenced by its Spanish, Taíno and African heritage. This approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion is the perfect way to get a taste of Dominican life through its cuisine and customs.
A short drive transports guests from the port to Parque Central (also known as Independence Park), a large public square in the historic centre of Puerto Plata. Spend around 30 minutes here, admiring the manicured park and its pavilion, the Cathedral of St Philip the Apostle (which overlooks the square) and the Victorian-style architecture of the surrounding buildings.
Then make brief visits to nearby Umbrella Street (crowned with numerous colourful umbrellas) and Paseo de Doña Blanca (known locally as Pink Alley because of its coating of bright pink paint). This is followed by approximately 15 minutes to browse and shop for souvenirs.
Board a bus for an approximately 30-minute drive to Rancho La Catalina in El Cupey. Following a short welcome, sample some local fruits for around 15 minutes before spending approximately 30 minutes learning traditional Dominican dances, such as the merengue, bachata and mangulina. Drinks are also included during your time at Rancho La Catalina.
By now you’ll have worked up an appetite, so it’s time to learn about a Dominican stew known as sancocho. Over the course of around 20 minutes, you’ll be shown which ingredients are required to make this dish and receive an explanation as to how it is prepared before tasting some for yourself during lunch, which lasts around 40 minutes, followed by 15 minutes for coffee.
After 15 minutes or so for taking photos of this special experience, a journey of approximately 30 minutes returns to the port.
Important Information: Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate
