Trip to Las Terrenas, the Dominican Republic: how to get there, how many days and when to go

Las Terrenas – Samaná Destination Península de Samaná about 35 km from Santa Bárbara de Samaná

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional El Catey (AZS) El Catey · 25 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

El Catey airport (AZS) is about 25 km away, roughly a 30-minute drive. From Santo Domingo it's about two and a half hours via the Northeast highway and the road that crosses the hills; there are buses to Las Terrenas.

How many days

Three to four days: beach time at Cosón and Bonita, the El Limón waterfall, a trip to Los Haitises and time for the town's restaurants.

When to go

From December to April there is less rain; from January to March you can combine it with whale watching in Samaná. Hurricane season runs from June to November. The north coast sea is rougher in winter.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not needed for the town and central beaches, which are reached on foot, by bicycle or mototaxi. For Cosón, El Limón and Las Galeras, ATVs, mototaxis, taxis and tours handle transportation.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Las Terrenas

Morning
Playa Cosón
Morning at Playa Cosón, to the west, the town's longest and calmest beach, with coconut palms.
Afternoon
Playa Bonita
Head to Playa Bonita next door for lunch and an afternoon by the sea.
Late afternoon
Pueblo de los Pescadores
In the late afternoon, return to town and watch the sunset at the Pueblo de los Pescadores, the wooden houses by the sea.
Evening
Town restaurants
Dine at one of the restaurants in the Pueblo de los Pescadores or on the main street, offering French, Italian and Dominican cuisine.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is Las Terrenas a good place to stay?

Yes, it is the most practical base on the peninsula, with guesthouses, apartments, restaurants and beaches within walking distance.

Which is the best beach in Las Terrenas?

Cosón, long and lined with coconut palms, is the most beautiful. Bonita, next door, has waves and is good for surfing. The central beach is the busiest.

Is Las Terrenas close to Salto El Limón?

Yes, about a 20-minute drive to the trailheads where the hikes start.

Why does Las Terrenas have so many Europeans?

Since the 1970s the town attracted immigrants, especially French and Italian, who opened guesthouses, bakeries and restaurants.

Your trip to Las Terrenas.