Santo Domingo off the beaten track
On this excursion you will get to know Santo Domingo from a different side. Off the beaten tourist track you will see the life of the less privileged population and make a small contribution to improving their circumstances.
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your driver at 09:00. Then you will drive to one of the most precarious neighborhoods in the Dominican Republic, Gualey. The neighborhood is located north of the old town on the west bank of the Ozama River. Here you will visit the non-profit Rincón de Luz Foundation. The foundation has been doing work in the areas of education, nutrition and health for socially disadvantaged children, youth and seniors for over 18 years. Children from preschool age to the beginning of middle school receive schooling and participate in lunch. At the foundation you will hand over a food donation (included in the price of the excursion, will be provided for you in advance). The founder and president Leyda Alvarez will give you a tour of the premises and present her work. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the school children.
Afterwards you will get a guided tour through Gualey. You will get an impression of the living conditions in one of the poorest neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic. You will visit the four Pozos, small lakes fed by natural springs, which are popular with the residents. One of the pozos has recently been used as a breeding pool for ornamental and food fish. Drinks are available during the walk from local corner stores called colmados.
After the end of the tour you will go to the cable car station of Gualey. You will board the cable car, from which you will enjoy a spectacular view. You will cross the Ozama River, passing through the Tres Brazos and Sabana Perdida stations to the Charles de Gaulle terminus in the north of Santo Domingo, and then return to your starting point. During the tour you will gain a new perspective on the city and get an impression of the different living conditions. From the gondola you will have numerous opportunities for spectacular photos.
Afterwards, your driver will take you back to the hotel.
A quarter of the excursion price will benefit the Foundation in the form of a food donation, which you will hand over on the day of the excursion.
Additional Services/Info
• Departure time: about 9.00 am
• Return time: between 12.00 pm - 13.00 pm
• Duration: between 3 - 4 hours
• Excursion days: Monday to Friday
• Don`t forget about: Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat or cap and camera
Services Included
• Transport
• Food donation
• Drinks
• Visit to the Rincón de Luz Foundation
• Guided tour of Gualey
• Ride on the cable car
• Local English speaking tour guide
Services not included
• All services not explicitly mentioned
• Personal expenses and tips