The Caves of Wonders & Altos De Chavon

The Caves of Wonders and Altos de Chavon offer a captivating blend of natural and cultural experiences for visitors to the Dominican Republic. Beneath the lush landscapes near La Romana, the Caves of Wonders showcase the island’s geological history through impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Just a short distance away, the charming 16th-century Mediterranean village of Altos de Chavon enchants with its cobblestone streets, artisan shops, and breathtaking river views. Together, these destinations provide a glimpse into the Dominican Republic’s diverse heritage, leaving travelers eager to uncover more of the island’s hidden gems.

About Your Stay

• The tour does not include visiting the Caves of Wonders or Altos de Chavon, as the highlights focus on the La Matilde cigar factory, riverboat ride, and baseball history.
• While the tour does not cover the Caves of Wonders or Altos de Chavon, it offers a comprehensive 10-hour experience exploring the history and culture of Hispaniola Island.
• The tour includes a visit to the iconic La Matilde cigar factory, where guests can witness skilled cigar rollers and learn about the cigar-making process.
• The scenic riverboat ride along the picturesque waterways is a highlight of the tour, although some reviews mention the experience can be crowded.
• The tour is suitable for families and history enthusiasts, with inclusions such as hotel pick-up/drop-off, refreshments, lunch, and a certified guide.

Tour Overview

The tour showcases the history, traditions, and cultural heritage of the Hispaniola Island, with highlights including a visit to the La Matilde cigar factory, a scenic riverboat ride, and the birthplace of top baseball players.

It’s a 10-hour experience suitable for families and history enthusiasts. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, refreshments, lunch, and a certified guide.

While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Reviews note the tour’s educational aspects and knowledgeable guide, though some critique the slow pace and average food quality.

Priced from $125 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the Caves of Wonders and Altos de Chavon.

Inclusions

With the tour including hotel pick-up and drop-off, guests can look forward to a hassle-free experience.

Along the way, they’ll enjoy refreshing drinks like water, soda, beer, wine, and rum. Lunch is also provided, so travelers won’t have to worry about finding a place to eat.

The certified guide will lead the group, and gratuities are included in the price. For those interested in souvenirs or photos, these will be available for purchase.

Pickup Information

The tour starts at 7:30 am, providing guests with an early start to the day’s adventures.

Pickup service is available from most hotels, though some locations may not be included in the regular routes. In such cases, alternative meeting points will be provided. Guests should wait in their hotel lobby for the guide, who’ll ensure a smooth departure for the tour.

The pickup process includes:

• Start time: 7:30 am
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (with some exceptions)
• Guests to wait in hotel lobby for guide
• Alternative locations provided if necessary

This early start allows for a full day of exploration, immersing travelers in the rich history and cultural heritage of the Hispaniola Island.

Participation Requirements

This tour is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted. Travelers with back problems, pregnant individuals, and those with serious medical conditions are not recommended to participate. The tour has a maximum capacity of 20 travelers, though most visitors can join.

Participation Requirement	Details
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible, stroller accessible
Medical Conditions	Not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions
Group Size	Maximum of 20 travelers
Participation	Most travelers can participate

The guides and organizers strive to ensure an enjoyable and educational experience for all guests.

Highlights: La Matilde Cigar Factory

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the La Matilde cigar factory. This iconic Dominican cigar manufacturer offers an inside look at the art of cigar-making.

Guests can:

• Witness skilled rollers skillfully crafting premium cigars by hand
• Learn about the fermentation and aging process that gives Dominican cigars their distinctive flavor
• Explore the factory’s history and see vintage cigar-making equipment on display
• Enjoy a cigar-pairing demonstration and sample some of the factory’s finest offerings

The La Matilde cigar experience provides a fascinating glimpse into an integral part of Dominican culture and tradition.

Scenic Riverboat Ride

During the tour, guests embark on a scenic riverboat ride along the picturesque waterways of the region.

The leisurely boat cruise offers a unique perspective of the lush, tropical landscape. Travelers can admire the stunning natural scenery and spot local wildlife, such as birds and small reptiles, along the riverbanks.

However, some reviewers have noted that the riverboat portion of the tour can feel crowded, detracting slightly from the overall experience.

Despite this minor critique, the riverboat ride remains a highlight for many visitors, providing a tranquil and immersive way to explore the region’s waterways and gain a deeper appreciation for the local environment.

Reviews and Pricing

Reviews of the "Caves of Wonders & Altos De Chavon" tour provide a mixed picture, with an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 based on a small sample size of 3 reviews.

While the guide is praised for being knowledgeable, the tour is criticized for its slow pace, average food quality, and crowded riverboat ride.

However, the highlights of the tour, such as the amphitheater and Altos de Chavon, are well-received, with guests expressing a desire for more time at the museum.

The tour is priced at $125.00 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

• Positive notes on knowledgeable guide and educational aspects
• Critiques include slow pace, average food quality, and crowded riverboat ride
• Highlights: amphitheater and Altos de Chavon; desire for more time at the museum
• Price: From $125.00 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Booking Your Stay

The Caves of Wonders and Altos de Chavón offer a captivating blend of natural splendor and cultural heritage. From the mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites to the charming 16th-century village, these must-visit destinations in the Dominican Republic promise an unforgettable experience for travelers. With a guided tour and additional highlights like a cigar factory visit and scenic riverboat ride, this excursion provides a well-rounded exploration of Hispaniola’s geological and historical wonders.