Most travelers never see this side of the Dominican Republic. Beyond the resorts is a wilder coastline — desert forest, empty beaches, ancient lakes, and communities doing the daily work of conservation.
This 7-day trip runs from Santo Domingo's streets to the remote southwest, through Lake Enriquillo, Jaragua National Park, and Bahía de las Águilas - combining Dominican food, beaches, and nightlife with hands-on conservation work. Led by Rainforest Connection founder and National Geographic Explorer Topher White, you'll meet the people protecting these landscapes and see how Rainforest Connection's Guardian technology uses sound to detect threats to the forest in real time.
Your trip supports Rainforest Connection's work worldwide: helping local and indigenous communities respond to illegal activity and expanding bioacoustic monitoring to protect threatened ecosystems.
Welcome to Santo Domingo
Welcome to Santo Domingo. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Welcome dinner featuring Dominican cuisine, local rum, and fresh seafood.
Day 1
The First City of the New World
Guided walking tour of Santo Domingo's Colonial Zone - cobblestone streets, plazas, and centuries-old architecture. In the afternoon, meet Topher White for an introduction to Rainforest Connection's mission and its acoustic technology. In the evening: music and dancing, bachata and merengue.
Day 2
Into the Southwest
Travel from the capital toward the Dominican Republic's wild southwest. The landscape shifts from city to dry forest, mountains, and the terrain surrounding Lake Enriquillo - fewer crowds, more open space, and far less tourism.
Day 2
Lake Enriquillo & Eyes of a Ranger
Visit Lake Enriquillo, the largest lake in the country and one of its most distinctive landscapes — saltwater, birdlife, reptiles, and dramatic desert light. Meet local rangers and conservation workers and learn how they monitor land that's too vast and remote to watch directly, and how technology helps catch threats early. Continue to Pedernales, gateway to the country's least-developed coastline.
Day 3
Guardians at Work
Visit an active Rainforest Connection Protected Site. You can choose to participate in a tree-climbing demonstration and a live assembly of the Guardian 3, complete with a Q&A session or opt for a guided audio experience featuring field recordings.
Day 3
Bahía de las Águilas
In the evening, enjoy a cultural night filled with local music and storytelling that brings the spirit of the community to life.
Day 4
Night Sounds of the Wild Coast
After a slower morning, a guided walk through coastal or dry forest habitat, listening for how species — insects, birds, frogs, bats — reveal themselves through sound. In the evening, a final session with Topher and the RFCx team on what was heard and what it means, followed by a farewell dinner.
Day 5
Return to Santo Domingo & Departure
Return to the capital, with time for a final lunch or market stop depending on flights. You leave having seen, firsthand, how conservation actually works on the ground.
Day 6
What's included?
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tastings & snacks)
Overnight stays at hotels listed
All transfers including airport pickup
Guided activities and designated guides
Listen to a live preview.
Access the Guardian live feed in the Rainforest Connection app and get a taste of the sounds, species, and rhythms you’ll experience on the trip.
$899
per person
Number of Guests
Loading stock...
Dates:
Available:ㅤJanuary 10–16
Available:ㅤJanuary 24–30
Available:ㅤFebruary 7–13
Available:ㅤFebruary 21–27
Available:ㅤMarch 7–13
Available:ㅤMarch 21–27
Note: Travel dates are flexible. Change anytime unless the tour is sold out. Enter promo code (if any) during checkout.
Alternatively, you can email us.
FAQ
What is the overall fitness level required?
This tour involves moderate to high physical activity, including hiking on uneven and potentially muddy terrain, climbing in and out of boats, optional tree climbing, tubing on rivers, and walking at night.
How do I secure my spot for this tour?
Click the blue "book now" button (make sure to enter your preferred number of guests first). Alternatively, you can use the form above to get in touch, or email us at contact@rfcx.org
What's excluded in the tour price?
International flights, travel insurance, visas, personal expenses, gratuities, merchandise.
What is the maximum group size?
Groups run a maximum of 18 guests at a time to preserve the experience and minimize impact.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by booking and timing; details are provided at the time of reservation and in the terms & conditions. Learn more here - https://rfcx.org/amazon-tour-terms-conditions
Can I join as a solo traveler?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome and can join existing groups within the September–November season. Single‑room supplements may apply depending on availability.
Do I need to know Spanish?
No. The tour includes Spanish-English guides, and key activities are conducted in English or translated.
Are special diets possible?
In most cases, yes. Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions. We’ll do our best to accommodate them, though options may be more limited in remote lodges.
Do I need vaccinations?
Recommended: routine vaccines plus Yellow Fever (if required by entry rules) and malaria precautions for some areas. Check with your doctor and local travel advisories.
What should I pack?
Long/short sleeve clothing, rubber boots, quick‑dry layers, insect repellent, sunscreen, flashlight, binoculars, refillable water bottle, camera, medications, and a light rain jacket. See full packing list in your confirmation.
Disclaimer
This is a seasonal, small-group expedition in a remote rainforest environment. All itineraries, activities, inclusions, and departure dates are subject to change based on weather, safety, local conditions, and operational requirements.
Participation in this tour is governed by our full Terms & Conditions, including liability waivers, health and safety requirements, and our cancellation policy. For complete details, please review our Terms & Conditions here: https://rfcx.org/amazon-tour-terms-conditions