Cueva de las Maravillas

The half-mile-long (0.8 kilometers) Cueva de las Maravillas (also known as the Cave of Wonders) is an easy cavern to explore, as it has a concrete walking path and is well-lit. You'll also see pictures on the cave walls left by the native Tainos, an indigenous group that once had a strong presence in the Dominican Republic. The cave is also home to an iguanarium, a refuge that preserves the rhinoceros iguanas, which are in danger of extinction in the Dominican Republic. Day trips from Punta Cana and Santo Domingo to the cave are available and often include lunch.

• Cueva de las Maravillas is one of the most accessible caves in the Dominican Republic, thanks to its lighting system, ramps, path, and modern elevator.

• Some cruise excursions from the La Romana port include stops at Altos de Chavón and Cuevas de las Maravillas.

• The bats that call the cave home usually hide during tourist hours.

• Photos aren’t allowed, as light exposure can affect the cave drawings.

Located between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, Cueva de las Maravillas is accessible from the La Romana Highway. It’s about an hour’s drive from Punta Cana and about 1.5 hours from Santo Domingo. Guided tours from both cities typically provide roundtrip transportation. The cave is about a 30-minute drive from the cruise terminal.

The cave is closed to visitors on Mondays but is open the rest of the week. Remember that La Romana is a regularly visited cruise port on Caribbean itineraries, so if a ship is docked, expect crowds at the cave. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to explore the attraction.

Often combined with Cuevas de las Maravillas on guided tours, Altos de Chavón is a re-creation of a 16th-century village built in La Romana. Carved out of stone, the site is an example of what the island would have looked like many years ago. Visitors will find restaurants, shops, and even a 5,000-seat amphitheater where concerts and other performances take place.