Spanish Sin Pena

Cultural Immersion Trip to Dominican Republic

Spanish Immersion Travel in the Dominican Republic!

Join our Spanish Sin Pena team & students on a language immersion trip to

La República Dominicana Dates March 27th - April 3rd 2024!

Can’t make it this Spring, Sign up for our Travel Waitlist to receive updates on upcoming trips!

Learn Spanish and practice in República Dominicana!

Join us in exploring Quisqueya la bella and immerse yourself in the history, culture, language, rhythms and cuisine of the DR. We will discover both the capital’s vibrant nightlife and the rural natural wonders of the country in search of beaches and waterfalls.

  • Spanish Sin Pena students and community members who want to  learn and practice Spanish by traveling and engaging in cultural experiences in the Dominican Republic.

    Spanish learners of all levels are welcome to join. You can share the experience with family member or friend while space is available.



Draft ITINERARY

Subject to change: Activities listed are subject for rearrangement and to change based on host availability participant interest.

Day 1: Arrive to Santo Domingo!

Dates: Wed March 27

  • You will be met at Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) near Santo Domingo and will travel approximately 25 minutes to the Zona Colonia. Please note do not fly into Punta Cana or any other airport.

  • Check in time will be 3pm but if you arrive earlier you will be able to drop off your luggage and explore the city.

  • We will be setting our intentions for the trip, getting to know each other and having a delicious Dominican meal.

Day 2: Decolonial City Tour

Dates: Thurs March 28

  • Enjoy breakfast at the house while we practice Dominican Spanish.

  • On this tour you will connect with the untold story of African people enslaved on the island of Hispaniola. You will explore sites of historical importance that are not highlighted in the traditional tours of Santo Domingo.

Day 3: Waterfalls and Natural Pools

Dates: Fri March 29

  • We will be taking public transportation to visit some of the best waterfalls and natural pools in the Dominican Republic.

  • Lunch and light snack will be included.

Day 4: Bachata and Merengue Dance Class

Dates: Sat March 30

  • You will have time to relax and explore museums or other local attractions during the day.

  • Enjoy authentic Salsa or Bachata dancing in the heart of Santo Domingo, with an experienced, professional and friendly dance instructor. We will visit a few of the iconic dance bars, clubs. You will enjoy a friendly night full of dancing and fun.

Day 5: Local Culture Experience

Dates: Sun March 31

  • Enjoy breakfast and Spanish practice at the house.

  • Get to know the issues, neighborhoods, traditions and daily life of locals. You will have time to explore and shop.

Day 6: Food Experience

Dates: Mon April 1

  • Dominican Culture Around the Fogón. We will visit La Cueva del Eden - cook, swim, and enjoy nature.

Day 7: Beach Day

Dates: Tues April 2

  • Breakfast and Spanish practice at the house.

  • We will explore the local beaches and have a relaxing day swimming. Lunch will be included.

Day 8: Buen viaje! Check Out

Dates: Wed April 3

  • Check-Out: at 1:00pm

  • We will coordinate your airport transportation.


 

Accommodations for the Week:

 

Santo Domingo Colonial Beach House

Dates: March 27th - April 3rd 2024

Fabulous beach house in the heart of Santo Domingo historic district. The house has a private pool and 2 amazing terraces overlooking the old city and the Caribbean sea. Enjoy the terrace Jacuzzi on one side and have a delicious breakfast on the other side! Nine single rooms with a queen or king bed and your own private bathroom.

Payments

Dates: March 27 - April 3, 2024

Private Single Room: Private room and bathroom for ONE person. Rooms have King and Queen beds

$2,457 (Queen Bed)

Reserve with 2 payments of $1236

Double Room:  Bring a family member or friend and share a room with a King bed and a private bathroom. Must book together.

$1,735 per person (Shared King Bed) Must book together for a total $3470

Reserve with 2 payments of $1,735

(King bed for two people)


What’s NOT Included

  • Airfare, baggage fees, passport expenses

  • Personal insurance, travel/ trip insurance (Recommended)

  • Personal spending money for gifts etc.

  • Meals not listed on above itinerary

  • Transportation during free time

  • Independent night activities & transportation is the responsibility of tour participant

What is Included:

  • Coaching with Wendy Ramirez (1 private session and 2 group sessions),

  • Airport pick-up/dropoff in Santo Domingo SDQ

  • Week Stay in Santo Domingo

  • Breakfast for the Week and Meals where listed

  • Guided Cultural Tours of historical sights and experiences supporting local communities

  • Food Experiences

  • Dance Classes

  • Transportation To and from the Cultural Activities listed &


  • Please note that because Spanish Sin Pena Immersion Trips are limited to a small number of attendees, our cancellation and refund policy is in place for fairness to all participants and to cover the necessary planning expenses. It is your responsibility to read and understand our cancellation and refund policies before making your payment. By making a payment you agree to these terms and conditions.

    A deposit of $797 is included in your first payment. DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. When canceling before February 23, 2024 your payments minus a $797 deposit and processing fee will be refunded.

    No refunds for cancellations 30 days or less before the trip. Exceptions cannot be made for any reason, including flight cancellations, weather, injury/illness, personal emergencies, any government travel warning or advisory. No refunds or credits for failure to attend or failure to complete the trip, or for arriving late or leaving early. Exceptions to our policy cannot be made for any reason. The best option to protect your trip from unseen circumstances is to have travel insurance.

    If you need to cancel 30 days or less before the trip – no refund or future credit would be available but you may transfer your reservation to another person. It will be your responsibility to find the person that will take your place and inform us immediately with the person's contact information.

    Spanish Sin Pena also reserves, in its absolute discretion, the right to cancel any trip due to any material change or unforeseen event. While we will do everything within our power to maintain the travel dates, if Spanish Sin Pena must cancel for any reason, you may transfer your full payment to another trip, or receive a full refund of your payment, constituting a full settlement. Spanish Sin Pena will not be responsible for expenses you incurred in preparation for any canceled trip, such as airline tickets, loss of work, and/or other costs associated with preparing for your trip.

  • Please advise us before booking if you do have mobility, health or medical conditions which may affect your trip, or if you have any special requirements so that we can assist.

    Activities listed are subject for rearrangement based on availability and on which day.

    Being flexible as we are working with a group is crucial In this trip.

    Participants agree to mask when appropriate on the ground In the Dominican Republic and to follow any COVID precautions set by third parties during the duration of the trip.

  • Do I need A Passport?

    Yes you do need a passport to Travel to the DR. Please do not delay in applying for or renewing your passport. Visit https://travel.state.gov/

    What to bring on trip? PASSPORT & COPIES

    This one goes without saying, but don’t forget your passport or you won’t be able to travel.

    What to do before you travel:

    * Take a photo of the page of your passport with your photo and info on it — and email it to yourself and save it as a photo on your phone.

    * Have a few color copies of your passport made; bring one of those with you and leave another with a trusted person.

    * Store all your important documents in a secure place.

  • Insurance is for your protection, in case of unforeseen events causing trip cancellation/interruption, or any medical expenses during your trip.

    As unexpected things can happen, to join this trip we highly recommend YOU have travel insurance. Please be sure that your insurance policy covers medical expenses in the event of an accident & TRIP CANCELLATION in case you need to cancel due to illness, injury, or other serious health issues, personal issues, or family-related emergencies. Please make sure to read the policy and understand what is covered by your policy. When picking an insurance company it is your responsibility to know what is and what is not covered in the insurance you are purchasing. You can find a review of the best travel insurance here. Spanish Sin Pena will not be responsible for any cost not covered by your trip insurance.

    Travel Insurance gives you peace of mind and safeguards your investment in the event of a cancellation prior to or during your trip. 

  • It is not Mandatory to participate in all the tours/ cultural activities or classes. Please note that opting out of any activities will not change the price of the package.

    We do not offer credit for a guest arriving late or leaving early.


Other FAQ’S:

  • You just need a willingness to try and a desire to learn! You will get an assessment during your private session with Wendy and recommendations on how to prepare for the trip.

  • Congratulations! You will receive an email confirming your reservation and outlining the next steps. If you do not receive and email you can contact us spanishsinpena@gmail.com

  • Travel Documents, Cards,: Passport & Copies

    Comfortable walking shoes

    T-shirts / Tank tops

    Thin long-sleeved shirt

    External Battery Pack

    Water bottle to refill from gallon

    Quick dry travel towel

    Hand sanitizing wipes

    Travel Backpack, Crossbody bag or fanny pack (something you can wear on your body)

    Cash for souvenirs and shopping, food not included and drinks. You can exchange money at the airport or withdraw money from an ATM.



Check Out What Our Students Have to Say:


Past Trips: Volunteer Trip Puerto Rico 2022 and Cartagena 2023

Learn more about our Volunteer based trip to Puerto Rico November, 2022. Click Here.


Volunteering in Puerto Rico with Techos pa mi gente!

They’re an awesome group of folks who help rebuild communities! It was a pleasure to be able to help them out!

Learn more and donate/volunteer with them click here: https://www.tpmgcorp.org