Las Terrenas, Guide
Your short guide to Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Las Terrenas Travel Guide: Beaches, Buses & Adventures in the Dominican Republic
Our Dominican Republic trip took us to one of my absolute favorite spots — Las Terrenas. Every time I go, I fall a little more in love with this charming beach town. From its turquoise waters to its easy going vibe, Las Terrenas has this perfect mix of adventure and relaxation that keeps me coming back.
🎥 Watch my Las Terrenas Travel Vlog here on YouTube — I take you along for the full experience, from the bus ride to the beaches!
Getting to Las Terrenas by Bus
My preferred mode of transportation to Las Terrenas is hands down the bus. It’s quick, affordable, and surprisingly comfortable — perfect if you’re traveling on a budget or just don’t want to deal with car rentals.
I usually go with Asotrapausa, a local bus company that runs reliable routes across the Dominican Republic. You can find them on Instagram at @Asotrapausa or visit their website here.
Even though the site looks a little outdated, don’t worry — their schedules are accurate and consistent.
💸 Cost: Santo Domingo → Las Terrenas is 500 Dominican Pesos (about $8.50 USD) per person — a total steal for a 2.5–3 hour ride through lush countryside views.
🗒️ Pro Tip:
While Caribe Tours is the most popular bus company in the Dominican Republic, they only go as far as Samaná town, which is still a bit far from Las Terrenas. Asotrapausa drops you right in the town center, which is much more convenient if you’re staying in or near the main area.
🚕 Taxis & Four-Wheelers (ATVs) in Las Terrenas
Once you arrive at the Las Terrenas bus stop, you’ll immediately be greeted by moto-taxis and taxis ready to take you wherever you need to go.
We found our taxi guy Radamiz right outside the bus station. He was super friendly, reliable, and even rents out 4-wheelers (ATVs) if you want to explore the town your own way. So don’t hesitate to flag one of those drivers. Note, they sometimes will take multiple passangers
We rented our 4-wheeler for $50/day and kept it for three days — the best way to zip between beaches, restaurants, and the villa.
🏝️ The Best Beaches in Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic — think white sand, calm turquoise waves, and palm trees that look like they came straight out of a screensaver.
Here are my top picks:
Playa Cosón – Long, quiet, and perfect for a peaceful walk or golden-hour photos.
Playa Bonita – True to its name — "beautiful beach." A favorite for swimming and beach bars.
Playa Escondida – A hidden gem, great if you love secluded spots.
Playa Las Ballenas – Popular and centrally located; perfect for lounging or people-watching.
Playa Punta Popy – The liveliest beach with restaurants, bars, and music — a great vibe day or night.
Each beach has its own energy, so I recommend beach-hopping while you’re there.
🌊 Things to Do in Las Terrenas
Beyond the beaches, Las Terrenas has so much to explore:
Hike to Salto El Limón Waterfall — a stunning 40-meter waterfall tucked in the jungle. You can hike or horseback ride to it.
Whale Watching (January–March) — One of the most magical experiences in the Dominican Republic. Samaná Bay is a prime spot for seeing humpback whales.
Eat Like a Local — Las Terrenas has a mix of Dominican and European influences, with tons of great beachfront restaurants. Try fresh seafood or an afternoon piña colada by the water.
💡 Final Thoughts
Las Terrenas is one of those places that gives you everything — adventure, peace, community, and beauty. Whether you’re solo traveling, going with friends, or planning a romantic getaway, it’s a must on your Dominican Republic travel list.
If you’re planning a trip soon, save this guide for your itinerary — and don’t forget to check out my vlog to see the full experience in motion!
📺 Watch the full Las Terrenas Travel Vlog on my YouTube channel @itsannadelaluz