Cueva de las Maravillas

The Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) is a national park and show cave on the highway between San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana, about 10 kilometers west of La Romana. It is one of the easiest caves in the Caribbean to visit: a lit, paved walkway leads around 25 meters underground through chambers full of stalactites, stalagmites and other formations. Its main treasure is the rock art left by the Taíno, the island's original inhabitants, with hundreds of pictographs and petroglyphs on the walls.

Visits are guided, in groups, and take about 45 minutes to an hour. Guides explain the formations and the Taíno drawings, which include faces, animals and ceremonial scenes. Photography is restricted to protect the art, and some tour operators say photos are not allowed at all, so ask the guide before you take out your phone. The temperature inside is cooler than outside but humid, so wear comfortable shoes and light clothes.

Practical details: the cave is open from Tuesday to Sunday, roughly 9 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m., and closed on Mondays. Entry for foreign adults has been reported at around RD$300, a few US dollars, but we could not confirm the current 2026 price, so bring some pesos in cash. There is a visitor center with restrooms and parking at the entrance. It is easy to reach by car or taxi from La Romana in about 15 minutes, from Bayahíbe in around 30 to 40 minutes, and some Altos de Chavón tours from Punta Cana include it.

It combines well with Altos de Chavón for a half day of culture, or as a stop on the drive between Santo Domingo and the south-east beaches. It is also one of the better rainy-day options in the region.

Who it suits: families with kids (the walkway is short and easy), history and archaeology fans, and anyone curious about the Taíno. Who it does not: travelers looking for adventure caving or swimming in a cave; for a cave with a freshwater pool, ask about the Cueva del Padre Nuestro trail in the Parque Nacional del Este near Bayahíbe.

Tip: go at opening time on a weekday to have a quieter visit before tour groups arrive.