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Faro a Colón, Columbus Lighthouse of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Faro a Colón is a monument with many names: The Columbus Lighthouse, El Faro Colon, and Faro a Colon. Learn about this unusual destination, and discover whether it’s worth a visit on your next trip.
What Is The Columbus Lighthouse?
The Columbus Lighthouse is a monument shaped like a cross, a museum, and a tomb with Columbus’ remains.
Faro a Colón is not a true lighthouse. Instead, when lit, it displays beams of colorful laser light visible across sea and sky: a symbolic beacon of hope.
Unfortunately, the high-energy beams can drain the power grid. So, the “beacon” is only lit on special occasions:
- February, for Carnival
- August 1st, for Fiesta de Santo Domingo
- Irregular occasions
What’s Inside Faro a Colon?
Tomb of Christopher Columbus’ Remains
The central chapel houses artworks—paintings and marble busts—of both saints and historic figures, surrounding an ornate, neo-gothic tomb.
Inside, the tomb is filled with bronze lions, bas relief depictions of Columbus’ story, 280 marble sculptures and columns, and an altar. The centerpiece: a bronze urn holding Columbus’ bones.
Notably, historians debate the veracity of the remains.
Museum Celebrating History & Culture
The Columbus Lighthouse museum has displays celebrating 40+ nations’ cultures. It also highlights the Americas’ history.
Faro a Colón: Facts & Figures
Location
Santo Domingo Este, Greater Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Address
Av Mirador del Este,
Santo Domingo Este 11604,
Dominican Republic
Height
131 ft. (40 m)
Length of “Vertical” Cross Section
680 ft. (210 m)
Width of “Horizontal” Cross Section
195 ft. (59 m)
Number of Lasers
138
Number of Nations Represented In Museum
40+
Ticket Costs (Range)
RD$25 ($0.42 USD) - RD$200 ($4 USD)
Tue. - Sat. Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun. Hours
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Best Things To Do & See At The Columbus Lighthouse
While Columbus’ tomb and mausoleum is the site’s centerpiece, there’s a lot more to explore within the monument.
Ceremonial Guard Formation
Faro a Colón is secured by ceremonial guards. They wear formal white uniforms with epaulettes, hold traditional silver muskets, stand post and move in precise military formations. The changing of the guard is an elegant performance, drawing an audience.
Ceramic Art and Iconography Museum
This museum within the monument protects and displays works of ceramic art, carvings, and icons donated by neighboring countries. Many represent the indigenous cultures of those nations. Notable pieces include jewelry from ancient Colombia.
Cartography Library
The cartography library displays authentic and replica historic maps used by Columbus and his compatriots. It is available for researchers and casual visitors on request.
New & Classic International Culture Exhibits
Over 40 countries have dedicated rooms and displays in the space—and more are added all the time. Many of the rooms offer significant representation of indigenous cultural artifacts, including a replica Taino canoe.
The most recent addition is a permanent exhibit celebrating the culture and people of Guyana, a South American Caribbean nation. The exhibit is part of a broader political project to strengthen ties among Caribbean countries.
Nearby Attractions & Destinations In Santo Domingo
Many travelers combine a visit to Faro a Colón with exploration of another nearby destination. Popular options include:
- Playa Punta Torrecillas, a close island beach
- Three Eyes Park, a national park with pristine subterranean lagoon
- Zona Ciudad Colonial, a preserved colonial neighborhood in Santo Domingo and protected UNESCO World Heritage Site
Experience The Best Of The Dominican Republic With Caravan
Embark on a stress-free adventure to Santo Domingo and beyond—curated by Caravan.
For more information about Caravan’s weeklong Dominican Republic Tour, or anything else we offer, call us toll-free at 1-800-CARAVAN (227-2826). Book by phone with our toll-free number, or call 1 (312) 321-9800.







2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Day 1 • Punta Cana

Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.

Days 2, 3 • Santo Domingo

El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.

Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach

Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.

2026 Hotels
2026 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.

Day 1 • Punta Cana

Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.

Days 2, 3, 4 • Santo Domingo

El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.

Days 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach

Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.

Day 7 • Punta Cana

Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.

Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace on Bávaro Beach to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in the Dominican Republic, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Taxis cost approximately $30 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free departure transfers to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The drive to the airport takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.

Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.

Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
Santo Domingo | Punta Cana | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
Jan | 84/68 | 0.6 | 83/73 | 1.2 |
Feb | 85/67 | 0.7 | 83/72 | 1.0 |
Mar | 86/68 | 0.7 | 84/73 | 0.9 |
Apr | 86/70 | 1.2 | 85/74 | 1.5 |
May | 87/72 | 2.4 | 86/76 | 2.6 |
Jun | 88/74 | 1.9 | 87/77 | 1.9 |
Jul | 89/74 | 1.6 | 87/78 | 1.7 |
Aug | 89/74 | 1.9 | 88/78 | 2.0 |
Sep | 89/74 | 2.1 | 88/77 | 2.3 |
Oct | 88/73 | 2.1 | 87/76 | 2.3 |
Nov | 86/71 | 1.5 | 85/75 | 2.4 |
Dec | 85/69 | 0.8 | 83/74 | 1.4 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Santo Domingo | ||||||||||||
temp | 84/68 | 85/67 | 86/68 | 86/70 | 87/72 | 88/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 88/73 | 86/71 | 85/69 |
rainfall | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
Punta Cana | ||||||||||||
temp | 83/73 | 83/72 | 84/73 | 85/74 | 86/76 | 87/77 | 87/78 | 88/78 | 88/77 | 87/76 | 85/75 | 83/74 |
rainfall | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.

Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 10 Travel Tips. Read all 42 Travel Tips Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Virtually everything! Hotels, most meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary, airport departure transfers, gratuities to hotel porters and restaurant staff. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. They are fluent in English, experienced and fun, ensuring a worry-free vacation. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.Are meals included?
My Tour Price Includes
My Tour Price Does Not Include
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Family Trips
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Children on Tour
International Travel with Minors

Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.




Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).