Whitney Heisler Whitney Heisler

How to Get to Las Cuevas in Cabrera, Dominican Republic: Airports, Distances & Driving Guide

Planning your trip to Las Cuevas in Cabrera, Dominican Republic? This guide breaks down the best airports to fly into, scenic routes from Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata, and what to expect along the way—from historical sights and modern shopping to jungle waterfalls and beachside dining.

Couple on a road trip driving from Santo Domingo to Cabrera in a VW van

Dreaming of your new home or vacation escape at Las Cuevas in Cabrera? One of the most common questions we get is: "What’s the best way to get there?" Luckily, there are several great options—each offering its own unique experience.

Whether you’re flying in from the U.S., Canada, or Europe, here’s everything you need to know about getting to Las Cuevas, including what airport to choose and what you can enjoy along the way.

🛬 Closest Airports to Las Cuevas

Airport Code Drive Time

El Catey – Samaná International AZS 65 minutes

Puerto Plata International POP 75 minutes

Santo Domingo SDQ 2 hrs 30 mins

Santiago – Cibao International STI 2 hrs 40 mins

Punta Cana International PUJ 4 hrs

Map of the Dominican Republic showing airports and Las Cuevas location, paired with a palm-lined road along the drive from Santo Domingo


Santo Domingo – Las Américas International (SDQ)

The capital is more than just an airport—it's an experience.

Historic stone building in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, once home to Christopher Columbus’s son, Diego Columbus

Why we recommend it:

  • Colonial Charm: Visit the Zona Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with 16th-century architecture, museums, and cobblestone streets.

  • Gastronomy and Nightlife: Home to some of the Caribbean’s best restaurants, rooftop bars, and locally loved cafés.

  • Modern Shopping: Outfit your home with ease—PriceSmart (Costco-style), IKEA, Blue Mall, Agora, Zara, H&M, Mango, and more are all within reach.

  • Stress-Free Navigation: Uber operates citywide, making it easy to explore without the hassle of driving in traffic or finding parking.

Trendy  restaurant Maraca in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, known for modern Dominican cuisine and cocktails
Collage of shopping options in Santo Domingo including PriceSmart, IKEA, and Agora Mall for furnishing and stocking a home in Las Cuevas

The Drive to Las Cuevas:

  • Smooth and Scenic: The highway from Santo Domingo to Cabrera is wide, beautifully paved, and lightly trafficked—with only one busy town along the route.

  • National Park Views: The drive winds through the lush edges of Los Haitises National Park, offering glimpses of limestone cliffs, rainforest, and rolling green hills.

  • Convenient Stops: Gas stations along the way include clean restrooms, restaurants, and coffee shops.

  • Optional Adventure: Stop at Salto Socoa, a stunning jungle waterfall featured in the film The Lost City. It's a beautiful place for a quick swim, photo stop, or walk through nature.

Salto Socoa waterfall in the Dominican Republic, a lush jungle swimming spot featured in the movie The Lost City with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum

Puerto Plata International Airport (POP)

Laid-back travel meets tropical beauty.

Cable car ascending the mountain in Puerto Plata, offering panoramic views of the Dominican Republic’s north coast

Why we love it:

  • Small and Efficient: POP is easy to navigate and far less crowded than larger airports.

  • Nearby Supplies: Grocery stores in Sosúa and Cabarete are great for stocking up before arrival.

  • Scenic Drive to Las Cuevas: In just over an hour, you'll pass coastal towns, beach restaurants, fruit stands, and attractions like:

    • Monkey Jungle

    • Dominican chocolate farms

    • Sweeping ocean views

    • Beach Restaurants in Cabarete for a post flight bite

Casual beachfront restaurants in Cabarete serving affordable and high-quality Western fare on the Dominican Republic’s north coast

Other Airport Options

El Catey – Samaná International (AZS)

  • The closest airport at just 65 minutes from Las Cuevas

  • Fewer flights, but incredibly convenient if your route matches

Santiago – Cibao International (STI)

  • A strong alternative with international access

  • A scenic inland drive through Dominican countryside

Punta Cana International (PUJ)

  • The busiest airport in the country with the widest range of flights

  • Not ideal for Las Cuevas due to the 4-hour cross-island drive

  • Great if you want a night at an all inclusive resort

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