Frequently Asked Questions

Discover everything you need to know about your Dominican adventure with Lajihey Tours

Unlike cookie-cutter excursions, Lajihey crafts soul-stirring journeys that unveil the Dominican Republic's hidden treasures. Our tours are designed by local experts who know secret beaches, authentic cuisine spots, and cultural gems that mass tourism overlooks. We travel in intimate groups, customize experiences to your preferences, and ensure sustainable practices that respect local communities and ecosystems.

The Dominican canvas changes with the seasons, each painting a different masterpiece. December through April offers sun-drenched days with azure skies and gentle breezes—perfect for beach lovers and outdoor explorers. May through November brings lush vibrancy as tropical showers nourish the landscape, with hotel rates dipping like the evening sun. While hurricane season technically spans June to November, significant storms rarely disrupt paradise, especially in September and October when insurance is wise. For whale watchers, January to March reveals humpback ballet performances in Samaná Bay.

We recommend securing your slice of Caribbean magic at least 2-3 months before your desired departure, especially for high season (December-April) when our boutique experiences fill quickly. Last-minute dreamers aren't left behind—we occasionally have openings within weeks of departure, but selection may be limited. For special celebrations or custom journeys, 4-6 months provides the canvas for us to craft your perfect Dominican story, weaving in exclusive experiences that require advance arrangements with our local partners.

Most visitors (including those from the US, Canada, UK, EU countries, and many others) can enter the Dominican Republic without a visa for up to 30 days. Instead, you'll purchase a tourist card upon arrival ($10) or through our pre-arrival service. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. For longer adventures or travelers from countries requiring visas, we'll guide you through the simple application process—just another way Lajihey smooths your path to paradise.

Pack light but thoughtful for your Caribbean canvas. Essentials include: breathable clothing (light cottons and linens), swimwear for daily dips, a light raincoat for tropical showers, sun armor (wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes for explorations, water-friendly sandals for beaches, insect shield (natural repellent preferred), a reusable water bottle for our purified refill stations, and any personal medications. Leave room in your suitcase—Dominican artisans create irresistible treasures, and local markets offer vibrant clothing you'll want to bring home.

We design family symphonies as well as adult serenades. Many of our signature tours welcome young explorers (typically ages 8+), while our Family Collection is specifically orchestrated for multi-generational adventure. These journeys balance educational discovery with playful moments—imagine kids learning to make chocolate from cacao pods before splashing in secret waterfalls. Some specialized experiences (certain adventure activities or in-depth cultural immersions) maintain adult-only atmospheres. Contact our family specialists to find the perfect Dominican rhythm for your tribe.

The Dominican peso (DOP) dances through local commerce, though many tourism establishments also embrace the US dollar. ATMs dispense pesos at competitive rates, while credit cards are welcome at most restaurants and shops (inform your bank of travel plans). We recommend carrying a modest cash portfolio—small denominations of pesos for markets, street food, and rural areas where cards might not be accepted. Your Lajihey guide can direct you to fair currency exchange locations, helping you avoid the tourist traps where rates resemble highway robbery.

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword at Lajihey—it's woven into our DNA. We partner exclusively with locally-owned accommodations where your tourism dollars nurture Dominican communities. Our dining experiences showcase farm-to-table restaurants that source ingredients within miles of your plate. We've eliminated single-use plastics from our operations and offset carbon footprints through verified reforestation projects. Most importantly, we limit group sizes to minimize environmental impact while maximizing cultural connection, creating experiences that preserve the very magic that draws travelers to this Caribbean jewel.

Our Caribbean Journey

Nestled between the cerulean waves of the Caribbean Sea and the lush emerald landscapes, LaJiHey was born from a passion for authentic exploration. We're not just another travel company—we're storytellers, adventure architects, and devoted admirers of the Dominican Republic's untamed beauty.

Our journey began when a small group of wanderers fell hopelessly in love with the Dominican rhythm of life—where time dances to the beat of merengue and the golden sun kisses your skin with promises of unforgettable memories.

Today, we craft soul-stirring experiences that peel back the tourist veneer to reveal the beating heart of the Dominican Republic. Our bespoke tours are handcrafted tapestries of culture, nature, and adventure—woven together by local wisdom and boundless curiosity.

Exploring Dominican Republic

Our Journey Through Time

The Spark

What began as a backpacking adventure transformed into a mission to share the Dominican Republic's hidden treasures with kindred spirits seeking authenticity beyond resort walls.

Local Connections

We forged deep bonds with local communities, from coastal fishermen to mountain coffee growers, creating the foundation for our immersive experiences.

Crafting Journeys

Our team of Dominican natives and passionate expatriates began designing tours that capture the island's essence—from secluded beaches to mist-shrouded peaks.

LaJiHey Today

Now recognized for our uncompromising quality and authentic approach, we continue to unveil the Dominican Republic's soul to travelers seeking meaningful connections.

Dominican culture and traditions

Our Island Philosophy

At LaJiHey, we believe travel should transform, not simply transport. Our mission stretches beyond showing you picturesque landscapes—we aim to immerse you in the Dominican soul, creating moments that resonate long after your footprints have vanished from our shores.

We operate with unwavering respect for local communities and ecosystems, ensuring our presence amplifies rather than disrupts the authentic Dominican experience. Our partnerships with local artisans, guides, and families create economic ripples that strengthen communities while offering you genuinely enriching encounters.

Above all, we celebrate the vibrant spirit of "La República Dominicana"—where joy bubbles up like a natural spring, where strangers become family over shared plates of mangú, and where every sunset feels like a personal gift from the universe.

Our Core Values

Authentic Immersion

We delve beyond tourist facades to reveal the genuine Dominican experience—connecting travelers with local traditions, flavors, and rhythms that define this vibrant island nation.

Environmental Stewardship

From coral reefs to cloud forests, we tread lightly on the ecosystems that make the Dominican Republic a natural paradise, practicing sustainable tourism in every journey we craft.

Community Empowerment

Our success is measured by the positive impact we create within local communities—supporting livelihoods, preserving traditions, and fostering cultural exchange that benefits everyone.