Beyond Punta Cana
Casa de Campo Day Trip: Altos de Chavón & Teeth of the Dog
By PuntaCana·Dec 8, 2025·4 min read
Casa de Campo is not in Punta Cana. The resort estate sits outside La Romana on the south coast, and the tour operators quote about an hour's drive from the Punta Cana hotels. That makes it one of the easier day trips in this section.
Two things bring visitors here. Altos de Chavón is the hilltop replica Mediterranean village above the Chavón River, usually tacked onto a Saona or Catalina excursion. Teeth of the Dog is the oceanfront golf course that golfers plan whole trips around.
Altos de Chavón: The Village Above the River
Altos de Chavón is a stunning replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, located in the lush countryside of La Romana, Dominican Republic. Perched above the scenic Chavón River, this unique destination is also known as the City of Artists due to its rich cultural atmosphere.A Cultural Gem in the Caribbean
Altos de Chavón serves as a thriving cultural hub for locals, tourists, and artists from around the world. Many travelers include it as a highlight during their tour to Saona Island or Catalina Island. The experience begins around 7:00 a.m., when a uniformed tour representative picks you up directly from your hotel in Punta Cana. From there, it's just about an hour’s drive to the charming city of La Romana.What You’ll See at Altos de Chavón
Your visit includes:- A walk through this picturesque Mediterranean-style village leading to the iconic amphitheater, a Greek-style architectural marvel that has hosted legendary performances by artists like Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Marc Anthony, Gloria Estefan, and many more.
- A scenic stop at the Chavón River, offering breathtaking panoramic views of one of the region’s most important waterways.
- A guided visit to the Church of San Stanislaus, one of the most beautiful and famous churches in the country. This romantic stone chapel has hosted celebrity weddings such as Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, and Marc Anthony and Shannon de Lima.
Continue to Saona or Catalina Island
After your cultural exploration of Altos de Chavón, your excursion continues with a trip to Saona Island or Catalina Island, depending on your selected package.See More Stunning Views
Explore the Altos de Chavón photo galleryTeeth of the Dog: The Golf Course
Teeth of the Dog is the crown jewel of Caribbean golf. It is located at Casa de Campo in La Romana, not in Punta Cana, and for many golfers it is the single reason to visit the Dominican Republic. Teeth of the Dog Golf is famous for its stunning oceanfront holes, challenging layout, and impeccable service making it one of the top golf destinations in the world. What sets this course apart is not only its golf pedigree, but also the environment. The ocean lies close by, giving many holes dramatic sea views, water hazards, and the sound of waves a refreshing breeze that keeps things comfortable even under the tropical sun. Add to that the resort’s amenities, and you have a complete getaway: practice greens, a driving range, easy access from guest rooms, and more.What You See on the Tour
- Putting Green & Driving Range: Perfect for warm-ups before your round.
- Golf Course on the Ocean: Iconic holes with ocean backdrops and breezy fairways.
- Shots Over Water: Several holes require precision drives across water.
- Guest Rooms Near the Course: Most accommodations are walking distance to the course.
- Incredible Coastal Homes: Luxury villas dot the course's perimeter, adding a taste of elite Caribbean living.
- 18th Green at Lago Grill: Cap off your round with a meal overlooking the final hole.
Experience Highlights
| Feature | What’s Great |
|---|---|
| Ocean‑side fairways | Scenic views and challenging holes |
| Proximity to lodging | Wake up and walk to your tee time |
| Practice areas | Fine-tune your game before you play |
| Restaurant on-site | Relax post-round at Lago Grill |
| Luxury homes | Golf with a view of dream villas |
Final Thoughts
Casa de Campo offers more than golf it’s a luxury destination designed for relaxation and unforgettable moments. If you’re planning a golf getaway to the Dominican Republic, make sure this iconic course is on your list.See It for Yourself
Check out the Casa de Campo and golf course photo galleryWorth knowing
Most people see Altos de Chavón as a stop on an island excursion rather than a destination in itself; an hour or two there is plenty. Golfers are the exception: Teeth of the Dog is the reason to make the trip, and if that is you, staying on the estate makes far more sense than commuting from Bávaro.
