Overview
Founded in 2007, Comunidad Connect is a US-based nonprofit alleviating poverty in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. We address critical social determinants of health, including clean water, housing, sanitation, food security, healthcare, and sustainability.
The Service Learning Trip offers a meaningful travel experience where participants engage in hands-on community projects while exploring the culture and landscapes of the Dominican Republic.
Just beyond the Dominican Republic’s pristine beaches and charming colonial towns, lush rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and coffee plantations create a breathtaking backdrop. Yet, many communities face daily challenges in accessing essential resources like housing, healthcare, and sanitation. Through our volunteer program, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with local residents, contribute to meaningful projects, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and natural beauty of the island of Hispaniola.
Itinerary
This itinerary offers a balance of community service, cultural immersion, and recreation, allowing volunteers to experience the strengths, challenges, and priorities of urban and semi-rural communities in the Dominican Republic. You will participate in hands-on service projects, cultural activities, and local site visits.
This itinerary is tentative and may change based on a variety of factors, including weather, national holidays, and life circumstances of our community partners
Dominican Republic Service Experience
Join us for a transformative week in the Dominican Republic that balances meaningful community service with cultural immersion and adventure. Experience the beauty of this Caribbean nation while making a tangible difference in local communities.
This itinerary is tentative and may change based on a variety of factors, including weather, national holidays, and community needs.
✈️ Arrival in Dominican Republic
Arrive to Santo Domingo, Transfer to Puerto Plata for Community visits, Eco-tourism
You'll be greeted at the airport in Santo Domingo and travel to Puerto Plata by private transportation. After checking in to your accommodations, you'll have an orientation session and community overview before enjoying a welcome dinner.
Bring: Passport, comfortable clothing, camera
🏖️ City Tour & Beach
City Tour with traditional Dominican Lunch and afternoon at the beach
Explore the charming city of Puerto Plata with a local guide, learning about Dominican history and culture. Enjoy authentic Dominican cuisine for lunch before spending the afternoon relaxing at a beautiful local beach.
Bring: Sunscreen, hat, swimwear, walking shoes
🔨 Community Service Projects
Community projects based on local priorities: including construction, painting, youth activities, and home improvements like concrete floors and accessibility ramps
These three days form the heart of our service experience. Working alongside local community members, you'll contribute to meaningful projects determined by community priorities. Projects vary by season and need but typically include light construction, painting, youth activities, and home improvements.
Morning and afternoon service sessions with breaks for lunch and cultural exchange. Evening reflections and group activities.
Bring: Work clothes that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes, work gloves, water bottle
🚣 Adventure Excursion
Choose either waterfall and zipline or catamaran excursion. You can't lose!
Choose your adventure day! Option 1: Visit breathtaking waterfalls and experience the thrill of zip-lining through the tropical canopy. Option 2: Set sail on a catamaran cruise along the stunning coastline with snorkeling opportunities.
Bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, camera, sense of adventure
🛍️ Santo Domingo Exploration
Transfer to Santo Domingo for shopping and exploring the Colonial District
Travel to Santo Domingo, the capital city. Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant Colonial District with free time for shopping, visiting museums, and sampling local cuisine.
Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, spending money for souvenirs
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage Tour
Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Site - the oldest European Settlement in the Americas
Experience a guided tour of the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, the first European city in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit historic landmarks including the first cathedral, hospital, and university in the Americas.
Farewell dinner and departure preparations in the evening.
Bring: Camera, walking shoes, passport for return travel
Ready to Join Us?
Spaces are limited for our upcoming service trips. Reserve your spot today!
Apply NowFor questions, contact info@comunidadconnect.org
