Future Farmers of America - Domincan Republic

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Monday June 3: Santo Domingo

Bienvendios to Dominican Republic! Our accommodations for the next few nights are in the center of the historic Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a welcome briefing and well-deserved arrival dinner, stroll the vibrant Pedestrian Conde with its shops, restaurants and performing buskers. (D)

Day 2, Tuesday June 4: Santo Domingo

Enjoy an easy-going morning exploring history on the Colonial Chuchu historic tram and at the 4D Colonial Theater. In the afternoon we travel to the north of Santo Domingo City for our first technical visit to Productos Chef to witness how one family business success story manages everything from butchering to store delivery and food marketing to human resources.(B,D)

Day 3, Wednesday June 5: Santo Domingo

After a filling breakfast we depart early heading west along the Caribbean Sea to the town of Baní, known for its delicious mangos, coastal salt mines and nearly 10 miles of sand dunes forming a subtropical dry forest. Sample delicious, dried fruit snacks at our host, CariFrutas, as we learn of sourcing and production challenges and the science of keeping fruits and vegetables looking fresh while remaining healthy.After lunch overlooking the picturesque Las Calderas Bay, we head farther into the arid West to Azua. Members of COOPPRABATA organic banana cooperative prove gracious hosts as they literally walk us through the cultivation and harvesting process. Learn firsthand what the Fair Trade certification means at a very human level before returning to Santo Domingo. (B,L)

Day 4, Thursday June 6: Sosua

We bid the big City adios and head North beyond the mountains of the Central Mountain Range to the backcountry of San Francisco de Macorís. With a lush backdrop we discover in the fields the steps necessary to make quality cacao. We sow our own plants, learn of the harvest, splitting of pods and extraction of the beans and the true determinant factors in high quality chocolate: the post-harvest processes of drying and fermentation. At nearby Esmeralda Chocolate Factory we come to understand the steps needed to make a delicious chocolate bar and even make our own before lunch. Bellies full, we journey through the Septentrional Mountain Range to find our oceanfront home on North Coast for the remainder of our time in Dominican Republic. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic before dinner in the hotel.(B,L,D)

Day 5, Friday June 7: Sosua

Morning surfing lessons at Playa Encuentro are the perfect way to start the day. Enjoy the afternoon while relaxing poolside or exploring the beach’s shops and restaurants. In the afternoon we roll up our sleeves to offer a hand in service at Cabarete Sostenible’s community gardens while learning about food sustainability in an impoverished barrio.(B,D)

Day 6, Saturday June 8: Sosua

Wonder what it would be like to move to the Caribbean and build an agri business from scratch? Let’s ask Alby and Leanne Pasutto, creators of Loco Bebe, at their production facility in Puerto Plata! From growing a crop when there isn’t and building machines when there aren’t this couple has created a thriving organization embracing people, healthy food and science. We enjoy lunch at a local chicken BBQ joint before heading to Damajagua waterfalls. Push yourself to new limits on this cascading adventure: hiking, climbing, wading, swimming, sliding and jumping! Our evening is free back on the beach.(B,L)

Day 7, Sunday June 9: Sosua

Investigate the view from the other side of the beach this morning in Sosua Bay on a 1.5-hour snorkeling trip where we learn about both nature’s undersea beauty and the challenges it faces. We have the entire day for souvenir shopping, poolside play and beach exploration. In the later afternoon we travel down a jungle river to its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean for a typical Dominican beach chicken and fish fry before a farewell bonfire rounds out our week’s experiences.(B,D)

Day 8, Monday June 10: Departure

Bid the North Coast “Adios!”. Airport transfer provided after breakfast.(B)