A group of 16 people posing for a photo on a lit staircase surrounded by plants and decorative string lights in a tropical setting at night.

Culturismo’s inaugural trip

Visit the Real Dominican Republic

Local knowledge

As both locals and scholars, we combine the savvy of insiders with the big picture of specialists.

We provide accurate views of Dominican history, culture, and current reality that does not sugarcoat real problems.

As Dominicans, we can share our lived experience with visitors even as we showcase the best the island has to offer.

Our story

Culturismo is a passion project three decades in the making.

Our story starts in 1994, when Lilian, a Dominican sociologist, and Cyrus, an American historian, met by chance in Santo Domingo.

Our marriage has been marked by a shared passion for Dominican history and culture and the conviction that staying at an all-inclusive resort is not the way to know and love the DR.

Together with our two daughters, we founded Culturismo with the goal of curating thoughtful, sustainable, and educational tours of the real Dominican Republic.

A close-up of a man and a woman smiling outdoors on a sunny day, with a cityscape and river in the background.
Our Team
A smiling woman and man standing together indoors, with the woman wearing a tan hat, glasses, a blue dress, and carrying a beige purse, and the man holding a blue umbrella, both smiling at the camera. Behind them is a sign in Spanish about the colonial history of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and a wooden wall with an 'EXIT' sign.
A woman with curly gray hair and glasses gestures while speaking to a group of people seated at a table in a cozy, outdoor courtyard with lush green plants and string lights overhead.
A group of people having a conversation outdoors near a weathered brick wall. The group includes men and women wearing casual clothing, hats, and sunglasses, with some carrying backpacks and a water bottle.
“The Culturismo trip was a wonderful way to learn of the history and culture of a beautiful country and people.”
— Sonia L.
“Excellent choice of places to visit and knowledgeable guides.”
— Elizabeth E.
“Relaxing and informative all in one. It was fabulous!”
— Cindy C.