PUNTA CANA

In the north region of the Dominican Republic, we find geographic jewels as notable as Playa de Macao, located in the area of the country of the same name. Here the landscape is much the same as we find in most of this marvellous Caribbean coast, as the white sand, turquoise water and gentle swaying of the coconut palms growing on the beach make up the main landscape of this beach, of course with a multitude of services on the beach and the presence of local people creating a lively atmosphere. It is easily accessed by following the direct road between Higüey and El Macao.

This place is differentiated from others, facing to the north, with the winds creating waves on the beach, making it a perfect place for practicing water sports such as surfing. There is nothing like learning to cross the waves in such an emblematic landscape as the Caribbean, and you will, therefore, find several surf schools on the shores of Playa Macao which will allow you to take your first steps in learning this sport. Another very interesting option for adrenaline lovers is to hire a buggy an ideal activity for crossing the dunes of this fabulous coast at full speed. 

Playa Juanillo is probably one of the favourites of all visitors who decide to travel the eastern coast of Punta Cana, as it has an unspoilt landscape with few hotels on the beachfront, making the white sands, calm turquoise waters and tall palm trees on the shores the main features of Playa Juanillo, along with leafy tropical vegetation that reaches the large boundary of palm trees. To access it, it will be necessary to cross the private residential area established in this region, but there is public access for anyone who wishes to visit this fabulous beach. 

Once you set foot on it, you will certainly have a unique sensation, as being so large and secluded, one feels as if they are the only visitor there, although in the distance the Cap Cana marina can be observed, a flamboyant marina for embarking to discover the secrets of this coast from the sea. Its beauty, free of buildings, is of course a contrast with other nearby tourist areas, and its geography, shielding it from the wind, makes Playa Juanillo a very safe place to visit with children. 

Cabeza de Toro is the name of one of the most beautiful beaches of the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, with the great privilege of being between the Caribbean and the immense Bávaro Lagoon, an important Nature Reserve that makes this landscape even more incredible, with great biodiversity and luxuriant nature. Furthermore, it is very close to the airport, which makes it very easy to access. 

Here we find a less dense population and greater presence of nature. The coast is protected by a beautiful reef, and in general, the atmosphere is peaceful, with the beauty expected of any Caribbean beach, with white sand, crystal clear waters, and many palm trees. 

As with many beaches of the region, we find restaurants in the surroundings of the beach of Cabeza de Toro. However, another of the attractions are the various stalls of local handicrafts which offer visitors souvenirs of the Playa Cabeza de Toro. It is recommended to explore the whole beach, away from the tourist centers to find the most unspoiled areas of this coast, which will surely not disappoint. 

Several beaches of white sands make up over three kilometers of coast known as Playa Rincón, a beach that shows the typical Caribbean beauty away from any hustle and bustle. It can be reached by road, although the journey is slightly complicated, however, the visit will be much more extraordinary if you visit this idyllic location by boat. This beach is ideal for spending the whole day, as you will find establishments for sampling local cuisine, locals who will guide you to better discover the secrets of this area, and hammocks which you can hire to simply be immersed in the peace and tranquility of Playa Rincón. 

Practically deserted, Playa Rincón is the personification of the Caribbean in its purest state. It is located in the extraordinarily beautiful Samaná, a peninsula at the north of the island of the Dominican Republic, surrounded by beaches of white sands, covered in coconut trees. It is the ideal place for seeing spectacular animals such as humpback whales and sailing and windsurfing. It is considered one of the 50 most impressive natural enclaves in South America and the Caribbean. 

Between Playa Bávaro and Playa Macao, at the north of the Dominican Republic, we find another earthly paradise known as Playa Arena Blanca, which as its name (White Sand Beach) indicates, has an immense, immaculate white sand bank, its waters, therefore, being incredibly clear and inviting you to swim in them. Of course, we also find the ever-present coconut palms which complete this beautiful Caribbean picture postcard. 

Naturally, many hotels have found a perfect location on its shores, having access to it (although access is possible without being a guest), but once you reach the shore, you will see that it is far from the tourist hustle and bustle, without any businesses on the beachfront, helping to preserve the beautiful Caribbean landscape. As usual on this coast, the place is ideal for practicing water sports, sunbathing in a hammock, or simply being immersed in the beauty of this unparalleled location. It is a perfect place for children and adults to enjoy the essence of the Caribbean. To access it, you will have to follow the roads which lead to the Costa del Coco region, found past Playa Bávaro to the north-east. 

Another of the impressive beaches on the coastline at the north of Punta Cana, in the Costa del Coco area, is Playa del Cortecito. This place has warm, calm, bright blue waters, a multitude of palm trees and varied vegetation surrounding this immense beach of fine white sand. The resorts and hotels in the surroundings have privatised part of the coast, although there are free areas so that anyone can visit this spectacular beach of the north coast. The beaches of Punta Cana are certainly a great example of Caribbean beauty. 

Very nearby, we find the town of Cortecito, from which this marvellous beach takes its name. Here you will find inns, restaurants, businesses, and various nightlife premises that make up the classic charm of the small towns, with the vocation of offering the best of the country to the tourists who visit. Furthermore, with so many businesses dedicated to tourism, the atmosphere near this beach is lively both during the day and at night. We cannot forget that this place is also great for sampling the local gastronomy by the sea. It is highly recommended to enjoy a wonderful dish of seafood with the views of this fantastic beach. 

Another extraordinary area of the north coast of Punta Cana is Playa de Uvero Alto, a paradise for both beach lovers and intrepid surfers seeking the perfect wave. This beach is not one of the best-known, but that has allowed it to preserve its unspoiled character and continue to be an unparalleled Caribbean beauty. Coconut trees as far as the eye can see, bright blue waves and kilometers of sand are the features of this beach, perfect for a day of sun and sea, and which is also perfect for practicing high adrenaline sports.

One of the advantages of this beautiful beach is that it has a reef near to the coast that makes the waves break perfectly for surfing and even windsurfing. It is no surprise that several schools for these sports are found on the beachfront so that all visitors can learn to enjoy the sensation of riding the waves.

The reef is also a magnificent attraction for snorkeling and discovering the underwater wonders, although scuba diving excursions are also offered for those seeking something more. Another very attractive activity is horse riding along the shore of Playa Uvero Alto, an even more incredible experience when enjoyed at sunset. 

Playa Bávaro is without a doubt one of the best-known beaches in Punta Cana and around the world. Who hasn’t heard of it? Its crystal-clear waters and white sands with coconut trees make it one of the idyllic landscapes that represent the greatest essence of the Caribbean. It is no surprise that UNESCO has declared it as one of the three best beaches in the world. 

Naturally, such an attractive landscape attracts the attention of tourists, and therefore in the surroundings of this paradise there are all kinds of services such as hotels, resorts, restaurants and beach bars, so that you can enjoy a nice tropical cocktail with the backdrop of this landscape and savour the authentic Creole cuisine of this region. This location is also great for sailing on a catamaran, scuba diving, or simply snorkelling – all great ways to discover this little piece of paradise. 

Playa Bávaro is found on the famous Costa del Coco, with over 40 kilometres of areas as special as this. To reach it, you must travel south from the capital to Higüey and take several kilometres of minor roads, until you arrive. 

Punta Cana, in the province of Altagracia, is the region located furthest east in the Dominican Republic, a coastal region mainly notable for its beautiful Caribbean beaches and which receives the greatest number of visitors in the country. 

At first, this territory was no more than unspoiled beaches and vegetation, purchased with the objective of exploiting the natural resources. However, in Punta Cana, investors saw an ideal place for developing the tourism of the country, and therefore the project took on a new direction to offer infrastructure that would allow this part of the Dominican Republic to be visited. This occurred in the 1970s, but over the years, Punta Cana has become a point of reference for Caribbean tourism, and the airport of the region has become much more notable than that of the capital. 

The charms of this region stand out, with kilometers of idyllic beaches, luxury resorts which accommodate the thousands of tourists who seek relaxation in this region, and everything surrounded by the tropical greenery of the vegetation that covers the east of this island. Punta Cana is, in short, the region of the Dominican Republic that perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty of this country and which offers the best services so that it can be enjoyed 

Salvaleón de Higüey, better known as Higüey, is the capital city of the province of Altagracia, very near to the tourist region of Punta Cana. This city has experienced major growth thanks to the tourism development of the region, which has increased immigration to this city. 

Higüey has the typical character of Dominican cities, with simple streets and low buildings, filled with shops and restaurants ideal for taking a break along the way. One of the main tourist attractions is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Altagracia, an original architectural structure made up of an enormous Latin cross with striking windows which give a special brightness. This building was designed to replace the former basilica which dates from the 16th century and was considered the first church in America dedicated to Mary. 

Another emblematic place worthy of visiting is the Church of San Dionisio, dating to the 16th century. Inside it contains important treasures from the colonial period, of great historical and material value, made of gold and silver. Among them are a golden crown and precious stones made from donations from the town at the start of the 20th century. It is a must-visit for those who wish to discover part of the colonial history of this country. 

In the highest part of the Chavón River we find a town which was built in the 70s, following the Mediterranean style of the 16th century. This place is known as “the city of the artists” and it is no surprise that it is home to various institutions that have the objective of promoting art and culture. 

Taking a walk-through Altos de Chavón is possible for a modest entrance fee which is worth paying, as you will be immersed in the charm of medieval Italy in the middle of the Caribbean landscape. Visits on the river are also worthwhile, as in addition to the welcoming streets, it is also surrounded by nature. 

Altos de Chavón has the honour of containing the National Archaeological Museum, a cultural centre, and is known for having been the setting for various film shoots. We also find an important design and fine art school which is renowned at an international level; however probably the star piece of this small town is its amphitheatre, where world famous artists such as Frank Sinatra, Julio Iglesias and Gloria Estefan have given concerts. There are certainly few places which contain so many surprises. 

Bávaro, one of the most important tourist areas of the Dominican Republic, is a town which was first conceived of as a home for workers from Punta Cana. However, the constant economic growth of the area has made Bávaro into another tourist attraction, especially thanks to its proximity to the legendary Playa Bávaro beach. Currently, in addition to being the home of many hotel employees in the region, residential complexes have also been constructed for visitors, making it easy to find all kinds of services. 

Bávaro is found in the north region of Punta Cana, being the point of entry to several of the most important beaches in the country on the renowned Costa del Coco. Being frequented by so much tourism, in Bávaro we find hotels, restaurants, a shopping centre, and above all, nightclubs for enjoying the Dominican nights, notably Imagine, Mangú and the renowned Pacha nightclub, present around the world. Another place of interest is the Manatí Park, an incredible waterpark which allows you to discover the marine and land fauna of the region and enjoy its exotic gardens. 

Boca de Yuma is a charming town belonging to the province of Altagracia, very near to Punta Cana, and whose port is one of the main attractions of the area. It is located in the outlet of the Yuma River, just in the bay at the east of the National Park of the East. The first inhabitants settled here in the middle of the 19th century, mainly dedicating themselves to fishing and the exportation of wood. 

Thanks to its great location, one of the main activities carried out is fishing, in which visitors can participate by contacting an excursion for this sport. It is also highly recommended for boat trips and traveling up the river to the Yuma waterfall. 

This coast also has several caves, including the Cueva de Bernard, a very interesting place to visit, although a simple trip along the coast to contemplate the whole landscape of the bay, which could easily pass as the fantastic setting of a pirate island, will be sufficient to make a visit worthwhile. 

The Cotunamabá Natural Park, located in the east of the Dominican Republic, hides a treasure of incalculable beauty. It is the marvellous Isla Saona, one of the largest islands in the country, attractive for its beaches of fine white sands, bathed by the bright blue of the Caribbean Sea, and with hundreds of palm trees along the coast. The fishing village of Bayahibe is the point of departure for the catamaran excursions organised to Isla Saona. 

This island is a great example of the huge attraction of the Caribbean coast, with turquoise waters, white sands, and palm trees which sway in the gentle sea breeze. Here you will find kilometre long beaches which will allow you to take a refreshing swim, while there are also many caves such as the Cotubanamá cave, which show the presence of Taino culture on this island. 

Another notable place on the island is its main town, Mano Juan, a picturesque fishing village with wooden houses painted in pastel colours, currently serving as a centre for handicrafts. Finally, we cannot forget that we are in one of the most beautiful protected spaces in the world and that it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity to scuba dive in crystal clear waters and contemplate its coral sea beds. 

Isla Catalina, also known by local indigenous people as Isla Ikiita. It is found in the Caribbean Sea, just a few kilometres south-east of the coast of the Dominican Republic and south of the province of La Romana, forming part of the National Park of the East. 

Like Saona, Isla Catalina is an idyllic place. Many consider this island to have the most beautiful beaches in the world, unspoilt paradises of white sands and calm, crystal clear waters ideal for water activities. 

If you love the underwater world, Isla Catalina is an ideal place for giving free rein to this passion. This beautiful island is found facing the coast of La Romana and as is to be expected, the prominent landscape is simply incredible. One of the most highly recommended activities is snorkelling to discover the creatures of the Caribbean Seabeds up close; and for the more daring, scuba diving is also a favourite activity. Sponges, coral reefs and colourful fish are some of the species that live in these turquoise waters, and you can find them on interesting dives such as El Muro (one of the most impressive) and El Acuario, where some shipwrecks are decorated with beautiful corals – an unparalleled spectacle. 

The most notable feature of the Dominican Republic is of course its unique natural beauty. To contemplate it, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Los Haitises National Park, a protected area in the Bay of Samaná, at the north-east of this Caribbean country. It is a region of jungle and tropical forests by the coast, full of caves, mangroves and a multitude of species which make it a very attractive excursion. The park has a great variety of fauna and is the best national representation of all the protected natural areas in the Dominican Republic, due to the diversity of its atmospheres. 

This is also the ideal place for learning about Taino culture, a pre-Columbian people who came from South America, through the pictographs that can be seen in many of the caverns created by water erosion. One of the most peculiar aspects of this park are the “magotes”, small hills that characterise this landscape, although it is also possible to enjoy the coast on unspoilt beaches that emerge next to the jungle. 

In the Dominican Republic and especially in the region of Punta Cana, there are hundreds of places worth visiting, making it hard to visit them all. Among all of these natural attractions, Hoyo Azul is notable, a cenote with crystal clear blue fresh water, formed at the bottom of a giant cliff that is half-hidden in the jungle. It is an incredible natural pool among primitive tropical forests, located at the far south of the Punta Cana coast in Cap Cana. 

It is exciting to enter these caves of turquoise waters to take a refreshing swim; you will surely never have been swimming in such clear water in such an exotic place. To contemplate the day and the visit, another of the recommended activities is to take a zipline over the forests of Cap Cana, very near to Hoyo Azul and with the possibility of coordinating both excursions. This zipline is unique in the world, as is it is attached to a cliff with views of the Caribbean Sea. This experience is not suitable for anyone who has vertigo, as the course includes a 1500-metre-high section over the treetops; however, if you are looking for an adrenaline rush, this is your best option. 

Without a doubt, one of the most notable products exported globally are cigars, and where better to purchase them than personally in a local factory? This is possible thanks to the Tobacco Museum, established in the city of Higüey, which allows the typical tobacco culture of the island to be better discovered. 

This culture arrived with a Dutch immigrant named Klass Kelner, who arrived on the island in 1937. Since then, the production of cigars has been one of the most important industries of the Dominican Republic due to the great quality of the tobacco grown here. 

Anyone who wishes to learn the curiosities of this product, how it is grown, collected and processed, will be able to discover it firsthand at this free museum. The craftspeople will be there to show the secrets of production, leading it to be considered a living museum. To conclude the visit, the museum will invite visitors to try the cigars and sample a glass of the typical Mama Juana liqueur. 

The Dominican Republic is undoubtedly known for its stunning beaches, but there are also wonderful inland places to visit, such as the Río Chavón. This river originates inland and flows into the Marina de Casa de Campo, very close to La Romana. One of the places offering the best panoramic view of the river is Altos de Chavón.

In the past, the Río Chavón served as a hideout for pirates and as a means of transporting the precious wood that was harvested from the island's interior. Nowadays, you can take a boat ride on the river to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna. Many companies offer riverboat excursions where you can observe a variety of water birds, with the osprey being particularly noteworthy. You might even catch a glimpse of a freshwater turtle. The jungle, a prime example of the tropical vegetation in the Dominican Republic's interior, is also not to be missed.

And finally, a curiosity: This location has been used to film great movies such as Rambo 3 and Apocalypse Now.

This is one of the most impressive experiences you can have during your vacation in the Dominican Republic, in direct contact with the local fauna: the fantastic Manatí Park Bávaro, an enchanting place where both young and old can have fun for the whole family. This theme park is located in Bávaro, near Punta Cana and the airport. It's easily accessible from all the hotels in the area, as a complimentary shuttle service is available.

Upon arriving at the park, which is open daily, there's a vast tropical garden to explore, with orchids taking center stage. Throughout various corners of this garden, you'll find the different attractions of the facility. Here, you can interact with many animals that wouldn't be possible otherwise: parrots, crocodiles, monkeys, dolphins, sea lions... they all belong to this facility, so you can get to know them up close. And that's not all: Many of them also put on incredible shows thanks to the training teams that care for them. The highlight is swimming with dolphins, these fascinating marine creatures whose docility allows you to swim a few laps alongside them.

Not only will you encounter the flora and fauna of the Dominican Republic, but through the Taino dance shows performed in the park, you can also get to know a part of Dominican tradition. A total of 9 different shows take place during visiting hours, allowing guests to choose when to watch the performances. Additionally, you can visit a replica of a Taino settlement and purchase handicrafts from this culture in the park's souvenir shops. Manatí Park is perfect when traveling to Punta Cana with children, as opportunities to experience nature this closely are rare in life.

Creole gastronomy is a combination and reflection of African, Taino and Spanish influences, which have substantially affected the development of Dominican society and culture. It is an experience for the senses and especially for the palate. 

The culinary specialties of the Dominican Republic vary depending on the region. Inland, the main ingredients and products used to create Creole delicacies are rice, meat, beans, vegetables and condiments such as chicken stock, tomato paste and liquid seasoning. One of the most typical and traditional dishes is Sancocho, a Creole dish of meat, root vegetables and pulses. It is accompanied by rice, yucca and banana. It is possibly the most popular and representative food of Dominican cuisine. This delicious stew is prepared for special occasions. Additionally, desserts are always present. Confectionary is a great tradition in this Caribbean country, such as coconut candies and sweet potato bread, a delicious, very popular dessert, made from sweet potato, milk, coconut, eggs and butter. 

Conversely, the cuisine prepared on the coast contains all the essence and flavour of the Caribbean Sea, as along the coast we find small fishing villages such as Bayahibe and Boca de Yuma. The most commonly served dish in the beach bars and restaurants is grilled fish and seafood, caught by fishermen from the area. Lambí, the queen conch, is an example of this seafood, and it is easy to see them in the waters surrounding the colourful houses of Bayahibe. Shellfish is also a delicacy, a tasty example being lobster with garlic sauce. 

Have you heard of Chinola juice? This is the name by which passion fruit is known in the Dominican Republic and it is one of the best ways to refresh yourself in the tropical heat. 

Punta Cana is a paradise for those who love the sea and adventure: secluded beaches, coral reefs, exotic coasts and flora and fauna to be admired. Therefore, all visitors should consider the possibility of discovering these wonders of nature up close, with activities that will greatly enrich the experience, and make the trip even more special. 

Punta Cana offers varied activities, ensuring fun both on land and at seas, such as scuba diving and snorkelling on Isla Catalina. Dive into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to discover the curious fauna that lives there. It is a unique enclave thanks to the picturesque reefs that emerge around its coast. Go kayaking on the Chavón River, which flows out on the outskirts of La Romana, after starting in the country’s interior, passing between mangroves and leafy vegetation. Its calm waters and wide flow make it a unique adventure for discovering the wonders that the Dominican jungle protects. Additionally, you can board a catamaran and accompany us on an excursion to discover a treasure of unimaginable beauty. This is the Isla Saona, whose appeal lies in its beaches of fine white sand, bathed by the bright blue of the Caribbean Sea, and its hundreds of palm trees along the coast. 

If you prefer an exciting experience with your feet on the ground, it is the ideal time to join the excursions taken in buggies between the dunes of Punta Cana and to travel along its coast, or the enjoy the excitement of entering the tropical forest and finding a cenote with turquoise waters to take a refreshing swim. If you are seeking adrenaline, there is nothing like flying over the treetops on a 1500 metre high zipline. 

The Bay of Samaná, located in the north-east of the country, is one of the most spectacular landscapes in the whole Dominican Republic, especially in the coastal region of the Haitises National Park, a must-visit for nature lovers. This is where one of the most spectacular activities offered on the island can be carried out: humpback whale watching in their natural habitat, an unforgettable memory for any visitor. 

Each year, from December to April, over 3000 humpback whales (mostly from the North Atlantic population) approach this natural sanctuary to give birth to their young and find partners to reproduce with. The warm Dominican waters are the perfect place for these creatures, and due to this, their presence in the Bay of Samaná will be visible thanks to the incredible jumps of the males, weighing over 40 tonnes, to court the females, and the unmistakeable whale song that will resonate throughout Samaná. It is a natural spectacle in which you can participate in the front row thanks to this bay being protected as a sanctuary for these creatures since 1986. 

The excursions available for whale watching guarantee that you will see whales and take charge of transporting clients, as well as food and an excursion in the area to discover the charms of the landscape of this part of the country. A biologist will of course accompany the excursion to answer any questions about these incredible animals. 

The carnival is a magical festival, wherever in the world it is celebrated, as everyone dresses in multicolored costumes and fantasy and music dominate the streets, filling them with happiness. This is also the case of Punta Cana, and that is why celebrating it is a great event, as the warmth of the people, the rhythm of the music and its unique landscape make the festival much more impressive. 

The Punta Cana Carnival is held on the main avenue of Punta Cana Village, in front of the international airport on the second Saturday in March. It is a very special occasion for visitors and workers in this area as the streets become a true party. The main attraction will be the procession of floats that will pass through the streets, all showing off colorful costumes and the music of the Caribbean so that the rhythm does not stop for a moment. Many will be in costumes with huge decorated heads which simulate demons, known as telephones, very typical of the Dominican Republic, while other costumes will consist of silk fabrics covered with shiny mirrors. For those don’t want to miss out on a single detail, a ticket can be purchased allowing access to the stands, thereby allowing better visibility.

If you want to have a good time to the rhythm of bachata and merengue, enjoying the festive character of the Dominicans, the Punta Cana Carnival is, without doubt, the perfect event to discover the most festive side of the Dominican Republic. 

What would a holiday in Punta Cana be without a trip to the capital? Santo Domingo is the largest city on this island, with over two million inhabitants, and is around 200 kilometers from Punta Cana. Its size, of course, makes it a cosmopolitan city with the purest Caribbean style, with the special charm of the cities that have a colonial old town, specifically the oldest in the New World, which in this case has been considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1990. 

It is therefore highly recommended to take a trip to the city to enjoy its beautiful architecture, take a walk through its streets and go shopping. Notable among its places of interest are the Baluarte del Conde, a historic complex made up of the Independencia Park, the Puerta de la Misericordia gate, and the Fuerte de la Concepción fortress; the Cathedral of Santo Domingo (the first in the New World) consecrated in 1504 and where the remains of Christopher Columbus are said to be kept; the Alcázar de Colón palace, with a Mudejar style which currently contains a museum; the Parque Colón park which was the former main square of the Spanish colony; and the Ozama Fortress, the oldest in America, which guarded the outlet of the river from potential attacks by pirates or other colonists. 

As can be seen, Santo Domingo is a key piece in the colonial past of America and is also a great place to immerse oneself in this chapter of history and learn more about Dominican culture in all its splendor while spending time among its people and having fun in the lively atmosphere felt in its streets.