Punta Cana

Sights

• Playa Bávaro – Miles of white sand lined with palm trees.
• Playa Macao – A natural beach with waves for surf lessons.
• Playa Juanillo – A quiet beach with turquoise water in Cap Cana.
• Hoyo Azul – A brilliant blue cenote at the foot of a cliff.
• Altos de Chavón – A replica Mediterranean village with an amphitheatre above the river.
• Ojos Indígenas – A nature reserve with freshwater lagoons for swimming.

Food & nightlife

• La Bandera – Rice, beans and meat – the Dominican lunch.
• Mangú – Mashed plantain with onions, cheese and salami for breakfast.
• Sancocho – A hearty stew with several kinds of meat.
• Merengue and bachata – Dance in the evening – both styles come from the country.

Day trips

• Isla Saona – By catamaran to palm-fringed beaches and natural pools in the sea.
• Santo Domingo – The Zona Colonial with the oldest cathedral in the Americas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Samaná – Humpback whales visit the bay from January to March.
• Los Haitises – A national park with mangroves, limestone islets and caves with rock art.

Good to know

When to go

December–April

Getting around

The airport is right by the hotels; transfers, taxis and local buses (guaguas). Hurricane season runs roughly June to November.

Tipping

Around 10% is customary in restaurants.

Power

Plug type A/B, 120 V – pack an adapter for Swiss plugs.

Currency

Dominican Peso (DOP)

Plan your trip to Punta Cana together

Create a trip plan and the Travel Guide comes with it – with a map, ideas to suggest and saved for offline use.

Plan with Pickeed