Located on the far eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a small fishing village turned into one of the top warm weather destinations in the world. Today, it is the second-most popular tourist destination in Latin America. In addition to the long stretches of white sand, Punta Cana offers a host of water-related activities, including SCUBA, snorkeling, whale-watching, swimming with dolphins and windsurfing.
Punta Cana burst into favor as a Caribbean tourist destination when the international airport was built in 1984. Today, Punta Cana attracts more than 2.4 million visitors annually. It's easy to see why. The area's warm temperatures are kept from being oppressive by the gentle sea breeze, the beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean, and the area offers endless things to do.
This Punta Cana travel guide will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to the southern shore of the Dominican Republic. Whether you're looking to plan a romantic honeymoon trip, or a relaxing visit with family, Punta Cana has plenty to offer.
How to Get Around Punta Cana
Getting around Punta Cana isn't expensive or difficult if you know where to look. Punta Cana International Airport is located about three miles outside the resort area. You can expect to pay around $20 for a one-way transfer. In addition to taxis, you can rent a car, use a rideshare service or even do as the locals do and take a bus.
Car Rental
Having a vehicle at your disposal is helpful in Punta Cana if you want to explore outside the resort where you are staying. The region is not very walkable, taxis are scarce and public transportation is not extremely tourist-friendly. However, renting a car can be expensive.
The roads in and around Punta Cana are generally in good shape and easy to navigate. As in the United States, drivers travel on the right side of the road in the Dominican Republic. Make sure to utilize your AAA membership to receive the best rates on rental cars.
Rideshares
Uber operates in the Punta Cana area and makes a good alternative to renting a car. If you enjoy traveling in style, use Uber X, which ensures (for a surcharge) that you'll be picked up in a luxury vehicle.
Public transportation
The local buses are called guaguas. These are small vans that run short distances on a set schedule. They are mostly used by locals and are extremely affordable, usually just a few dollars for a ride. However, guaguas do not cover all areas of Punta Cana and can be challenging to find, as they aren't extremely well marked.
Walkability
Outside the downtown and Punta Cana village areas, Punta Cana isn't a very walkable destination. To explore the many wonders of the region around Punta Cana, you'll need a vehicle unless you plan on staying put an an all-inclusive resort.
Bike Rentals
Riding a bicycle is a popular alternative to renting a car when visiting Punta Cana. Some resorts even offer bikes at no charge for their guests to use. If yours doesn't provide bikes, there are several bike rental services that will deliver a bike to your hotel.
Best Time to Visit Punta Cana
There are several good times to visit Punta Cana. Arguably, the overall best time is from mid-January to mid-March, when the temperatures are warm, the humidity is low and the rains have yet to begin. Mid-December to mid-January is slightly cooler, but still dry. Hotels and attractions can be crowded and expensive during Christmas and New Year's weeks.
The least expensive, but also the most rainy time to visit Punta Cana is during the fall, from September through November. Keep in mind, also, that the Atlantic hurricane season centers around September, with more than 50 percent of storms occurring within that month.
There are a few annual events that add to the excitement of traveling to Punta Cana. These include the three-day Coconut Festival in January, Punta Cana Carnival, the week before Ash Wednesday (February or March), the Barcelo Desalia Festival in February, a seven-day celebration of life; and Day of the Dead, a festive celebration on November 1st and 2nd that honors ancestors.
Top Things to Do in Punta Cana
The beauty of visiting Punta Cana is that you can be active or simply relax on the beach and do nothing at all. If you choose to be active, these are our favorite things to do in Punta Cana.
Spend the day at the beach
No trip to Punta Cana would be complete without a trip to the beach. One of the best in the area is Bravaro Beach, a 12-mile stretch of sand with a host of amenities, including dive shops, waterfront eateries and restrooms. There are four public access points along the beach. Also worth visiting is the more private, half moon Macao Beach. Parking at both beaches is free and there is no charge for sitting on the beach.
Take a Half-Day Punta Cana Lagoon Tour
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is a 1,500-acre nature reserve with miles of flat working trails where you can view the park's 12 lagoons and more than 500 species of plant life. We recommend taking a half-day lagoon tour with a catamaran cruise and snorkeling to get the full experience.
Take an Off-Road Buggy Adventure
If you are looking for something more active, try an off-roading vehicle tour. These tours, on Jeep-like vehicles take you to scenic overlooks, freshwater cenotes (natural swimming holes), coffee plantations, the jungle and rum vendors. Tours are geared towards individual interests and priced accordingly. Book directly through TripCanvas to get the best rates.
Take a hike in Montana Redondo National Park
Located just outside of Punta Cana, this mountain offers stunning 360-degree views of the Dominican coastline and the sea beyond. There's also a zip line that takes you just above the tree line. The fee to enter the park is around $10. Or, you can book a private half-day tour of the national park with an expert guide.
Go Whale Watching
Whale-watching season in the Dominican Republic is between mid-January and the end of March. During this time it is extremely likely to see a humpback whale, particularly in the waters just off of Samana. A whale-watching tour is usually a full-day event, with stops for lunch and to explore the Whale Museum and Nature Center in Samana.
Where to Stay in Punta Cana
Punta Cana offers a diverse collection of places to stay, in a variety of price ranges. Several resorts are all-inclusive, with pricing that includes meals, water sports and sometimes drinks. Below are our favorite Punta Cana hotels and resorts.
Royalton CHIC, Punta Cana, Autograph Collection
- Address: Carr. Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, La Altagracia ·
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Great for families
This all-inclusive resort has 525 guest rooms and suites, all with private balconies and rain showers. Facilities at the Royalton CHIC resort include one of the Caribbean's largest water parks, seven restaurants, a casino, a spa, several swimming pools and access to a long stretch of white sand beach. The all-inclusive rate includes airport transfers, accommodations, meals and a full schedule of activities for adults and kids.
Excellence Punta Cana
- Address: Carr Uvero Alto, Punta Cana 23000
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Couples
lts-only all-inclusive resort is located on secluded Macao Beach. The rooms at Excellence Punta Cana all feature jetted bathtubs and furnished balconies, some of which face the sea. Rates include meals, accommodations, free WiFi, activities and a generous drink package. In addition to the beach, facilities include two swimming pools, a fitness center, 10 restaurants, 12 bars, a spa and an ecological park with flamingos and macaws.
IBEROSTAR Dominicana
- Address: Playa Bavaro, Punta Cana 23000
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Great for couples and families
The IBEROSTAR Dominicana is located on Bravaro Beach and caters to a wide range of visitors, from couples on their honeymoon to families. The all-inclusive rates include three meals daily, snacks, a daily-restocked mini bar, non-motorized water sports, live nightly entertainment and a full array of daily activities.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
- Address: Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Great for those looking for luxury accommodation
Eden Roc is arguably the most luxurious resort in the greater Punta Cana area. The resort features 67 guest rooms, suites and stand-alone villas, some of which have their own private swimming pool. Facilities include a Jack Nicklaus championship 18-hole golf course, a full European-style spa, a kids' club, a fitness center, three bars and three restaurants. Rates include transportation to and from Punta Cana airport, breakfast daily, accommodations, and WiFi throughout the resort.
The Westin Punta Cana Resort and Club
- Address: Playa Blanca At Punta Cana Resort & Club, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Best for: Great for those wanting a full range of services and activities
The Westin Punta Cana Resort and Club is located on Playa Blanca, not far from downtown Punta Cana. The 200-room resort offers a little something for everyone on its 15,000-acre property. This includes three miles of white sand beach, a full spa and fitness studio, three restaurants (including Brassa Grill detailed below), three bars, a cigar bar. Two championship golf courses are located nearby. All guest rooms and suites have spa-like showers and private balconies, some of which features views of the Caribbean Sea.
Where to Eat in Punta Cana
Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, it's nice to have a meal or two outside the resort and sample the local ambiance and cuisine. Below are a few of our favorite restaurants in Punta Cana.
Jellyfish Beach Restaurant
Jellyfish Beach Restaurant, located on Bavaro Beach, specializes in seafood. Menu highlights include seafood grill, paella and a variety of fresh catches elegantly prepared. Jellyfish Beach Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. This is a spectacular place to view the sunset while sipping a Caribbean cocktail.
Brassa Grill
Brassa Grill, located at the Westin Resort, specializes in steaks and grilled entrées cooked on a charcoal grill with a Caribbean flair. The dining room is rustic and comfortable, with exposed brick walls and industrial-chic furniture. The menu includes a variety of sauces and sides, such as macaroni and cheese and roasted vegetables, to accompany your steak. Brassa Grill is open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday.
El Rincon de Paco
El Rincon de Paco, located in Sanctuary Town in Cap Cana, offers classic Spanish and International cuisine in a romantic, old-world setting. Menu highlights include classic Spanish tapas and an extensive wine list. El Rincon de Paco is open daily for dinner.
The Steakhouse
Also located near Sanctuary Town is The Steakhouse, a classic American and Argentinian-style steakhouse that uses a traditional Argentine cast-iron grill. The Steakhouse is open for dinner daily. The Steakhouse has a dress code; check the restaurant's website for details.
Santa Mulata Restaurant and Bar
Located downtown Punta Cana, Santa Mulata Restaurant and Bar offers a combination of international, Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. Menu highlights include shrimp coconut risotto, mulata steak and grilled pork chops. Santa Mulata Restaurant and Bar is open for lunch and dinner daily.
Punta Cana Photo Spots
No trip to Punta Cana would be complete without photos to help you remember your journey. Below are our favorite photo stops to snap those memorable images.
Macao Beach
Less crowded than Bavaro Beach, Macao Beach is also more picturesque with its half moon-shaped bay, turquoise water and rows of palm trees. Go early or late to capture the spectacular Caribbean sunrise or sunset.
Punta Cana Lighthouse
Built in 1915, the Cape Engano Lighthouse at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, near Punta Cana Airport, makes an interesting backdrop to your vacation photos.
Altos de Chevon
This Mediterranean-style village is located near La Romana, about 50 minutes away from Punta Cana, along the Chavon River. With its cobblestone streets and Spanish-influenced architecture, it's a perfect backdrop for some romantic pictures.
Underwater
If you have the right camera equipment, don't discount taking pictures just off-shore. The waters around Punta Cana are teeming with colorful and scenic coral, plant life and marine life.
Montana Redonda
This scenic mountain park was just made to be a backdrop for spectacular photographs. From the summit, you can see 360 degrees and add a sea, city or mountain view to the background of your pictures.
Day Trips from Punta Cana
Although there are plenty of things to see and do in Punta Cana, there are also some amazing attractions within a short to moderate drive of the city. Below are just a few of our favorite day trips from Punta Cana.
Playa Esmeralda
One of the most pristine beaches in the Dominican Republic, Playa Esmeralda is a two-mile stretch of uncrowded, fine white sand, lined with coconut trees. There are just a few resorts on this beach, making it still accessible for day trippers looking for a quiet place to soak up the rays. The shallow water makes it friendly for families. Amenities are limited, but the government is adding restrooms and concessions.
- Playa Esmeralda is approximately an hour's drive from Punta Cana.
- There is no cost to access the beach.
Barcelo Rum Factory
- The Barcelo Rum Factory is 85 miles from Punta Cana, a little less than two hours by car.
- Tours of the Barcelo Rum Factory start at around $20 per person. Please note that you must wear closed-toe shoes to participate in the tour.
Near the town of San Pedro de MacorÃs is the Barcelo Rum Factory, one of the largest distilleries in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can tour the factory, learn about the distillation process and the history of the rum industry in the Dominican Republic, and sample Barcelo products.
Casa de Campo
- Casa de Campo is located an easy one-hour drive from Punta Cana.
- There is a $25 per person fee to enter the Casa de Campo property. An 18-hole round of golf, including car rental, is $350, $450 or $550, depending on which course you play.
The first large-scale resort in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo is known for its Mediterranean-style village, its three championship golf courses, its marina and its variety of shops and restaurants. The beach is also worth checking out. You might even get a glimpse of a celebrity. Several A-list movie and music stars have homes there.
Los Haitises National Park
- Los Haitises National Park is about a two-hour drive from Punta Cana.
- Full-day tours that include transportation to and from Punta Cana start at around $165 per person.
Los Haitises National Park is about 100 miles away from Punta Cana, but it's well worth the trip. The park encompasses 618 square miles and offers hiking, kayaking, canoeing, bird watching, biking and more. There are also caves adorned with petroglyphs and pictographs done by the early indigenous inhabitants of the Dominican Republic. Please note that all visitors are required to make a reservation to visit the park (or travel with a tour that does this for you.)
Santo Domingo
- Santo Domingo is about a two hour and 15 minute drive from Punta Cana.
- Walking around town is free. Admission to Alazar de Colon is around $15; admission to the Fortaleza Ozama is around $2.
Santo Domingo, the capital city of the Dominican Republic, is also worth a visit. The bustling city features the 16th-century Alcazar de Colon, once the home of the son of Christopher Columbus, the sparkling boardwalk along the sea and the Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest fort in the Americas. Visitors can also explore the 11-block Colonial Zone, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and marvel at the Spanish-influenced architecture.
Visiting Punta Cana on a Budget
Traveling to Punta Cana doesn't have to break your budget. Below are a few ways to do what you want on vacation without spending a fortune.
1. Consider an all-inclusive resort. Punta Cana has a number of excellent all-inclusive resorts. This means that, for a single price, you get your room, all meals, transportation back and forth to the airport and some water sports and activities. Some resorts also include drinks. If you enjoy an active vacation, this can save you a significant amount of money. The downside is that you won't want to explore outside your resort and try other restaurants, since you've already paid for meals at your resort.
2. Share a taxi to and from the airport. If airport transportation isn't included in your resort package, consider sharing a taxi with another solo traveler or couple going to the same general area as you are going. That's not difficult, since most of the resorts are grouped together. By doing this, you'll automatically save around half off of the cost of your transfer.
3. Take advantage of AAA member discounts. Being a member of AAA comes with a myriad of perks. Among these are car rental discounts, discounts on admission tickets and hotel discounts. Make sure to ask your travel consultant about these valuable membership perks.
4. Travel like the locals do. Take the local bus to get around town. It's not difficult once you learn how to identify the white vans that make up the Punta Cana public transportation network. Point-to-point fares are only a few dollars.
5.: Avoid the tourist traps. As with most resort areas, Punta Cana has its share of businesses looking to cash in on the tourist trade. Unfortunately, that often translates into expensive souvenirs, excursions and/or meals that are not as authentic as you might find a little away from the well-traveled resort areas. It is better to ask the staff at your hotel what they would recommend.
Plan Your Punta Cana Vacation with AAA
Traveling to Punta Cana doesn't have to mean a lot of stress and hassle. Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Punta Cana trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with pre-packaged trips or à la carte options.