AfterRobin Truman
Discover the beautiful nature and interesting culture of the Dominican Republic by leaving the resort and embarking on these two tours.
White sand beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
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- Dominican Cultural Tour with Lunch at Runners Adventures
- Other tours are available in Punta Cana and other parts of the Dominican Republic
Many travelers visit Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic solely for the luxury resorts and relaxation. While hanging out on the beach and enjoying the resort amenities such asLive Aqua Beach Resort Punta Canathey are fantastic experiences, worth itgoing outside the resort premisesat least once during the trip. Booking a tour offers travelers the opportunity to experience a more authentic and culturally rich side of the Dominican Republic.
The country shares the island of La Española with Haiti, but the Dominican Republic is significantly larger, accounting for about 70% of the island's land. There are 32 cities in the Dominican Republic and the largest is Santo Domingo.Santo Domingo is approximately 2.5 hours from Punta Canaand is a great option for a day trip during your visit.
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Lagoon at Indigenous Eyes Ecopark and Reserve
To make a week in the Dominican Republic almost perfect, there are two tours from Punta Cana that travelers should check out. The first is a trip to the area's nature reserve to swim in the natural freshwater lagoons. The second is to go on a cultural trip to experience the Dominican traditions and way of life. See how travelers can do both in one trip!
Swim in the Blue Lagoons at the Indigenous Eyes Eco Park and Sanctuary
The Ojos Indígenas Ecological Park and Sanctuary is a must-see if you are staying at any resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It is a short drive from the Punta Cana airport, inresidential community. This is also a famous placeresorts like Club Medis. Travelers can book a guided tourkroz Tropical Incentives, or they can go to the park themselves and simply pay the entrance fee. This option allows them to enjoy the pools on their own schedule, although tours usually offer flexibility for this excursion as well.
Swimming pool at the Indigenous Eyes Eco Park and Sanctuary
- Duration:Flexible (booking closes at 4pm)
- Price:From $50 per adult (per ticket)
What should I bring?
Flip flops at Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana
A trip to the Indigenous Eyes eco-reserve takes about three hours and provides plenty of time for swimming and exploring. For maximum comfort, travelers should wear their bathing suits as there is nowhere to change on the way into the jungle. To bring:
- Towel
- Sun lotion
- Flip flops or sandals
- Waterproof camera or cell phone case (if you want to shoot in the water)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
Entrance to the Indigenous Eyes Eco Park and Sanctuary
It's also a good idea to pack a dry blanket. Once passengers return to the parking lot, they can walk to the bathroom to change into dry clothes for the bus ride back to their resort. It's also possible to buy drinks in the area where some tours depart and where the bathrooms are, so it's a good idea to bring cash for these things.
Related:Punta Cana is cheap, but here's exactly how much you can pay
We highlight the guided tour
One of five swimming lagoons at Indigenous Eyes Ecopark and Sanctuary
The tour is led by an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local guide who provides insight into the history of Punta Cana Resorts, the gated community within which the resort is located.
The tour begins with a leisurely walk along a jungle path that cuts through the trees of this 1500 hectare subtropical forest. The park has 12 freshwater lagoons, 5 of which are open for swimming. These beautiful blue pools are definitely photo-worthy, and if travelers are lucky, they might even swim next to some of the wild turtles that call this sanctuary home.
Dominican Cultural Tour with Lunch at Runners Adventures
The travel company Runners Adventures offers a full day trip calledBavarian cultural race tripwhich provides an in-depth insight into the culture of the Dominican Republic.
- Duration: 8 sat
- Price:From $90 per adult
Traditional estate in the Dominican Republic
From Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana (in Uvero Alto), the transfer took about 45 minutes to the mountains, near the town of Higüey. The bus passed through small towns, offering an insight into local life. The Dominican Republic is a fertile country on the island of La Española and upon arrival the guide explains that tobacco, fruit, chocolate, coconut oil, paprika, cinnamon and vanilla are grown in this area.
Related:Punta Cana Travel Guide: 11 Things to Know When Planning Your Trip
What should I bring?
A sign in the jungle
The Dominican Cultural Tour through Runners Adventures is a comfortable day trip in the mountains of La Española. Travelers should dress appropriately for the heat and humidity - comfortable, light clothing and sensible walking shoes. To bring:
- Sun lotion
- Hat
- A bottle of water
- Cash (in local currency or USD)
Stop at a local shop that sells tobacco products and drinks, so it's fun to have cash to buy souvenirs on this tour.
We highlight the guided tour
Sugar cane grinding machine
The tour begins with an overview of the sugar cane farming industry (3000 years old) in the Dominican Republic and a demonstration of how sugar cane is milled using a machine. There's also a cigar demonstration and a chance to try one, made from a blend of local and Cuban tobaccos. The group then gets back on the bus and travels to Casa Doña Maria. This charming place is where travelers tour a traditional Dominican house consisting of a living room and two bedrooms. The kitchen and bathroom are in separate buildings on the property.
Coffee beans at Casa Dona Maria
From there, the team learns about the cultivation and production of coffee and cocoa trees on the estate. A demonstration of how coffee is ground is followed by tastings of coffee, hot chocolate and cocoa tea made from what is grown on the property.
After the tasting, there is an opportunity to purchase various products such as coffee, cocoa, coconut oil and more.
Traditional Dominican lunch
Afterwards, it's time for a delicious local lunch prepared right at Casa Doña Maria. A hearty serving of fried chicken, yucca, pasta salad, and rice and beans comes in handy after a morning of studying. This is the highlight of the tour and offers a unique experience of tasting traditional Dominican foodoutside the resort- not everyone has the opportunity when visiting the Dominican Republic.
Related:9 things to do in Punta Cana other than all-inclusive resorts
Other tours are available in Punta Cana and other parts of the Dominican Republic
The cigars rolled on a Dominican cultural tour with Runners Adventures
There are many through Tropical Incentives and Runners Adventuresmore opportunities to explore Punta Canaand other parts of the Dominican Republic. Options include:
- Full Day Excursion to Santo Domingo (from Punta Cana)
- Zip Lines avantura
- Horseback riding (swimming)
- 4x4 jungle adventures
Travelers can book tours through Live Aqua Beach Resort Punta Cana or contact local tour operators directly at Tropical Incentives and Runners Adventures.
FAQs
Can you go outside resort in Punta Cana? ›
Punta Cana is one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean, and tourists should feel comfortable traveling outside of the hotel zone. However, petty theft (especially of cell phones, according to some) does sometimes occur, so you should be careful when carrying valuables with you.
Should you leave the resort in Punta Cana? ›While it is a very safe location, as it is in other countries and cities, there are places where you shouldn't go by yourself. It is generally safe to leave the resort in Punta Cana, it is recommended that you don't do so by yourself and instead book safe Punta Cana Transportation.
How many days is enough in Punta Cana? ›If you just want to relax at an all-inclusive resort, you can absolutely have a great weekend in Punta Cana. That being said, allowing for at least 5 days in Punta Cana can really help you get into vacation mode and experience the many resort activities and fun day trips.
How much money should I bring to an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana? ›The total budget of your vacation in the Dominican Republic should be around RD$6,000 per person per day. However, you don't have to take this amount in cash. You can regularly pay with a credit card and withdraw money at ATMs. Therefore, it is recommended to take around 200 to 300 dollars per person for your vacation.
Can you brush your teeth with tap water in Punta Cana? ›Brushing teeth with tap water in the Dominican Republic is not recommended unless the water quality is guaranteed to be filtered or treated. In most cases, using boiled, filtered, or bottled water is a safer option for traveling.
Can you bring alcohol home from Punta Cana? ›A maximum of 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 200 grams of tobacco. Up to three (3) liters in total of wine, beer, rum, whiskey, or liquor. You may also bring in gifts of a value of up to US$500 (five hundred United States Dollars) once every three months.
What are the best and worst months to visit Punta Cana? ›Visiting Punta Cana between April to September
This can makes the weather less pleasant and makes people stay indoors instead of outside. Besides, around July, the weather will start to get rainy, which is still not ideal for tourists on vacation because most of the town's attractions are beach-related.
There are also plenty of shopping options and some historic attractions as well as a bustling nightlife. The best area to stay in Punta Cana is the Bavaro area as this is where the main tourist hub is located.
How much does it cost to leave Punta Cana? ›By Dominican law, there's also a US$20 departure tax, the cost of which is usually included in your airfare (verify with your carrier).
What month is best for Punta Cana? ›From January to March – high season
If you like to enjoy the bright sun and cool off in the sea, this is the best season to go to Punta Cana.
What time of year is Punta Cana cheapest? ›
The cheapest time to visit Punta Cana is generally considered to be during the off-season months of April through November. During these months, hotel prices dropped significantly due to decreased demand from travelers.
What are the best months to go to Punta Cana? ›The best months of the year for travelling to Punta Cana are by far between December and April. During this period, the probability of rainfall is lower, and the temperatures are warm enough to enjoy a perfect holiday on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
Is $5 a good tip in Dominican Republic? ›Preferred tipping currency
If you have Dominican pesos feel free to tip using it however it is uncommon to tip more than 250 Pesos (5 Dollars).
Butler – they will make your stay as stress-free and hassle-free as possible, so a tip of $10 to $20 is usually well accepted. Bartender – $1 to $2 is a good tip for the bartender if you have a quick drink. But if he's been giving you a very good deal for a long time, feel free to be more generous.
Should I carry cash to Punta Cana? ›There are still many services that do not accept credit cards so it's best to bring some cash on your trip. For example: Taxis, fruit stands, souvenir shops, and vendors on the beach do not usually accept credit cards. Neither do some of the smaller restaurants and food trucks.
What not to eat or drink in the Dominican Republic? ›- Never drink tap water. ...
- Never eat fruit and vegetables from stalls and fruit kiosks without washing and peeling them. ...
- Not drink fresh juice from fruit kiosks. ...
- Not use ice from kiosks. ...
- Not play with street animals. ...
- Not eat raw meat and fish (ceviche).
The beach, clear waters, and amazing resorts make it easy to fall in love with Punta Cana. But, we've noticed many tourists are worried about safety. They question if it's safe to visit Punta Cana as a tourist. To answer that question: Yes, it is very safe!
How can I avoid getting sick in Dominican Republic? ›- Eat and drink safely. ...
- Prevent bug bites. ...
- Stay safe outdoors. ...
- Keep away from animals. ...
- Reduce your exposure to germs. ...
- Avoid sharing body fluids. ...
- Know how to get medical care while traveling. ...
- Select safe transportation.
The FBI has released toxicology test results related to the deaths of three U.S. tourists in the Dominican Republic, according to the U.S. Department of State.
What not to bring to Punta Cana? ›Make sure to avoid synthetic clothes and opt for airy tank tops, shorts, sundresses and other light clothes. Otherwise, you will sweat a lot under the sun and even in a shade – the temperature and the humidity levels are too high here all year round.
Can you put toilet paper down toilet in Punta Cana? ›
Water: As in most developing countries, the tap water is not potable. Please refrain from using it to drink or brush your teeth. We will provide bottled water. Do not flush toilet paper down the toilet, remember to place toilet paper in trash.
What is the coldest month in Punta Cana? ›Safety in Punta Cana vs Cancun
Punta Cana and Cancun are both completely safe for tourists and have tourist security divisions within their police forces. Theft of valuables is the most common type of crime in Punta Cana. Be aware of your belongings, as you would in any tourist city.
The best arrival day of the week is either Tuesday or Wednesday (BobH); Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday (wessiewoo's Travel Agent); Saturday looks good for OttawaTom; and NewfieOWL trumps them all by declaring that everyday is a good day to arrive in PC.
What is the prettiest beach in Punta Cana? ›Bavaro Beach is generally considered to be the best beach in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic overall. Lined with tall coco palms, its soft, white sand stretches for 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), with a flat slope to the water edge, which makes it perfect for long beach walks.
What is the #1 beach in Punta Cana? ›1. Bavaro Beach, the best beach in Punta Cana. Considered one of the best beaches in the world, this is the most famous in Punta Cana. There are plenty of reasons: white like flour sand, thousands of coconut trees, and crystal clear turquoise waters that dazzle.
Where is the clearest water in the Dominican Republic? ›The Bahía de las Águilas, or Eagle Bay, is within the Jaragua National Park in the province of Pedernales. It's one of the most spectacular settings in the Dominican Republic. This is beauty in its purest state: 5 miles of white sand dotted with giant boulders and cliffs with the clearest water you can imagine.
Do you need cash to leave Dominican Republic? ›Non residents of the Dominican Republic have to buy a tourist card. This costs USD 10.00 and can be bought at all airports on arrival. Preferred payment is US Dollars cash. There is also a USD 20.00 departure tax when leaving the country.
Why is Punta Cana so expensive right now? ›Travel is more expensive because the Dominican Republic does not yet have a modern “Open Skies” aviation agreement with the United States. This means fewer choices for travelers and limitations on competition among airlines that cost the user more each time they buy a plane ticket.
Why is Punta Cana so cheap? ›The Cost Of Living Is Lower In The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a developing country with a low income per capita (that is part of the reason why the Dominican Republic is so cheap). Therefore, visitors can expect most services in the country to be comparatively cheap with the United States.
What is the cheapest month to go to Dominican Republic? ›
Top tips for finding cheap flights to the Dominican Republic
High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is April.
So how much rain does Punta Cana get? Well despite its very tropical feel and its lush greenery, this gorgeous island only gets heavy rain for about seven to eleven days a year. The wettest month is usually October and the driest months are from January to March though it can vary slightly.
How long before a flight should I go to Punta Cana? ›If you will be returning to the U.S., we recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to your departure to allow for additional time to clear security.
What is the warmest month in Punta Cana? ›Weather in Punta Cana
The average temperature ranges from 25°C to 28°C, with July and August being the warmest months of the year.
From food to hotels to tours, prices in Punta Cana are mostly lower than in Montego Bay. Even though Punta Cana is one of the priciest areas of the Dominican Republic, it's still more affordable than Montego Bay and Jamaica in general.
What is hurricane season for Dominican Republic? ›Like the rest of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is a hurricane-prone country. The hurricane season runs from June , with the peak season from mid-August to late October. A hurricane is a low pressure system that generally forms in the tropics accompanied by heavy winds.
What is the driest month in Punta Cana? ›The driest month is March with 16 mm of rainfall and 29 perfect sunny days. The wettest month is November with 55 mm of rain over 5 days.
What are the busiest days at Punta Cana airport? ›In addition to high season, if you add the most popular days to travel it can really get busy. Longer lines at Punta Cana airport are seen also between Fridays and Sundays, which are the days that most passengers decide to fly in and out of Punta Cana Airport.
What is Punta Cana known for? ›Famed for its wonderful white sandy beaches and twinkling turquoise waters, Punta Cana occupies the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The second-most popular tourist destination in all of Latin America, its luxurious resorts are visited by thousands of happy holidaymakers each year.
Is it rude not to tip at all-inclusive resorts? ›While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips.
Is $20 a good tip in the Dominican Republic? ›
In regards to how much to tip, it will be at your discretion, but if it helps, in the Caribbean it is common to leave a 15% to 25% tip for exceptional service. However, all gratuities are well received, from $1 per service to $20 or more at the end of your stay.
Is it better to tip in pesos or dollars? ›Should I tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico? It's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos. While it might be tempting to leave a few foreign coins as a thank-you, those coins can't be exchanged and won't be of much use to your waiter or tour guide.
How much cash should you take to tip at an all-inclusive resort Dominican Republic? ›The general unwritten rule is to leave a 10% tip, because some restaurants do not pay this legal tip to their employees although they need to by law. Other restaurants do not have any tips included. So when you are happy with the service it is okay to tip the 10%.
How much cash should I take to Punta Cana? ›However, you don't have to take this amount in cash. You can regularly pay with a credit card and withdraw money at ATMs. Therefore, it is recommended to take around 200 to 300 dollars per person for your vacation. Most of the time you can pay with a credit card.
Do you tip at an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic? ›Do I Need to Tip at an All-Inclusive Resort? While tipping is a discretionary and optional gesture, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, it is certainly encouraged.
How much is $1 in Punta Cana? ›1 USD = 54.624966 DOP Jun 02, 2023 02:58 UTC
Check the currency rates against all the world currencies here.
Many restaurants, bars, and gastronomic establishments accept dollars, but it is always better to use the currency of Punta Cana if you decide to get away from the tourist area.
Are the locals allowed at the resorts in Punta Cana? ›A local is allowed on any resort at anytime in Punta Cana (especially on the weekends) and they get a reduced rate for being a local... (like us back home) ...
Can you go out at night in Punta Cana? ›Whether you want to dance all night or chill with cocktails on the beach, Punta Cana has a setting for everyone. While the Dominican resort town is among the Caribbean's most desirable destinations for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, its nightlife is pretty spectacular, too.
Can you go to Hard Rock Punta Cana without being a guest? ›
Who can play at Hard Rock Punta Cana? You don't need to stay here to play here! Our Casino is open to everyone including those who are staying at other resorts or just passing through! Dominican Law 155-17 requires all casino guests to be registered, so don't forget to bring your ID.
Are beaches in Punta Cana open to the public? ›It is part of the Punta Cana area and only 25 minutes away from Punta Cana International Airport. Is Bavaro Beach public? Yes, Bavaro Beach is public. There are 4 Bavaro Beach public access points: Bibijagua, Jellyfish, Corales and Cortecito.
Can you wear jeans in Punta Cana? ›You'll want to avoid jeans, as well as any heavy jackets, dresses, or fabrics. The lighter the fabric and the less your skin is covered, the more comfortable you will be. This destination stays warm year-round and, well, tropical. Read these tips on what to wear in high humidity!
What does adults only mean in Punta Cana? ›The term “adults only” means that there is an age restriction to enter the resort. Most of these resorts consider the age of adulthood to be 18 years old and therefore put the restriction as such. If you are wanting to bring kids, babies, or anyone below that age into the resort you will not be able to.
Can you drink in public in Punta Cana? ›The Dominican Republic passed a law on September 21, 2021 to regulate the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout the national territory. The provisions of the new law include: The prohibition of alcohol consumption on public roads, in vehicles, and motorcycles; and.
Do you need a sweater at night in Punta Cana? ›General Style Tips. Casual clothes in lightweight natural fabrics (cotton, silk and linen) will work best – it is warm and sunny but not unbearably hot all year round. However the nights tend to be a little cooler so a sweater or wrap is worth popping in your case. Go for comfort and style.
How can I avoid getting sick in Punta Cana? ›Wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Soap and water, but better still, use the alcohol based hand rubs that are everywhere in the dining areas of the resorts. Water is filtered for ice and for food prep, so no need to avoid salads, but do use bottled water for drinking.
What is legal drinking age in Punta Cana? ›Legal drinking age in Dominican Republic is 18. We might ask for an I.D. at any time. Under-age drinking and providing alcohol to minors is punished by law.
Can you get a day pass to Hard Rock Punta Cana? ›Please contact your preferred DMC for arrangements. What if we have participants staying in another hotel and they want to spend the day at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana? We offer a day pass. The cost is $84.00 US for adults and $44.00 US for children (4 to 17 years old).
Can you drink the water at the Hard Rock Punta Cana? ›The tap water in your room is purified, however it is not recommended that you drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Use only bottled water that is marked as “Purified” (“agua purificada”). Guestrooms will be replenished daily with bottled water.
Which beach has clearest water in Punta Cana? ›
1. Bavaro Beach, the best beach in Punta Cana. Considered one of the best beaches in the world, this is the most famous in Punta Cana. There are plenty of reasons: white like flour sand, thousands of coconut trees, and crystal clear turquoise waters that dazzle.
Where is the bluest water in Punta Cana? ›Playa Blanca – White Sand Beach
You'll be amazed at the sparkling, crystal-white sand and waist-deep turquoise blue water at Playa Blanca. That's assuming you can find it! This beautiful Punta Cana beach is located at the eastern point of the Dominican Republic north of Juanillo Beach.