Going to the Dominican Republic for a week? Where can you go in such a short time? Here’s our suggested itinerary around Punta Cana!
Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic’s main seaside resort at the eastern end of the country, has a population of just over 50,000. The flagship of mass tourism in the Caribbean – here, ecology takes second place to kerosene – the Dominican Republic welcomed 5.35 million foreign tourists to its shores in 2017, including 213,247 from France. A tropical paradise – annual temperatures here fluctuate between 25°C and 35°C year-round – set amidst the jungle, between sublime coastal beaches drenched by the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Punta Cana was developed in the 1970s.
You’re planning a week’s travel itinerary, but you’re worried about spending too much time basking on the same beach, among the same tourists? We understand. In and around Punta Cana, public transport is almost punctual and inexpensive. Here’s our itinerary for visiting Punta Cana and the surrounding area, with a choice of beaches, lush natural surroundings or lounging on the terrace.
Day 1: Punta Cana and north coast
Photo credit: Flickr – Joe deSousa
If you haven’t already done so from France before departure, you’ll need to rent a hotel in Punta Cana when you arrive. It’s not difficult, as there are a plethora of them along the coast.
Start by jumping in to see your first beach: Playa de Arena Gorda, Playa Bavaro, Playa de El Cortecito or Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engaño, Juanito. The sea water is around 28°C all year round, so it’s easy to get in.
Visit the Don Lucas Cigars factory, the Dolphin Explorer, the Punta Cana Seaquarium – where you can walk underwater with your head in a diving suit to see dolphins, manta rays and even sharks! Children will love going to Manati Park to see shows featuring sea lions, dolphins, horses and parrots.
After this busy – and ambitious – program of beaches and visits, make the most of the beach: at night, the atmosphere is festive, dynamic and wild. If you like to party, this is « The Place to Be »!
Day 2: Punta Cana south
Day two in the Dominican Republic: how does it feel to wake up in paradise? Head south to explore the Indigenous EyesEcological Park. It’s a must-see excursion: after a walk through the jungle, you’ll see a superb lagoon where you can dive and swim amidst tortoises and colorful fish. Life-size Nemo’s World! It’s an indigenous reserve, with a zoo, 12 lagoons and, above all, a place to discover the country’s history and culture. A number of virtually deserted beaches line the surrounding coastline, so don’t hesitate to wallow in them!
Continue on to Hoyo Azul, one of Punta Cana’s most impressive spots. It’s a natural abyss filled with crystal-clear blue water. Dive in when the sun is shining in the lagoon, but the water is quite cool. Head for Juanito Beach or Cap Cana Marina. If you choose this itinerant option, you’ll need to rent accommodation in and around Punta Cana.
Day 3: Cotubanamá National Park and Saona Island
Photo credit: Flickr -Ian Bruce
On the third day, descend to Cotubanamá National Park (also known as Parque Nacional Del Este until 2014) and Isla Saona. This is another jewel of the Dominican Republic off the coast of Punta Cana, famous for its stretches of deserted beaches. This is the place to go if Punta Cana’s northern beaches are too crowded and busy for you. The national park is a flora and fauna reserve, home to over 300 species of birds and 500 species of flowers and plants, enjoying tropical light all year round. This makes the park a unique ecosystem that absolutely must be preserved, and raises the question of how to combine mass tourism with ecosystem protection.
Theisland of Saona is nicknamed the « Pearl of the Caribbean Coast ». It’s in the heart of a protected nature reserve, with a wealth of birdlife: a pure delight! To devote a day to these two exceptional sites is ambitious, so you may have to leave early in the morning and book a room in Boca de Yuma or Dominiscus.
Day 4: Catalina Island and La Romana
To continue your itinerary around Punta Cana, don’t miss Isla Catalina and La Romana. Situated 2.4 kilometers off the coast,Isla Catalina is surrounded by a coral reef, making it an ideal snorkeling spot. The island was once a haven for privateers. Strolling along the beach – la playa de la Isla Catalina – that surrounds the island, you can imagine yourself as an 18th-century pirate, waiting to attack and plunder other ships.
After basking in the turquoise waters of the Catalina and Saona islands, the city of La Romana reveals all its splendour: the Casa De Campo golf complex, the marina, the medieval village of Alto de Chavon, the beaches – Minitas Beach, Playa El Caleton .
Day 5: Inland
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Celiovmota
Tired of beaches, no matter how heavenly? No, you’re not a snob. But now’s the time to explore the Dominican countryside as you start heading back to Punta Cana to close the loop on your travel itinerary. Go horseback riding, zip-line through the jungle, taste the local produce (cocoa, coffee, cigars). If you’re not afraid of the sights, use a travel agency to see it all in one day!
The town of Higüey, with a population of over 170,000, is home to Punta Cana’s workers. It’s a bit like the backstage area of the seaside town, with two must-see monuments: the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia – listed as a national monument since 1970 – and the 16th-century Church of San Dionisio. Nearby, you’ll find the La Altagracia museum, as well as countless bars and restaurants where you can hang out with the locals.
Day 6: North coast
Photo credit: Facebook – Runners Adventures
Here’s a rather ambitious itinerary suggestion: it may be a bit of a race, but sometimes you’re tempted to see everything to get a good overview of the island. Santo Domingo is too far, but heading for the north coast might be a good idea for the last two days of the trip.
On the way, you can devote half a day to a safari at Monkeyland. Also ideal if you’ve chosen to skip our itinerary stages and rent a hotel in Punta Cana towards Bavaro or Playa Macao. Here, you’ll see saimiris, squirrel monkeys described as the most gregarious monkeys in the « New World ». You’ll also enjoy panoramic views of the eastern mountains and local villages, taste fresh organic fruit and coffee, visit a typical island house and tour the Casa del Coco (where you can learn how to make coconut oil). If you haven’t already done so, go and relax at Playa Macao, one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Now is the time to rent a hotel in Punta Cana and start your return…
Day 7: a few beaches to finish off
Photo credit: Flickr – Ana Lauriano Lauriano
Is your return flight at the end of the day? The north-east of Punta Cana offers, as on the first day, an endless string of heavenly beaches where you can simply do nothing: Playa de Arena Gorda, Playa de Arena Blanca, Playa del Cortecito, Playa Bavaro. Don’t hang around too long, as you’ll need time to return your car – if you’ve rented one – catch the bus back to the airport.