18 Best Things To Do In Punta Cana All Inclusive Hotels
18 Best Things To Do In Punta Cana All Inclusive Hotels
We left for Munich Airport in May 2015 with mixed emotions, as it was our first trip outside of Europe and the eight-hour flight would be our longest. We were really satisfied with the airport near Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic when we arrived, and the trip proceeded without incident, much to our satisfaction. There were wide areas and the appearance of straw covering the airport; the structures already had the elegance of the Caribbean.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Table of Contents
Dominican Republic Map
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Food Costs: Low-Cost Dining Establishment 6 USD per person, mid-range eatery Two people 36 US dollars Visa: Upon boarding the aircraft, we completed the necessary paperwork and paid the $10 airport fee.
Informations
Situated in the Caribbean region’s Greater Antilles archipelago, the island of Hispaniola is home to the Dominican Republic.
Between Saint Martin and Hispaniola, the only other Caribbean island shared by two independent states, lies the eastern five-eighths of the island, which it shares with Haiti. Temperature: Mid-December to mid-April is when the hot season occurs.
It’s still a lovely day with ideal beach conditions. There can possibly be a few gloomy days with a gentle breeze. Nevertheless, these phases frequently end quickly. The most perfect month to visit the Dominican Republic is April. Language:
Spanish is the primary language. Because there are so many tourists everywhere, English is also spoken there. There are a lot of visitors from Brazil as well.
Currency: The currency of Dominican Republic is Dominican Peso.1€ Euro you can get aprox 69 DOP, $1 USD = 57 DOP. We did not changed our money, we had dollars and we could used them everywhere, we paid everything with dollars without problems.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a fee at no extra cost to you. Click here to view our complete affiliate disclosure.
Things to do
We had a great time during our 11-day visit in the Dominican Republic. The only thing you would know on the first day is that you will be responsible for any consequences if you leave the hotel grounds. It’s considered that you might be in danger if you venture outside of the Punta Cana hotel area. We made the decision to heed their recommendations, and we used transportation to get to and from the hotel on every excursion. We decided to take a taxi to get to the club.
Although we didn’t believe we may be in any danger, when returning from our island vacation, we passed the town of the locals and, regrettably, witnessed a world very different from the opulent one found in the hotels. That depressed us greatly because of their extreme poverty. We purchased tickets for Imagine Punta Cana, a very wonderful club in a cave with great music, in addition to the tour that we chose to see Isla Saona, Isla Catalina, and the Buggies Tour in Santo Domingo. These are the things we remember from this wonderful trip:
Isla Saona
Isla Saona is a big island in the Dominican Republic’s east, in the province of La Altagracia, covering an area of around 110 km². The Taíno inhabitants refer to the island by another name, Adamanay. It is a protected area and a part of Parque Nacional del Este. Being one of the biggest national parks in the nation, it is well-known for having a huge number of birds, particularly uncommon species. Sand beaches and palm groves have progressively replaced the initially tropical vegetation. There are two villages in Saona: Catuano, which is located on the western point and is home to a naval installation, and Mano Juan, a fishing community on the southern tip.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Isla Catalina
Isla Catalina, also known by its native name, Toeya, is a huge island spanning about 9 km² in the east of the Dominican Republic. It is situated around 3 km southwest of the mainland and 2 km south of the coastal town of La Romana. The floor plan is roughly triangular. It does, however, belong to the municipality of San Rafael del Yuma’s Bayahibe district and is a part of the province of La Altagracia, which is located farther east. There is no one living on the island. There are beaches for swimming on its west coast, which are frequently used by cruise ships.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Imagine Punta Cana
Because it is the only nightclub inside a cave where people congregate, music plays, and positive vibes permeate the air, Imagine Punta Cana, also known as “The Cave,” serves as the nightly reference for Punta Cana, which means “The Spot.”
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Buggies Tour & Playa Macao
With its large beach, Playa Macao does not have a “sea of plastic beach chairs.” This is a great beach for swimming, but novices can also find what they need here! It was a little congested at times inside the little area with “small bars” and vendors selling trinkets. You will be directed straight to the freezer among the trees if you ask for a menu card.Macao Beach, also known as Playa Macao, is a public beach in the eastern Dominican Republic’s province of La Altagracia. As a popular destination for surfers, buggy riders, and four-wheelers, it is well-liked by both locals and tourists for its white sands, crystal-clear waters, and adventure seekers.
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Altos de Chavón
In the Dominican Republic’s La Romana province sits Altos de Chavón, a tourist attraction that is a recreation of a community in the manner of the sixteenth century.There was an abundance of stone available because construction started in 1976 when a route was blasted for a road and a bridge over the Rio Chavón. The village was finished by the beginning of the 1980s. It is common to reserve the Church of St. Stanislaus for marriages. Artifacts from the region’s pre-Columbian cultures are shown in an archeological museum.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Santo Domingo Cathedral
In the colonial city of Santo Domingo, the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is devoted to the Incarnation. It was the second cathedral built after the Garðar Cathedral Ruins in Greenland, and it is the oldest cathedral still standing in the Americas. It was started in 1504 and finished in 1550.Since it was the first diocese and the oldest cathedral built in the New World after Columbus, the Archbishop of Santo Domingo’s cathedral holds the honorary title of Primate of the Indies. The façade of the cathedral is made of coral limestone with a golden tinge.The structure is Gothic and one of the best examples of authentic Gothic architecture found outside of Europe.Additionally, there is a Treasury that has a fine collection of antique jewels, silver, funerary monuments, furnishings, and woodcarvings.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Scape Park
When it’s not too hot, go ziplining first, then take advantage of the aquatic activities. Many people purchased water shoes, but sneakers worked just as well because you could set them aside to enjoy the water features. The website was stunning! Even though one of the caverns was closed, it was still worth the money! It was simple to stay busy all day. They primarily trade in dollars, so if you want decent pictures, buy a waterproof phone case while you’re there. The $5 lockers were helpful for keeping things secure during the day.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Alcázar de Colón
It is the oldest colonial city in America and a historic building in the Altstadt of Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. It was Christopher Columbus’ third attempt to establish a settlement. However, the building itself is more recent. Between 1510 and 1514, it was built by his son, Diego Kolumbus. He was the highest ranking Spanish official in the new world at the time, serving as Spanish Vizekönig. The original building is being gradually demolished. It was turned into a national monument and placed under denkmal protection in the 19th century as a result of nationalism. It was renovated in the 1950s and is now in its current state. It has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1990 as part of the Altstadt Santo Domingos.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Museo de las Casas Reales
The Real Audiencia de Santo Domingo Palace, also known as the Museum of Real Houses or Real Palaces, is a colonial building and one of the cultural landmarks of Dominican history. This museum is located in the Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo on the south side of the Plaza de España, on the corner of Las Damas and Las Mercedes. The Museum of Real Houses or Real Palaces, as it was known throughout the general and provincial capital periods, has two palaces that date back to the eighteenth century.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Playa Boca Chica
Residents of Santo Domingo City frequent Boca Chica on weekends because of the shallow, blue waters. There are many of eateries by the beach in Boca Chica where you can enjoy fried fish or seafood while taking in the scenery. During the week, visitors may essentially have the town and beach to themselves. There are three beach areas: La Caleta (divers), Andrés (sailors and sport fishermen), and Boca Chica (swimming, restaurants, and nightlife). Although singles travel has become more popular over time, conference and sports tourism are still major draws at Boca Chica’s three all-inclusive resorts. There is a beach, Las Americas International Airport is close by, Colonial City is 30 minutes away, and Juan Dolio and La Romana offer excellent golfing for visitors.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Columbus Park
The Catedral de Santa Maria la Menor, Santo Domingo’s Palace, and the Palacio Borgella, which formerly housed the Dominican Republic’s Parliament, are among the monuments that encircle the area.Once the bustling business center of Santo Domingo, Calle del Conde stretches from Parque Colón to the Puerta del Conde.A bust of Bartholomew Columbus, Christopher’s brother and the man who founded Santo Domingo, stands at the start of Calle del Conde.The earliest colonial homes in the entire American Continent were constructed on the island of Hispaniola during the 15th-century colonial era.The Parque Colón, formerly known as Plaza Mayor de Santo Domingo, was established among these residential structures in 1506 and has since experienced numerous changes throughout the years.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Fortaleza de San Felipe
Located in the province of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, to the north of the island of La Española, is the ancient Spanish fortress known as San Felipe. Because Puerto Plata’s language is deep and well-protected, it’s also the closest to Santiago of the Caballeros and Cibao for port service. These circumstances were strategically important for building the fortress, also known as “El Morro de San Felipe.”Felipe II of Spain ordered its construction, and Rengifo de Angulo, the alcaide del fuerte, finished it in 1577. Under Pedro Santana’s orders, the fortress served as a prison on several occasions and housed Juan Pablo Duarte, the patricio, in the position of political president.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Cave of Wonders
The National Park Cueva de las Maravillas, also known as Cave of Wonders National Park, is a national park in the southeast region of the Dominican Republic on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It is roughly 15 kilometers (9 miles) east of San Pedro de Macorís and 10 kilometers (7 miles) west of La Romana.It is famous for its ancient Taíno Indian paintings and was known as the Cueva Jaguar until 1949. It was named after the Cave of Wonders.The park is situated close to Cumayasa and the Soco River, on the road that runs between the towns of San Pedro de Macorís and La Romana.It is 800 meters long, 25 meters below the surface, and 4.5 square kilometers in size.On July 22, 1997, the caves were designated as a national park.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Basilica of Higuey
The Higüey Basílica, officially known as the Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia Basílica Catedral, is a Catholic cemetery in Salvaleón de Higüey, Dominican Republic. It is one of the most popular santuaries in the Caribbean and the headquarters of the diócesis of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey. At first, it was believed that the advocacy came from the Spanish-speaking community of Garrovillas de Alconétar (Cáceres), but it was later confirmed that it came from Siruela, Badajoz, Extremadura, after the Obispo of Higüey visited the area.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Fortaleza Ozama
One of the remaining portions of the Walls of Santo Domingo, which UNESCO has designated as the oldest military structure of European origin in the Americas, is the Ozama Fortress (Spanish: Fortaleza Ozama), formerly known as the Homage tower of the city wall. The Spanish constructed it between 1502 and 1508, with a view of the Ozama River, near the entrance to Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The castle is also known as “La Fortaleza” or “The Fortress” and is named after this river. Alongside the other historical landmarks of the Ciudad Colonial, it was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The colonial city of Santo Domingo includes the Ozama Fortress.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Dudú Lagoon
The only location in the world where speleologists can dive from one natural lake to another is Laguna Dudú.It is only 25 kilometers from Nagua on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast, quite near to Diamante Beach.There are two lagoons here that are connected to the sea (albeit the connection is more indirect) and to each other.The dense forest that covers the nearby cliffs encloses the 32-meter-deep Dudú Lagoon.Some caves can be found in the area of Dudú Lagoon, and there are some stalactites and stalagmites that were gradually produced.However, the Taíno cave is the ideal location to view pre-Columbian art because it has such artwork on its 30-meter-high walls.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Plaza de la Hispanidad
The Plaza de España, also called the Plaza de la Hispanidad, is a public area in Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic’s historic center. The historic Alcázar de Colón, which dates to 1514, is located to the north, while the Museo de las Casas Reales, which was constructed in 1511, is located to the south.Encircled by a number of eateries and outdoor terraces, the plaza is a well-liked meeting place in the city. It is also a well-liked location for festivals and concerts because of its size.The Alcázar de Colón, the nation’s most visited museum, is located on the northeast side of the square and dates back to 1514.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
National Palace
The Dominican Republic’s executive branch, which includes the presidency and vice presidency, is housed at a structure in Santo Domingo called the National Palace (Spanish: Palacio Nacional).At Rafael Trujillo’s request, Italian architect Guido D’Alessandro created the building’s conservative neoclassical design. Work began on February 27, 1944, the centennial of Dominican independence, and it was officially opened on August 16, 1947. The National Palace, which is regarded as one of the most exquisite structures constructed in the Dominican Republic, is 18,000 square meters in size and is lavishly furnished throughout.Constructed during the US colonization of the Dominican Republic (1916–1924), the edifice is located on the grounds of the former Presidential Mansion (Mansión Presidencial).
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Book your perfect vacation!
Vacations: We are happy that we have the opportunity to work with the most famous companies in the world, we always order our vacations from these companies and we have never been disappointed: Check 24, Trivago, Trafalgar, TravelUp, Insight Vacations, Explorer Fernreisen.
Where to stay
Hotels, bed & breakfasts, and guesthouses, regardless of location—in the center of town, close to a lake, or amid natural surroundings. We were able to identify the top companies providing the best hotels: Booking.com, Trip.com, TravelUp, esky, Hoteltopia, Millennium Hotels and Explorer Fernreisen.
The first travel choice that springs to us when we think of stunning scenery and amazing islands is a cruise. Thus, this is the greatest choice if you would rather visit several stunning islands than fly to only one and remain there. When on a cruise, you can unwind on days when the ship is just in the sea or ocean, but if you’re an adventurer, you can also take advantage of the opportunity to see other locations. We work with the world’s top cruise operators, so you may select the ideal voyage:
Traditional Food
Mangú with Salami, Huevo y Queso Frito – Fried eggs, cheese, mashed green plantains, and Dominican salami Harina de Maíz – Porridge with Cornmeal La bandera dominicana, or the Dominican flag, is the national dish. The three staples of white rice, red beans, and stewed meat (either beef or chicken) are enhanced with avocado, tostones (fried plantains that have been flattened), green salad with tomatoes, or stewed eggplant. Green bananas with Dominican longanizas are known as Guineo Verde with Longaniza. Flavorful Goat Meat Stew – Chivo Guisado Picante
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
All that is mangú is mashed green plantains. In order to make mofongo, fried plantains, garlic, and pork rind are mashed in a mortar and pestle. The resulting dough is then formed into little balls and served in a bowl resembling ice cream. A tasty stew (or soup) cooked with chopped pork belly or beef is called mondongo. El Sancocho: A Traditional Dominican Stew Fish in Coconut Sauce (Pescado with Coco)
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Sweet Cream of Beans, Habichuelas Con Dulce Rice Pudding, or Arroz with Leche Curdled Milk Dessert, Leche de Leche Cortada Coconut mixed milk fudge, or Dulce de Coco Tierno Corn Pudding from Majarete
Photo Source : traveldreamdiary.com
Restaurants
La Bruja Chupadora: The grilled octopus and short ribs are two of the restaurant’s best-selling barbecued meats. Nearly everyone may find something they enjoy on La Cava’s varied menu, which includes colorful grilled fish, creamy soups, crisp salads, and sushi. Wacamole: lively music with a hint of mexico Little John offers a variety of local and “turf” flavors, such as goat risotto, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and pizza, in addition to seafood “surf” options like ceviche.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
La Yola: The menu offers a variety of fresh seafood options along with Mediterranean and regional cuisines. A decent assortment of seafood, grilled meats, burgers, and delectable regional fare like chivo guisado (goat stew) are all available on Playa Blanca’s menu. One of the greatest restaurants in Punta Cana is Citrus Restaurant, which has a large menu featuring a variety of dishes from the Caribbean, Italy, and Asia.
Saving Tips
Almost everywhere, with the exception of banks and supermarkets, expect haggling. (December–January and June–August are the High Season months). These off-peak times can also see a sharp decline in flight costs. Avoid Exchanging Currency at Airports
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Since transportation is included in your ticket price, getting to the clubs is easy. If you book your tours directly with licensed tour operators instead of going via your hotel, you can save money. When buying a tour, wait and compare prices to save money.
Book your tours!
Tours: If you do not go by car and need to know more information about the tours, and things to see, we recommend these companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator, Get Your Guide, Tiqets, City Sightseeing, Sesame, Sightseeing Pass, Contiki, Riviera Travel, CityPass: the best activities in town!
Shopping
Excellent high-end shops in Cap Cana offer designer beach gear, books, music, art, and locally produced Dominican goods like rum and cigars. The Dominican Republic’s only gemstone, larimar, may be purchased at the Cap Cana Marina. Plaza Uvero Alto: vibrant booths brimming with handicrafts, ceramics, paintings from the area, exquisitely crafted larimar jewelry, and other locally produced trinkets and mementos. Located in the center of Bávaro-Punta Cana is the contemporary shopping center Downtown Mall Punta Cana. Situated about 2 miles from Punta Cana International Airport, Blue center Punta Cana is a posh shopping center. Near Punta Cana’s downtown, the San Juan Shopping Centre is an excellent place to get a large variety of goods. More than 60 establishments are present, including a pharmacy, grocery store, and designer
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Sambil In the Colonial Zone of the city sits Santo Domingo, a contemporary retail center. The complex, which opened in 2012, is home to over 350 distinct stores and boutiques including well-known brands like Aldo and Victoria’s Secret. Retailers such as Armani Exchange, Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera, Cartier, Longchamp, and numerous other well-known international brands are included in BlueMall. The largest movie theater in the Caribbean is located at Downtown mall, a contemporary three-story retail mall. With more than 180 stores, Agora Mall features well-known global labels like Brooksfield, Guess, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland, Zara, and more. The biggest market in Santo Domingo is Mercado Modelo. Take in the distinctive Chinese-Caribbean atmosphere at Avenida Duarte Chinatown Street Market. Cuban cigars, spiced alcoholic beverages, jewelry, vibrant carnival masks, and distinctive
Getting Around
Over much of the country, the bus companies in the Dominican Republic offer a good, affordable service. The two main bus hubs are Santo Domingo and Santiago, and some companies only operate shuttle services between the two. Generally, you purchase your ticket on the day of departure; however, Caribe Tours permits online reservations as long as they are confirmed two hours in advance of departure. Every Dominican bus has restrooms at the rear, and on excursions longer than two hours, a break will be made at a service station or wayside eatery.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
The two lines that Metro Santo Domingo runs are primarily utilized by locals going to and from work. However, there are a few stops that are close to attractions. For about US$40 per day, numerous local businesses also hire out motorcycles. But be advised, especially in resort areas, motorbike theft is very widespread. As such, you will need to keep your motorcycle locked up while not in use.
Book your transport!
- when it comes to buses, Busbud is the best choice.
- when I want to travel by train, I choose Omio.
Rent a car!
Here you can find the best offers to rent the right car for you, as well as parking right in the airport: esky, Explorer, Centauro and intui.travel.
Getting Here
The Dominican Republic has numerous airline options from North America and Europe, and it is well-connected to the outside world. Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana are the main airports for international travel, with minor airports located in Santiago and Samaná. Most major US and Canadian cities have flights to the Dominican Republic (some west coast connections need an overnight stay in Miami or New York), but the most affordable and regular flights go from the “gateway” cities of Miami, New York, Montréal, and Toronto.
Photo Source : OanaAlexandra on canva.com
Traveling to the Caribbean from Australia or New Zealand is not a cheap option. You will need to first fly to the US or Europe as there are no direct flights to the Dominican Republic. Whichever way you go, it’s a long day of work. Your best options for affordable flights to the Dominican Republic are Delta and JetBlue, as they have the most flights (particularly on the well-traveled JFK to Santo Domingo route). The Dominican Republic is served by the following airlines: Iberia, TIU Airways, Condor, Air Europa, Air France, British Airways, SWISS, and Eurowings.
Book tour Flights!
If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the cheapest flights to a wonderful destination!
Book your Cruise!
Here you can find the best offers for luxury cruises, or cheap cruise offers. We went on a cruise in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman and we can only recommend this unforgettable experience, not just here, but around the world!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover the costs and losses associated with traveling. It serves as a safeguard for travelers in case of unexpected events. Here are the main types and key components of travel insurance: Trip Cancellation,Medical Insurance,Baggage Insurance, Travel Delay Insurance, Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance, Accidental Death , Rental Car Insurance:
Order your Luggage!
Choosing the right travel luggage can make your journey more comfortable and hassle-free. Here are the best offers to help you select the best travel luggage for your needs:
If you want to create your own WordPress blog, Elementor is the best website builder! Enjoy your cupon today :
