Located in the province of La Altagracia and population estimated at 100,000, the region borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east. To the north, it borders Bávaro and El Cortecito beaches. It also limits with Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engaño and further west with Juanillo.
Despite the area being fairly deserted, the proximity of Punta Cana to other major resort areas such as Bávaro and Uvero Alto make the town one of the top Caribbean destinations.
Peak Season: Peak season in Punta Cana tends to run from December to April. Prices in both airfare and hotel increase dramatically during these times, while dropping in the summer and early fall months.
Understand
The resorts are low-rise and beautiful. The grounds are lush and tropical with foliage, lagoons and palm trees along with peacocks, flamencos, ducks, parrots and other wildlife that stroll the resorts’ grounds. The majority of the resorts are very large and spread out – like small cities. This means lot of walking. Some resorts have golf carts and trams to accommodate guests’ needs. Punta Cana has so many great resorts that will meet every expectation: golf, scuba, fishing, windsailing, yachting, fine dining, relaxation, spas, children's programs and more. The sales staff is knowledgeable and available to consult and recommend the perfect resort to meet your expectations.
Climate
Punta Cana has a tropical climate. Although it is mildly windy, the ocean in the area is mainly shallow, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe. The weather is fairly constant, with an average temperature of 26°C. The hottest season lasts from April to November, and during the day temperatures might reach 32°C. From December to March, temperatures during the evening are around 20°C. Very little rain falls around the area, mostly because of the flat landscape. The summer months tend to be very warm and very humid. It is suggested to wear loose fitting, cotton clothing – so pack light.
Language
Get in
By plane
American Airlines is a popular carrier that schedules flights from many US cities to Punta Cana International Airport. Other major carriers from the United States include Spirit Airlines, USA 3000, Continental, US Airways and Delta. Air Canada also offers flights to Toronto].
Most people going to Punta Cana are staying at a resort. With a resort package most hotels will have airport pick up arranged for you at the Punta Cana Airport. Just look for your hotel name on a sign that many guides will have, and they will direct you to your bus.
In fact, Punta Cana has one of the busiest and best connected airports in the region, sometimes receiving more flights than the Aeropuerto Internacional de Las Américas, located in Santo Domingo (at about a three-hour drive).
The Punta Cana Airport has a beautiful thatched roof and is an open-air design. Upon arriving at the Punta Cana airport, each passenger is required to purchase a $10.00 tourist card before entering customs. After retrieving luggage and clearing customs, arriving passengers will be greeted by their tour company representative and directed to board the correct bus for transfer to their resort.
The department of migration is now photographing all United States citizens who enter the Dominican Republic with birth certificates and photo ids. This will not affect United States passengers who travel using their passports. This plan has been adopted to reduce the number of illegal aliens who use these documents to later gain illegal entry to the United States. The computerized systems are in place at each of the international air and maritime ports.
By boat
Get around
Tour Operators: Most passengers arriving in Punta Cana International Airport have prearranged local transportation through a tour operator. These companies have representatives at the airport to guide guests to vehicles waiting to take them to the reserved resort. If you are traveling with a tour operator it is highly recommended that you attend any welcome meetings and orientations offered by your tour operator. In these meetings you'll receive important information regarding your hotel and immediate area information, activity and excursion options, and departure information.
Taxis: If you are not traveling with a tour operator, a number of taxi drivers are available just outside the Customs area to provide you transportation to the place of your choice. All taxis operate with standard rates; most drivers carry a copy of these. The best thing to do when hiring a taxi is to clarify your destination and the price in advance. You pay upon arrival at your destination. Most hotels have taxi stations on or near their property; in most cases a bellman or front desk clerk can order a taxi for you. Taxi drivers accept dollars, pesos and euros.
Local Buses: For the more adventurous, the local bus lines operate on most of the roads of the area, for a minimal cost. The downside to public transportation in the Dominican Republic is irregular bus schedules, crowded vehicles, and potentially unsafe vehicles, drivers or passengers. Although for the most part it is a safe and effective means of transportation, it is generally recommended to use one of the more frequented means of getting around.
Rent-a-Car: A number of car rental agencies like Europcar, Budget and Avis offer service in the area of Punta Cana and Bavaro. Many hotels have car rental concessionaries on their properties. Keep in mind that their driving laws, habits and conditions may be different from the ones you are used to. When renting a vehicle always take the maximum available insurance, keep a map of the area you intend to drive in, and make sure you are comfortable with the drive.
See
Do
Buy
Currency
The local currency is the Dominican Peso. Its value fluctuates between 30-35 pesos per US dollar and 36-41 pesos per Euro. Although any currency can be changed into pesos, it should be noted that in some situations it may be difficult to exchange pesos back into your original currency. We recommend exchanging only small amounts of money at a time to avoid any inconveniences. Most banks exchange Dollars, Euros, and Traveler's cheques and can process cash advances on credit and debit cards. Don't forget to bring proper identification, such as a driver's license or passport. Please note that local ATM machines disburse only pesos, contact your bank for related service fees.
If you are planning a day tour to Santo Domingo, you will find that everything is much cheaper than you would at the resort. Souvenirs, clothing, artwork, liquor, etc., will be about 1/4 to 1/3 the price at your resort.
Shopping
If you walk outside your resort to the city/area internet cafes will also be half the price.
Make sure you spend the remainder of your Dominican pesos. It is next to impossible to convert your pesos back to US dollars or euros.
There are a variety of shops that are along the beachfront of each resort. These shops are owned and operated by the locals of the Dominican Republic. The people of the Dominican Republic love to barter for the price of items. They may offer you a certain price for an item, but they expect you to work the price down. It is imperative that you get the item for as cheap as you can. Often times, the locals will offer you a price for an item that is much more expensive the actual value of the product.
When walking along the beach also realize that the people at the shops will bother you to come buy something from them. It can often times become annoying because they will keep pestering you until you come and look at what they have to offer. Realize though that all you need to do is tell them that you are not interested and keep walking. The people of the Dominican Republic are very friendly and become offended when you walk right past them without at least acknowledging their presence. A simple "no thank you" will do fine and you can go on with your business.
Note: Don't buy dried animals (turtle shells, sea shells...etc) because A.) It is illegal, so you will not be allowed to bring them through customs, and may get arrested trying; and B.) It encourages the locals to kill these beautiful creatures. Reef life should stay in the sea, so help to preserve these endangered animals by buying other types of souvenirs.
Eat
The all-inclusive resorts offer all kinds of great food. Make sure that you speak with your representative to book your preferred restaurant for dinner in advance. Many all-inclusive resorts have various types of restaurants. Make sure you take advantage of all their cuisines by reserving a date and time.
Keep in mind that the standards even at the five-star resorts are not the same standards as North America or Europe. Try to eat peeled fruits and vegetables. Stay away from food that may have been sitting for a long time.
There are also a variety of restaurants located around Punta Cana that the locals visit quite often.
(809) 552-0645
If seafood is your favorite, try what locals have declared the best lobster in town. With a huge open grill and enormous platters, it is hard for sea food lovers not to enjoy this beach-side restaurant. It is located right on the main beach strip.
(809) 309-0500
This comfortable setting offers American-style food and music with an upbeat atmosphere. The lounge area is ultra chick with big screens keeping up with the latest in sports and the terrace has big tables for big groups. It is walking distance from the two main clubs and the largest casino in town.
(809) 959-2262
Whether it is a special dinner for two or a business meeting, the formal setting and superb cuisine are tailored to satisfy the palate and style of the most demanding international connoisseurs. Set in the Punta Cana Resort Marina, the restaurant stretches out over the water, providing patrons with a truly unique view. Make sure to reserve your place well in advance.
(809) 552-6776
Spanish style coffee shop and bakery with wireless internet access. Comfortable seating, urban clientele, and great food along with the rustic decoration give this place a welcoming character. The bakery provides hotels in the area with the choicest deserts and is the best place to have breakfast in Punta Cana.
Drink
Beer
Presidente is the most popular national brand of beer, and it is readily available anywhere. For other national brands, like Bohemia and Quisqueya, you may only find them outside the resorts.
Rum
They also specialize in many different types of rum:
Coffee
Though in most Latin and Central American countries coffee is produced primarily for export, most of the coffee grown in the Dominican Republic is savored within its borders. And Dominicans, like Europeans, enjoy their coffee strong and black. One useful phrase for tourists to learn when ordering coffee is "sin azucar" (no sugar) for the simple reason that the locals measure by tablespoon rather than teaspoon.
Sleep
First-class all-inclusive resort located in Playa Bavaro. Hotel has main restaurant and six specialty restaurants available. Along with nightly entertainment, they have their own entertainment village located at the entrance to the resort.
A part of a spectacular 1921 room all inclusive resort, just 20 km from Punta Cana International Airport and 190 km from Las Americas International Airport. This hotel has 600 rooms. They are located on Bavaro Beach, with fine white sands stretching for 12 km, in the middle of shady coconut groves, with a coral reef that keeps the waters warm, calm and inviting. We are an All Inclusive Resort, offering outstanding accommodations, around the clock activities, and superb meals and beverages.
Located to the east of the Caribbean coast of Punta Cana on the beach front protected by the coral reef and surrounded by a large tropical garden. It is close to the Fishing Yacht Club, 7 minutes from the golf courses and just 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. The hotel has 460 rooms, the majority with sea views, others with direct access to the pool. They are all equipped with King or Queen size beds, terrace or balcony, air conditioning, satellite TV, direct-dial telephone, minibar, coffee maker, safety deposit box... in short all the fittings appropriate for an establishment in this category.
Sunscape The Beach Punta Cana puts the accent on family fun with first class accommodations and exciting activities in spectacular locations. Enjoy sunny beaches, shady palm groves, wild water sports, awesome entertainment, clubs and activities for kids of all ages, and spectacular dining… and best of all, no worries, no reservations, no wristbands!
Guests discover unprecedented all inclusive freedom at this resort that is built along 1 mile of endless white sandy beach surrounded by thousands of palm trees. Experience the most generous a la carte diner from a wide selection of menus and variety of 7 a la carte restaurants and 9 friendly bars serving premium international brand beverage. The resort offers a full service, world class Spa, a seaside wedding gazebo and state of the art meeting facilities. A huge meandering swimming pool features bridges, waterfall and swim up palapa bars.
This beautiful beachfront hotel is located within the Riu Resorts Complex in Punta Cana. This Colonial-Styled Luxury Hotel nestles the middle of a Shady Palm Grove right on White Sand Beach. It is mandatory that at least one person over the age of 21 years or over is present in every room during spring break Seasons either February - March or April or during student group stays year round. The remainder of the year at least one person over the age of 18 years or over must be present in every room.
Get out
Departure Information and Tips
Customs
U.S Customs
Canada Customs
Europe Customs
Beligum, Germany, Netherlands, Spain
France
Emergency
Police
Medical Services
(809) 552-1506
Near Plaza Bavaro and the local bus terminal
It features a multilingual staff and in-house pharmacy.
Open until 9pm for visitors and 24/7 for emergencies
(809) 686-1414
Situated near the airport, Hospiten's multilingual staff and fully equipped facility is available 24/7 for emergencies
Pharmacy
(809) 959-0025
Hours: 9am-10pm
This pharmacy is located near the airport and is the main pharmacy of the area of Punta Cana.
(809) 552-1533
Hours: 8am-12pm
This pharmacy near Plaza Bavaro offers delivery to many of the local hotels in the area.
Punta Cana is the name of a region in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Covering about 420,000 m3 (approximately 1,100 acres), the region is home to a coastline of sandy white beaches and to a town of the same name.
Located in the province of La Altagracia and population estimated at 100,023, the region borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east. To the north, it borders Bávaro and El Cortecito beaches. It also limits with Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engaño and further west with Juanillo. Although it is mildly windy, the ocean in the area is mainly shallows, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe. The weather is fairly constant, with an average temperature of 26°C. The hottest season lasts from April to November, and during the day temperatures might reach 32°C. From December to March, temperatures during the evening are around 20°C. Very little rain falls around the area, mostly because of the flat landscape.
Despite the area being fairly deserted, the proximity of Punta Cana to other major resort areas such as Bávaro, Riu, and Uvero Alto make the town one of the top Caribbean destinations. In fact, Punta Cana has one of the busiest and best connected airports in the region, sometimes receiving more flights than the Aeropuerto Internacional de Las Américas, located in Santo Domingo (at about a three-hour drive).
Punta Cana is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic. Several professional golf courses have been built in the region. The Punta Cana Groupis the most renowned of the projects in the region, in which celebrities such as Oscar de La Renta and Julio Iglesias have residences.
The nightlife inside the resorts is very lively. Outside of the hotels, several small plazas and discotheques allow tourists to interact with local residents. Other tourist attractions have also been installed in the area, among them Manatà Park (a waterpark), Plaza Bolera Punta Cana (a bowling center), a Marina, and the Palma Real Shopping Center in Bávaro; the latter still in construction. A list of Punta Cana hotels and ratings can be seen at Punta Cana Trip Advisor. Saona Island in Punta Cana is popular for scuba diving.
The entire Bávaro-Punta Cana region entered a fast-paced growth phase in early 2004. With the establishment and initiation of foreign investment projects such as CapCana and RocoKi, the development of new marinas, resorts, and housing complexes have sprouted everywhere in the area. With 37,000 rooms counted in 2005, it is expected that the region duplicates its capacity in the upcoming years.
Trivia
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