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 Punta Cana is located in the easternmost region of the Dominican Republic. The name of the stunning resort originates from cane palms common in the area. Punta Cana has been popular as a holiday resort destination among tourists for decades, and no wonder: travelers can enjoy white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and crystal clear waters washing over the 32 km long coastline of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Punta Cana tropical resorts, aerial view Vlad G/Shutterstock.com

The City

Whether you’re looking for a second honeymoon, a family vacation or just some fun in the sun, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic has everything to become your perfect getaway. As the heart of tourism in the DR, Punta Cana is a place where one is never too far from white sand beaches and something to do or see.

Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean’s premiere golf retreats, featuring dozens of courses, some of which were designed by the world’s most renowned PGA pros. After 18 holes, find refuge in one of Punta Cana’s many casinos for a beverage and a hand of cards.

Families will love natural attractions bursting with distilled beauty of the Caribbean. Head South to explore Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park or the natural spring Hoyo Azul. With all of the great sights and spots near your resort, it can be easy to miss out on everything the Dominican Republic has to offer. Take some time to get lost in the culture and enjoy hand-rolled cigars, flavorful rum, and locally grown coffee.

La Romana view from Altos de Chavon mikolajn/Shutterstock.com

La Romana

La Romana is home to the impressive Casa de Campo resort, which happens to also contain one of the settlement's primary tourist attractions – a model village designed to imitate those of 16th-century Europe, containing a colossal amphitheater, archaeology museum, and offering some of the best views over the iconic Rio Chavon valley. Beaches, active pursuits on land and water, and the region's most diverse array of dining establishments are some of La Romana's major draws. Catalina Island (just off the coast) makes for an excellent half-day trip.

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Altos de Chavon

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Rio Chavon

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Cueva de las Maravillas National Park

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Minitas Beach

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Shish Kabab

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Dom Ham

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Restaurant Lucas

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Panaderia Trigo de Oro

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Onno's Bar

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Multiplaza

Punta Cana in Dominican Republic : beaches and jungle Cedric Weber/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

Although the main attraction of Punta Cana is its luxurious beaches and world-renowned golf courses, this tropical paradise offers plenty of activities and sights on land and at sea. The caressing sun will allow you to spend some idle days of pure sunbathing, whereas the most adventurous can look for an adrenaline-boost on a zip-line or by doing thrilling water-sports .

Discover unspoiled nature and mingle with the locals, sample some flavored rum, experience the mild light of the sun rising, dance intensively and behold at the spectacle of this Caribbean gem.

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Scape Park

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Ocean Spa - Dr. Fish

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Flintstones Buggy Adventure

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Outback Adventures - Outback Safari

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Monkey Land by Runners Adventures

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El Tour Caribe

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Bávaro Beach

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Macao Surf Camp

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HorsePlay Punta Cana

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Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

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Isla Catalina

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Punta Blanca Golf Club

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Punta Cana Fishing

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Playa Juanillo

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Dolphin Island Park

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Manatí Park Bavaro

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Jesus Maestro Parish

Party table on caribbean beach Maciej Czekajewski/Shutterstock.com

Dining

Punta Cana is home to some of the best Caribbean and international cuisine in the world. Celebrity chefs and local staples make eating in Bávaro and Punta Cana a dreamy breeze. Indulge on seafood specialties at the seafront, or sample some Mediterranean cuisine in the hectic downtown.

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Wacamole

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Little John

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Passion by Martin Berasategui

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The Jellyfish Restaurant

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Blue Marlin

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Playa Blanca Restaurant

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La Yola

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Bamboo at Tortuga Bay

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Hard Rock Cafe Punta Cana

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Agave

Beautiful woman is resting well in the resort Ruslan Guzov/Shutterstock.com

Cafes

Search the downtown and areas surrounding shopping havens to discover some unique diners and dives. Many cafes function as regular restaurants as well, serving aromatic coffee and delicious nibbles - the close proximity to the sea and the Caribbean backdrop will give you the chance to have an extraordinary breakfast experience.

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Las Leñas

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Kat's Corner

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JOY Nutritional Popsicle

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Huracán Café

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Brot Bagel Shop

Beach night party DisobeyArt/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

Punta Cana livens up the hot Caribbean nights with its wealth of bars and clubs. The "fiesta" atmosphere shrouds the easternmost point of the Dominican Republic all year round, where the party stops when the sun rises and the pungent scent of rum and cigars pervades the air.

Soak up the sun by day and soak up the fun by night, Punta Cana is a one-of-a-kind experience.

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Imagine Punta Cana

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Hard Rock Casino

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Drink Point

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Mangu Disco

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ORO Nightclub

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Pacha (RIU Resort Disco)

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Areito Disco

Traditional souvenirs in a tourists shop in Dominican Republic Maciej Czekajewski/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Shopping in Punta Cana is as simple as not leaving your resort so sometimes there is even no need to hit the street. You’re likely to find some great deals within walking distance and, although international brand shops are not that frequent, it won't be that much of a challenge to come across souvenir shops, local crafts, rum or cigar shops.

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Palma Real Shopping Village

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Plaza Bávaro

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Don Lucas Cigars

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Galerias at Puntacana Village

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ChocoMuseo Punta Cana

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Plaza Uvero Alto

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Harrison’s Fine Caribbean Jewelers

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La Perla Dominicana

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Museo del Artesano

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San Juan Shopping Center

Tourist Information

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is located in the heart of Punta Cana, only a short shuttle ride from your final destination. Taxis and buses are available at the airport and many resorts supply their guests with personal or group shuttle services.

Address: Aeropuerto Internacional Punta Cana, Carretera Higüey, Punta Cana

Email: customerservice@puntacana.com

Phone: +1 809 959 2376

Website: www.puntacanainternationalairport.com

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Passport / Visa

The Dominican Republic allows nationals from eight countries to enter without a visa or a tourist entry tax (previously known as a tourist card, amounting to US$10). These eight countries are Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Israel, Japan, Peru, South Korea and Uruguay.

Residents of the United Kingdom and those holding a valid visa to enter Canada, the United States or any European Union country do not require a tourist visa (tourist card) to enter the Dominican Republic. The tourist entry tax of US$10 should be included in the price of the flight ticket. Nationals who aren't in possession of a valid visa for Canada, the United States or any European Union country must obtain a tourist visa which must be done in person at the Dominican Consulate nearest to their place of residence.

Nationals from 95 countries can enter the Dominican Republic by paying the tourism entry tax of US$10 which should be already included in the air fare. Alternatively, the tourist card can be obtained at the airport upon arrival at Punta Cana International Airport. Check out the list of the 95 countries.

The tourist cards are valid for 30 days from the date of entry. You can apply for a tourist card at a consulate near you, online (www.dgii.gov.do/Paginas/inicio.aspx) or at the airport upon arrival.

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Best Time to Visit

There are two distinct tourist high seasons in the Dominican Republic: the summer months of July and August, mostly for northern-hemisphere travelers, and winter season between December and late February, when the Dominican climate is at its best. But since the weather is warm all year round, trips can be organized at any time of the year.

During the summer, temperatures fluctuate from 25 °C to 28 °C and the weather is very hot and humid. The best time to visit the Dominican Republic is therefore during the dry season, from November to April, since the climate is drier but still warm.

Regarding water temperature, it rarely falls below 27 °C.

The Dominican Republic is also in the center of the Caribbean hurricane belt and can be hit by storms especially during the hurricane season in August and September.

If you are planning a trip to the Dominican Republic during the high summer season, and especially if you're heading to Punta Cana, expect higher hotel and resort prices and crowded beaches.

Whale-watching runs from around mid-January to mid-March.

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Time Zone

Punta Cana is located in the Atlantic Standard time zone, and all times are reflected in Atlantic time.

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Public Transport

The public bus system covers both Punta Cana and Bavaro and is low cost, but navigating it can get tricky. Bus stops are not clearly marked and you can hail a minibus (Guacas) anywhere, that's why it is recommended to tell the driver in advance where you want to get off.

Tickets can be purchased on board.

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Taxi

Taxis and shuttles are commonplace and can be found almost everywhere you want to travel to. Don’t forget that many attractions will provide free transit if you call ahead or get your resort’s travel desk to book for you.

Taxi services in Punta Cana are safe and common, but make sure to set a price before taking a ride. You can book a taxi at hubs at the airport and at most resorts, shopping venues, and attractions. They have fixed rates, which are displayed on a white board in the outer arrival's hall.

Address: Taxi Bavaro Punta Cana, Avenida España, Punta Cana

Email: info@taxibavaropuntacana.com.do

Phone: +1 809 552 0617

Website: www.taxibavaropuntacana.com.do

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Post

A post office is located at Punta Cana Airport, selling postcards and stamps. Dominica Republic's postal service is not renowned for its efficiency, and post can take a few months to reach its destination.

Address: Punta Cana International Airport, Punta Cana

Email: customerservice@puntacana.com

Phone: +1 809 959 2376

Website: www.puntacanainternationalairport.com

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Pharmacy

Three are several pharmacies in Punta Cana.

Pharmacia Estrella: Plaza Estrella Bavaro, Avenida España, Punta Cana
+1 809 552 0344, 8am - 11pm

Pharma 360: Primer Nivel 106, Punta Cana
+1 809 455 1708, 8am - 12am

Farmacia: Plaza San Juan Shopping Center, Avenida Barceló, Punta Cana
+1 809 933 4444, 8am - 10pm

Address: Plaza Estrella Bavaro, Avenida Espana, Punta Cana

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Phone: +1 809 552 0344

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Telephone

Country codes: +1 809, +1 829, +1 849

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Electricity

120 volts, 60 Hz
American style two-pin plugs

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