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Before you go
Your trip to Punta Cana.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Punta Cana – La Altagracia Destination Punta Cana and Bávaro about 45 km from Higüey
How to get there
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Aeropuerto Internacional de Punta Cana (PUJ) Punta Cana · 5 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
Confirm before purchasing. Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is a few kilometers from the coast, with hotel transfers, taxis and ride‑share apps. From Santo Domingo, buses and cars take about two and a half hours via the highway.
How many days
Five to seven days to alternate beach time and excursions: one day for Isla Saona, a morning at Hoyo Azul in Cap Cana, another for Ojos Indígenas and an afternoon in Macao or Higüey.
When to go
From December to April it usually rains less, with a steady breeze; this is the most popular season. May and early June have good weather and fewer crowds. From June to November is hurricane season, with rain in showers, stronger from August to October.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
It’s not just for staying at the hotel and going to the beach. To get around Punta Cana, Bávaro and Cap Cana there are taxis, ride‑share apps and local buses. A car helps to explore Macao, Higüey and the south coast on your own; traffic drives on the right.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Punta Cana
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Morning
Ojos Indígenas
Start early at the Ojos Indígenas reserve, walking the trail between the freshwater lagoons; some allow swimming.
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Afternoon
Punta Cana Beach
Spend the afternoon on the beach, with the reef holding the waves and shallow, light‑green water.
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Late afternoon
Sunset at Cabeza de Toro
In the late afternoon, head to Cabeza de Toro beach, between Punta Cana and Bávaro, to watch the sky change color.
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Evening
Dinner
Dine at one of the restaurants in the Punta Cana Village shopping center, near the airport, or in Bávaro.
3 days in Punta Cana
Day 1
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Morning
Ojos Indígenas
Trail and swimming in the reserve’s lagoons.
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Afternoon
Beach
Afternoon on Punta Cana beach.
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Late afternoon
Cabeza de Toro
Walk on the sand at the end of the day.
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Evening
Punta Cana Village
Dinner near the airport.
Day 2
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Morning
Isla Saona
Full‑day excursion by catamaran or speedboat, departing from Bayahibe, beach time on Saona and a stop at the natural pool.
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Afternoon
Saona
Lunch and beach on the island.
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Late afternoon
Return
Return by road to Punta Cana.
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Evening
Rest
Quiet night at the hotel.
Day 3
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Morning
Hoyo Azul
Morning in Cap Cana, with the walk to Hoyo Azul.
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Afternoon
Juanillo Beach
Afternoon at Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana.
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Late afternoon
Cap Cana Marina
Stroll around the marina.
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Evening
Bávaro
Dinner in Bávaro or in Los Corales.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Punta Cana airport to the hotels?
For hotels in Punta Cana and Cap Cana, 10 to 20 minutes. For Bávaro, about 25 minutes; for Uvero Alto, around 45 minutes.
Does Punta Cana have a center with shops and restaurants?
There is the Punta Cana Village shopping center next to the airport, and the Bávaro area, with Los Corales and El Cortecito, where there are more shops, bars and restaurants.
What to do in Punta Cana besides the beach?
The Ojos Indígenas reserve, Hoyo Azul in Cap Cana, the Basílica de Higüey and excursions to Isla Saona and Santo Domingo.
Can you use ride‑share apps in Punta Cana?
Yes, ride‑share apps operate in the region, in addition to taxis with fixed fares by route. Some hotels only allow entry to accredited taxis.