La Altagracia

The province

Get to know La Altagracia

La Altagracia is the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic, bordered by the Atlantic to the northeast and the Caribbean Sea to the south. It is a limestone plain covered with dry forest, sugarcane fields and pastures, with a coastline of tens of kilometers of white sand and coconut palms. In recent decades this coast has become one of the largest tourist hubs in the Caribbean, and most foreign visitors to the country arrive here.

The guide lists the Punta Cana and Bávaro destination in the province, including the towns of Punta Cana, Bávaro, Cap Cana, Uvero Alto and Higüey. Bávaro hosts most of the hotels and the most famous beach; Cap Cana has the marina, Juanillo beach and the Hoyo Azul, a natural pool at the base of a cliff; to the north, Playa de Macao and Uvero Alto face open sea and waves. Near the airport, the Ojos Indígenas reserve preserves freshwater lagoons in the middle of the forest.

Higüey, the capital, is the religious heart of the country. The Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, built of concrete with an arch about 80 meters wide, houses the image of the Dominican patroness and receives pilgrims from across the country, especially on January 21. Further south, the fishing village of Boca de Yuma and Ponce de León’s house in San Rafael del Yuma recall the early colonial period.

Isla Saona, the country’s largest island, also belongs to the province and is part of Cotubanamá National Park. Boats depart from Bayahibe, on the border with La Romana, and the guide treats the island, including the village of Mano Juan, within the La Romana and Bayahibe destination.