Punta Cana is a town and tourist region at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. The region, covering about 420,000 m2 (4,500,000 ft²), is home to a coastline of sandy white beaches. It is a popular spring break destination.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
In the province of La Altagracia with a population estimated at 100,000, the region borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east. To the north, it borders Bávaro and El Cortecito. It also borders Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engaño and further west, Juanillo. Peak season in Punta Cana tends to run from December-April. Prices in both airfare and hotel increase dramatically during these times, while dropping in the summer and early fall months. 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.
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 travelling with a tour operator it is highly recommended that you attend any welcome meetings and orientations offered by your tour operator.
1 Altos de Chavon. A modern-day artist's village resembling a 16th century Mediterranean town. It is set upon a spectacular hillside cliff overlooking the winding Chavon River. It is home to a 5,000 seat amphitheatre, an archaeological museum, craft workshops, artist's studios and an assortment of galleries and restaurants. 2 Juanillo. One of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Until a few years ago it was a very small village of fishermen a few miles from the Punta Cana Airport. The entire village was purchased as part of a very large project called Cap Cana.
1 Corales Golf Course, golfcorales@puntacana.com. Designed by Tom Fazio, Corales is an 18-hole course with six seaside holes. Designed along the natural cliffs, bays, ocean coves and the inland lakes and coralina quarries. Members and their guests are welcome; additional access available to guests of Tortuga Bay and The Puntacana Hotel through the resort’s "Golf Experience" plans, or those who wish to play à la carte. The à la carte golf rates for the Resort’s guest are USD275 in season and USD195 during the off season. Subject to availability, the Corales Golf Club accepts a limited number of external guest players.
1 Capitan Cook (Cortecito), ☏ +1 809 552-0645. If seafood is your favourite, try what locals have declared the best lobster in town. With a huge open grill and enormous platters, it is hard for seafood lovers not to enjoy this beach-side restaurant. It is on the main beach strip. Captain Cook has an unusual atmosphere, and some may find the peculiar manner of service and ordering your meal intimidating or offensive. 2 Las Leñas II (Plaza Friusa), ☏ +1 809 552-6776. Spanish-style coffee shop and bakery with Wi-Fi. Comfortable seating, urban clientèle, and great food along with the rustic decoration give this place a welcoming character.
Drinking from the tap is not recommended. You should be okay using it to brush your teeth, but don't swallow it. Most hotels provide bottled water in the rooms; restaurants and bars use purified water and ice for your food and beverages. All-inclusive resorts have an endless supply of liquor. You may also drink at neighboring resorts within your own property, but you may have to pay or let them know your room number and resort name at the very least. With the sun constantly beating down on you (much stronger since it is right next to the Tropic of Cancer) and the endless supply of alcohol, dehydration is a constant danger.
Be careful when trying to get an Uber from one of the resorts in Punta Cana. Taxi mafias will follow you and harass you, and they will also call the Tourist Police to make a trouble with your Uber driver should he be brave enough to come and pick you up.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Punta Cana typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 25 rainy days.
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