Punta Cana

Travel Guide

Bayahibe Beach featuring general coastal views
Altos de Chavon Amphitheater showing theater scenes
Uvero Alto featuring a beach as well as a small group of people
Bayahibe Beach showing a sunset, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Punta Cana
Enjoy long stretches of white-sand beaches, all-inclusive resorts and sunshine in abundance at one of the largest tourist destinations in the Caribbean region.

Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, is renowned for its miles of white-sand beaches lined by coconut palms and aquamarine waters. The name Punta Cana is often used when referring to the region that encompasses areas such as Cabeza de Toro, Arena Gorda and Uvero Alto.

Punta Cana is primarily made up of large all-inclusive resorts that cater for families and couples. Many have their own private stretches of beach and are designed to provide guests with everything they need for their stay, including restaurants, nightclubs and sporting activities.

The main attractions of Punta Cana are, of course, the sand and the sea. The unforgettable beaches of this region are sheltered by an immense offshore reef, 18 miles (29 kilometers) in length. The shallow water makes it a good diving or snorkeling environment for beginners. Most of the all-inclusive resorts have their own dive schools and equipment shops. There are also other water activities on offer such as surfing, sailing and parasailing.

Outside the resorts, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the Dominican Republic’s other attractions. See the replica Mediterranean village built on a cliff at Altos de Chavón and explore the world’s first underwater museum at Bayahibe. Visit Higüey and its Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a large cathedral built to honor the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Take a guided tour of the jungle at the Punta Cana Ecological Reserve.  

There are a number of ways to get around Punta Cana. For the majority of visitors, who spend their time either in their resorts or at beaches nearby, the simplest way is on foot. Local buses known as ”guaguas” are the cheapest options if you plan to travel farther afield. Taxis and car rentals are also available.  

Blue skies and sunshine are fixtures for most of the year in Punta Cana. In summer the temperature is an average of 88 F (31 C).

Where to stay in Punta Cana

Bávaro

Bávaro

The stunning beaches and fantastic nightlife are just a few highlights of Bávaro. Make a stop by Bavaro Beach or Los Corales Beach while you're exploring the area.

Bávaro
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Cap Cana Marina

4/5(199 area reviews)

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Cap Cana Marina. Make a stop by top sights like Punta Cana Beach while you're exploring the area.

Cap Cana Marina
Uvero Alto showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Uvero Alto

Discover a beach and resort area at the north end of Punta Cana, featuring all-inclusive hotels along the east coast of Hispaniola. Enjoy the pristine sands and luxurious accommodations in this tropical paradise.

Uvero Alto
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Punta Cana Village

Though Punta Cana Village might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Punta Cana Beach and Corales Golf Course.

Punta Cana Village
Bavaro beach, Punta Cana

El Cortecito

El Cortecito is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Los Corales Beach or Cocotal Golf and Country Club.

El Cortecito
El Macao featuring general coastal views

El Macao

Beaches and restaurants are just a few things travelers like about El Macao. A stop by Macao Beach is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

El Macao
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive

5 out of 5
Playas de Bavaro, Higuey, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is ¥49,467 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
¥49,467
¥63,317 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (5,521 reviews)
"The Lopesan resort was beautiful! The rooms were spacious, clean and comfortable. The staff was extremely friendly and welcoming, which made the stay even better. I wish we would have been able to try more restaurants during our stay but they fill up quickly, I highly recommend as soon as you receive ..."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Hotel Riu Republica - Adults only - All Inclusive

Hotel Riu Republica - Adults only - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Playa Arena Gorda, Punta Cana
Stay at this 4-star beach property in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 9 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
7.2/10 Good! (4,731 reviews)
"Overall pretty good."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Hotel Riu Republica - Adults only - All Inclusive
Majestic Mirage Punta Cana - All inclusive

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana - All inclusive

5 out of 5
Bavaro, Playa Arena Gorda, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (5,410 reviews)
"Service was amazing. Our butler Francesca always made sure we have everything. We really didnt meed much but she would in no pushy way always ask and made sure we knew she was available. Food was great. Drinks amazing. Definitely will go back."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Majestic Mirage Punta Cana - All inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reserva Real by Harper

Reserva Real by Harper

4 out of 5
Avenida Alemania, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Cocotal Golf and Country ...
9/10 Wonderful! (104 reviews)
"Property is brand new. Great value for room we stayed in. Only issue we had was the shower got cold pretty quickly. Other than that, great place."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Reserva Real by Harper
Vacation Suites Ducassi - Rooftop Pool

Vacation Suites Ducassi - Rooftop Pool

4.5 out of 5
Playa Los Corales Calle Aruba, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Los Corales ...
6.4/10 (50 reviews)
"The bathroom was dirty and smelly....a/c not working 100%...tv not working"

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2025

Vacation Suites Ducassi - Rooftop Pool
Olas De Sol Caribe - Suites and Studios

Olas De Sol Caribe - Suites and Studios

4.5 out of 5
C. Pirata, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Los Corales Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (56 reviews)
"We enjoyed spending time both at the pool and on the beach. The DJs on the beach bar created a fun atmosphere. The bed was big and comfortable. We also loved exploring the variety of restaurants nearby."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Olas De Sol Caribe - Suites and Studios
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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