Punta Cana International Airport
Location
The Dominican Republic lies just 1,280 kilometres (800 miles) southeast of Miami and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the Caribbean Sea to the south.
Located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a Caribbean paradise with about 35 kilometers of white and golden yellow unspoiled sandy beaches, surrounded by big coconut palms. Coast is formed of nine stunning beach areas, going from Playa Uvero Alto (about an hour drivivg north of the Punta Cana airport) to Playa Juanillo in Cap Cana, 30 minutes to the south. Average water temperature is about 23°C , and average air temperature during the year is about 25°C.
Punta Cana is the most popular tourist area on the magnificent island of La Hispaniola, which is home to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti. When visiting a country as beautiful as the Dominican Republic, it is worth while to do some exploring and see all that the area has to offer. With so much history and natural beauty, there is bound to be something for everyone.
When Christopher Columbus described Dominican Republic as the “a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys”, not much has changed until now, in terms of natural beauty in this gorgeous piece of heaven. Its natural beauty is still untouched; however, this place has also become synonymous with chic luxury, plush holidays and lavish, laidback time.
Things to do
In the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic lies an area of stunning white sand beaches, swaying palms, luxury spa resorts and character-infused boutique hotels. Punta Cana has been a traveler’s destination since the ‘70s, yet it’s only in recent years that a buzz has started to circulate about this Caribbean paradise. More and more people are starting to descend on Punta Cana to discover for themselves its striking natural beauty, friendly locals and unique charms.
With its tropical climate and crystal turquoise waters, Punta Cana is an island paradise. Beaches dot the entire coast, making it an ideal location to swim, laze by the sea, or get active with a myriad of aquatic activities. Sport fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing are just some of the many options. Take a “flying boat” ride over the waves (it’s like a cross between hang gliding and hover crafting), party on a double-decker boat or dine by the sea. Punta Cana has become one of the premier tourist destinations in the vast Caribbean ocean, thanks in part to it’s stunning beaches that face both the Caribbean and Atlantic oceans.
Punta Cana, the most popular destination in the Dominican Republic is a fantastic combination of sun, sand, beaches, Dominican culture, warm hospitality and a ravishing spirit to lift up any stressed out being. Whether its arts and culture you are interested in, or simply letting your hair down, this place will offer you varied options and much more to satiate your every desire as a tourist, a frequent visitor, an investor or a retiree.
Punta Cana is one of the country’s fastest-growing resort communities. A string of leviathan, all-inclusive resorts with countless first-class amenities appeal to package tourists, offering them the opportunity to experience the country in a safe and relaxed environment. Each inclusive resort pampers its guests with full amenities and access to up-to-date information on local attractions.
Punta Cana’s shoreline is protected by law, ensuring that no house, building or other type of structure can detract from its natural beauty. The calm, tranquil beaches with their warm tropical breezes are perfect for those who love the outdoors and adventure travel. Visitors can enjoy their favorite water sports amidst the stunning scenery. Whether it’s diving, a 4×4 motorbike excursion along the beach, swimming with dolphins or taking a walk in the jungle, Punta Cana has something for everyone.
Vacationing or living in the Bavaro area of Punta Cana is like being in the heart of all things fantastic. Those traveling back and forth are never away from international airports, and those looking for any recreational activities never run out of options. Surfing, boating, swimming, snorkeling and many more action-packed activities can be lined up here for all you beach aficionados out there. For those of you who prefer enjoying the bountiful nature, things like bird watching, hiking and even visits to the national parks can be arranged. Other interesting excursions to choose from include horseback riding, whale watching (trip from Punta Cana to Samana) and an adventurous jeep safari.
Punta Cana is a colorful carnival filled with festivities; you can hopping in the nightclubs till the wee hours of the morning, shop till you drop for artifacts, mementos and souvenirs or gamble away to see if your lucky stars are smiling at you. Whether you are a bachelor, a couple, traveling with family or simply interested in having some fun, Punta Cana is the place for you.
Punta Cana is popular with both honeymooners and families, and both groups are well catered for. For couples, five star resorts offer the best in gorgeous locations, first class amenities, fine dining and luxury spas. Step out to explore Punta Cana’s coast and you may be blessed by a stunning secluded beach for a romantic walk. Or perhaps take a trip to the beautiful Isla Saona to discover its striking white sands, or nearby Dolphin Island, where you can swim with these amazing creatures. Couples are also being lured to exchange vows in Punta Cana, with many resorts now offering all-inclusive wedding packages.
For families, hotels and resorts have a wide range of family-friendly options, with plenty of activities on hand to keep children amused and parents relaxed. Take the kids to Manati Park for a day, an amusement park and animal preserve with birds, reptiles, fish, and performances featuring parrots, dolphins and dancing horses. There are jeep and monster truck safaris to inland villages, jungles and sugar cane plantations. Or you can set sail on a catamaran to cruise past the white, sandy beaches of the Bavaro coast to the Marinarium, where it’s possible to get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays.
Apart from its breathtaking beaches, Punta Cana has a 2,000-acre natural forest reserve maintained by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation and 14 kilometers of protected coral reef directly parallel to the coast. Punta Cana also has a number of unique natural features like freshwater lagoons and coastal mangroves that make it a delight both for visitors and environmentalists. Punta Cana is considered the largest single destination for golf in the Caribbean and the odds are in your favor when it comes to the weather. It hardly ever rains here and when it does, it’s likely just after dusk. Tee up on a Jack Nicklaus course in Cap Cana or a Tom Fazio design in Los Corales and be awed by the beauty of the ocean vistas during your round.
For the most part, Punta Cana has a European ambiance as can be seen in its European style hotels. Punts Cana is hardly a town; it is more of a resort area. The cheap prices of land have attracted many a hotel owner to set up hotels and resorts with extensive facilities for swimming, water sports and golf. Most resorts have their own golf courses, each of them well maintained and situated in stunning locales, making them second to none. Add to the mix an eclectic range of local and resort restaurants, cultural shows, bars and nightclubs, and it’s easy to see why Punta Cana is the destination to watch. Or even better, experience for yourself.
Surrounding places of interest
When visiting a country as beautiful as the Dominican Republic, it is worth while to do some exploring and see all that the area has to offer. With so much history and natural beauty, there is bound to be something for everyone.
some of the culturally significant sites. The location with the most famous name attached to it is the town of San Rafael del Yuma. It is home to the original fortress of Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon. It is one of the most inaccessible areas in the region, so plan carefully before embarking on an excursion there.
Boca de Yuma, which is also nearby, is a 16th century fishing village that survives to this day. One can find it to the west of the opening of the Rio Yuma river (on the Caribbean side). The name, Yuma, finds its roots in the language one of the first peoples to inhabit this area of the Dominican Republic, the Taino. The weather in Boca de Yuma is very mild, which adds to the peaceful nature of this small town. If you enjoy fishing, then Boca de Yuma is a must-visit spot.
Del Este National Park is located close to Boca de Yuma. Size of this park is over 310 square kilometers and is one of the largest in the Dominican Republic. Flora and fauna are amazing, if you visit it be sure to check the Taino settlements (Taino are the first inhabitants of the Dominican Republic), explore cave Cueva de Chicho, enjoy view on River Chavon, and if you have time visit Bayahibe, just 15 minutes from the park.
Saona Island, Catalinita and Catalina Island are usually full day excursions, catamarans are going to and from the islands; there you can visit a traditional fishing villages, enjoy on the private beaches, snorkeling and other water sports are part of the fun.
All along the coast are a variety of exciting destinations. The famous Altos de Chavon artists’ colony is the best known. Here tourists can explore carefully recreated colonial-age buildings fronting fine restaurants, atmospheric bars and a world-class museum. Of course, as a resort community Punta Cana also sports a full range of facilities including several casinos and golf courses.
The capital of the province of La Altagracia, is the 500 year old town known as, Salvaleon de Higuey (more commonly known as Higuey), 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Punta Cana, and takes about an hour to get there with a car or bus. Higuey is a town in constant progress, its current population is about 150,000 people and it continues to have one of the fastest growing economies in the Dominican Republic.
Veron is the largest town in the province; named after a French businessman who ran a large lumber mill there in the 1930s. It also provides the majority of the residences for those working nearby in the ever burgeoning tourist industry.
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