Travel Guide Punta Cana
Punta Cana is 32 kilometers of beaches bathed in turquoise water and 50 hotel complexes, more luxurious than popular. The ideal spot for a vacation with your toes spread out on a deckchair. Punta Cana is a very touristy town located at the eastern end of the Dominican Republic, at the crossroads of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The region of Bavaro combined with that of Punta Cana constitute the Costa del Coco, the well-named coast of the coconut trees, bordered of luxurious hotels all inclusive. It is a popular destination for windsurfing and sailing, but also for diving or kayaking. For its discotheques too. Generally one reserves in Punta Cana, whether one comes in organized trip or alone, of the formulas all inclusive. Few public beaches, each hotel having its own and the hotels being side by side... However, there are some nice alternatives to the beach and the discotheques: the shopping center, the visit of the Marinarium dedicated to the richness of the sea bed, the visit of the natural ecological reserve Ojos Indinegas and excursions to discover the different natural environments of the region.
What to visit Punta Cana?
When to go to Punta Cana?
You can travel all year round in the Dominican Republic. The high tourist seasons are between November and February, the Holy Week before Easter, and July and August. Two seasons are favored by tourists, from mid-December to March and from July to August, with a clear preference for the first. The Holy Week before Easter with its famous red bean dish in April is also very popular. Of course, hotel and car rental rates are accordingly high. In the low season, rates are about 20% to 25% lower. And you can negotiate! In January, go to Higüey on the 21st for the great procession in honor of the feast of the Virgin of Altagracia, spiritual mother of the Dominican people. In February, don't miss the carnival which falls on the 27th.
Weather at the moment
The climate in Punta Cana is subtropical and humid with a warm season from May to October and a cool season from November to April (21/29°C). Temperatures are very pleasant all year round with a heat peak from May to October (24/32°C). This period corresponds to the wet season during which hurricanes can occur (especially from July to September) and which follows the winter or cool season, the high tourist season.
The currency is the peso, it is easy to change money and credit cards are accepted everywhere. Contrary to popular belief, the Dominican Republic is not a cheap country and particularly Punta Cana. For a comfortable accommodation, the rates are similar to those in Europe. To get off the beaten track you will have to break your piggy bank. A tax includes tips, but it is customary to leave 10% extra.
No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss or Canadian nationals. A passport valid for more than 6 months after the date of entry is required to travel to Punta Cana. You will also need to purchase a tourist card upon entry into the Dominican Republic that authorizes a maximum stay of three months in this destination.
No vaccinations are mandatory in Punta Cana, but some are recommended: polio, typhoid, viral hepatitis A and B, rabies. Mosquitoes can carry dengue fever, malaria and West Nile fever. Water is not drinkable in the Dominican Republic. The markets and small restaurants are not subject to any strict sanitary control, so you will have to be careful with your plate. In summer, some groupers can be toxic, choose your chef carefully! Protect yourself from the sun. Otherwise, the destination does not present any particular health risks...
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Punta Cana? Our advice & tips
Most tour operators offer stays in Punta Cana all inclusive from 10 to 15 days. Good timing to really rest! These organized stays are generally of good value for money for those who want to stay in a hotel, with their feet in the water. But if you intend to visit the country, you will have to make excursions at very high prices. Find out beforehand to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationDry flights and Internet reservations of your hotel are enough to ensure you a top-notch stay. The usual precautions are recommended for people travelling alone (do not go out with large sums of money, no provocative jewellery, no taxi on the run, especially at night...). If the Dominican Republic is a generally safe country, highly tourist areas such as Punta Cana inevitably attract some ill-intentioned people...
Moving around the Dominican Republic and Punta Cana is easy. From sunrise to sunset, guaguas (minibuses or buses) travel at high frequency. Stand on the side of the road in the right direction and wave. For taxis, the prices are fixed (up to 4 people and generally round trip). You can also use motorcycle taxis. And for a long-distance excursion, take a more comfortable bus, if necessary, or a service with transport.
