Short stay in Punta Cana: 1-day itinerary
If you’re short on time in Punta Cana, your best option is to stay close to the downtown area and explore the must-see lagoons, tropical rainforests and best beaches around. Make the most out of your day in Punta Cana with our guide!
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve
Start your day south of Punta Cana at this private protected ecological reserve that is home to twelve incredible freshwater lagoons. This area is famous for its natural attractions, diverse flora and fauna, as well as lush rainforests. You’ll be taken aback by this piece of tropical paradise. In five of the crystal-clear natural pools you are welcome to swim in. The aboriginal Indians of the island used to refer to these lagoons as ‘ojos’ because of their distinctive shape.
Hoyo Azul
Once you’re in the area, stop by Hoyo Azul, a crystal-clear turquoise pool fed by natural springs. Be prepared for a sight that is out of this world. The water is so blue it’s unreal and the limestone cliffs will make your pictures even more dramatic. It is located in Scape Park in a tropical rainforest in the Cap Cana area, featuring ziplines and an orchid garden, as well.
Bavaro Beach
As you make your way back to the Punta Cana area, you can’t miss the most famous beach of Punta Cana: Bavaro Beach. It was also named as one of the ten best beaches in the world. This 32 kms long beach strip with its powdery white sand, majestic mangrove and coconut trees and crystal-clear turquoise water will seem unreal. Chill out at the beach and let yourself be entertained by the countless all-inclusive resorts, hotels, watersports, bars and amenities.
ChocoMuseo
The ChocoMuseo offers the sweetest chocolate tour in Punta Cana. If you stroll around the center, you can’t miss this funky little shop where you can learn about the history of cocoa and chocolate production in an interactive way from harvesting the cocoa beans to transforming them into chocolate. And the best part is that it’s completely free. Make sure to stop by and sample some of the Dominican chocolate.
Macao Beach
If you still have time left, make your way north to Macao Beach that’s about 25 minutes away from downtown Punta Cana. This gorgeous beach is famous for great surfing, but it’s an ideal beach for swimming as well. No wonder it’s so popular with both tourists and locals. UNESCO also cited Macao as one of the best beaches in the world. You can’t miss out on that, can you? Enjoy a delicious dinner in a restaurant on top of the cliff for a stunning view.
Bavaro Runners 1-day complete sightseeing safari around Punta Cana
If you’d rather let us take care of the organization, take a look at this one-day complete guided excursion around Punta Cana, including a visit to the lush Anamuya Mountains, horseback riding through a sugarcane plantation, learning how to roll the perfect cigar from a tobacco master and enjoying a traditional Dominican lunch at a mountain top with stunning vista. Chill out at Macao Beach at the rest of day and try the world-famous waves for yourself.