Hacienda Yuma: History & Culture Experience in Punta Cana

As a family of six, we found this interesting and fun. From tasting the chocolate and coffee, smoking freshly rolled cigars to testing the coconut oil it really was so much more than we could have asked for. Our guide Jesus was exceptional and make sure he points out the carwash. Definitely one to try when visiting DR.

I visited Punta Cana last month. The Outback Excursion was highly recommended. We weren't disappointed. Eddy & Leo were great tour guides. Eddy was VERY knowledgeable about all things, and I am not being facetious. He knew about the country, the economy and he was a great host too. We got beautiful pictures of the country, the everyday life, we were hosted by a very kind family and exposed to a variety of food, drink and animal life. We had a great day that ended at the beach.

We got to know everyone on the tour with us, we had libations all day and both agreed it was time well spent. We didn't want an adventure, we wanted an experience and that's what we got!

Angel was awesome, I grow up in DR but never have the opportunity of being in the country, getting to know how they roll the cigars, how the make the chocolate and coffee, it was just amazing, the river at the end of the day was very nice.

I would repeat it over and over and over.

Keep it up Outback!

I want to start this review by giving a massive shout out to our tour guide George. This guy loves his country so much and his passion and enthusiasm to show it off to his passengers was outstanding.
We started the day with a drive up the mountains outside Punta Cana where we made a quick pit stop at a local school. George told us about the school structure and what a typical day would be like. Next we went to a coconut farm where we learnt about how coconut oil and coco butter was made. There was an opportunity to buy some local produce here. I bought some lovely coco butter which smells amazing. Next we travelled to a traditional house where they grew coffee and chocolate. Again we learnt how these were grown and turned into what we have at the shop with the opportunity to buy some. After this we zoomed further up the mountain to look at some animals. We saw flamingos and got the opportunity to feed some iguanas. We also stopped and had a lovely lunch with fantastic views down the mountainside and across the jungle. After dinner we looked at some art being made. How cigars were made with the option to sample some and also went to look and try some local rums. Again all these were available to purchase. After this was our last stop to the river where you could hop in a rubber ring or just swim around. This was a lovely way to cool off after such a hot day. The whole day George and our driver Raymond were supplying us with drinks. On our way back to the hotel George gave us a quiz with the winners winning a bottle of rum. Overall this was a fantastic day out and I cannot recommend this trip more!

This is my first TripAdvisor review & just deserves. If you take 1 excursion while in the DR take this 1. Travelled with 2 adults 2 18yr olds & 1 9yr old. Our guide was Angel & driver Raymond. Wow whatever I write next cannot come near to the experience these gave us. Angel never stopped talking but trust me that was a good thing. Things we learned from his stories etc will stay with us forever. From moment we left our hotel to the moment we returned was incredible. Our free thermos mug was never dry. The culture, the experience we’ll never forget. Purchase as much as the local produce as you can as it goes to help local communities & schools. Every stop was worth every minute. The final stop by the lagoon was brilliant. While chilling in the abundance of hammocks Angel found me & refilled my thermos with a cool beer. All the positives are correct. Ignore the minor negatives. 18yr & 9yr olds thoroughly enjoyed it & being that age saying something. I’m glad we had Angel & Raymond I couldn’t tip them enough.

The best cultural and historical tour ever ever ever!!! I went on this experience and now I love Dominican Republic 1,000 times more now. I learned a lot about baseball, chocolate, the best coffee and Dominican food!!! Thank you Angel!!!!Tour guide...

Excellent tour. Great guides! Best people. It's very educational and fun. Try the river. It is quite refreshing

We were well looked after by George the guide and Leo the driver, really cool and friendly guys.

Really good look into life in Dominican, and lots to see and do .

I was part of a group of 5 friends on this vacation. For 3 of us, it was our first visit to Punta Cana. While the resort was beautiful, we all wanted to see more of the island, and so we chose this tour. We were so glad we did. We got to see a good part of the island, and meet some of the people who made coffee (never had it with cinnamon and LOVED it), vanilla, what real coconut milk is, sugar cane, how cigars were rolled, animals and more. And we topped it off at the most beautiful beach I have ever seen (Macau beach) for some boogie boarding. This tour was an all day affair which was broken up a bit for a great lunch. It was educational, interesting, and most of all fun! Leandro was our guide, and Vladimir,our driver. They were fantastic! It was quite obvious that they LOVE what they do. They made our trip. With their knowledge, compassion, and sense of humor it was the most enjoyable part of my vacation. I can't thank you both enough. I would definately recommend this tour to anyone visiting Punta Cana. Put on your walking shoes. Grab your camera, and a couple bucks and enjoy a wonderful day! You won't be sorry. Sandy K

We were picked up exactly on time from our hotel. The vehicle is a large truck with partly open sides so you can look out.

The guide was a ‘grandad’ called Angel. He was fantastic through out the day and his enthusiasm never stopped. He is so knowledgeable and proud of his country that it makes you think you should know more about your own country. His humour was brilliant and he kept us entertained with stories and facts all day.

The driver was called Yuma and he was first class. Whenever we stopped he helped us out of the truck. He poured our drinks and was generally very helpful.

We visited a local family run home that specialises in coconut produce. Learned loads.
We also visited a local family home that specialises in coffee and chocolate. Wow this was so good and there was so much to learn.

For lunch we stopped high in the mountains with the most spectacular scenery. The food was fantastic.

We then ended the day by the beach, took a swim and did some boogie boarding.

A brilliant day out and highly recommend. Made even more so by our guide and driver.

good experience, service and food, and the people were very nice and welcoming definitely recommend to anyone who visits Punta Cana.

Our guide Danny (aka Danny-Boy, aka Sugar Daddy for the ladies) was an amazing ambassador for the area and the culture of the people of the Dominican. My wife and I learned so much on this full day tour. They are certainly generous with the alcohol on this tour, and t was better than the stuff on the resort. Cesar (the driver and bar tender) made sure we got to each location safely, and made sure we all had a drink when we got back to the bus.
This company helps out the locals to make sure they can make a living, and the products at each location were of very good quality. We saw how they process coconuts into various products, as well as coffee, cacao, and tobacco for cigars.

If you want to know about culture, history and economy of DR this is a great tour.See how coffee, cocoa and sugar cane is processed. Hand made cigars also. Take some cash to purchase some of the local products. Angel the guide and Raymond the driver are the best.

We had Leandro and Wilson on the trip today. From the moment they collected.us from the hotel, through to the moment they dropped us back they were fantastic.

The trip itself was very informative and interesting.

1st stop was the at the coconut farm, we were informed of all the things they make and produce there. There is a chamce to purchase some of the coconut oil and other products there. Taste the tea here made from anise and other spices, it is lovely. Really did not expect to like it at all. Not sure of they sell it but wish i bought some.

We then stopped at coffee growers. Here they showed you around a typical home and kitchen. They gave you a taste of eother coffee or chocolate drink, both lovely. Then talked through the process of how the coffee and cocoa beans are processed. Its all light hearted and informative. Here again you are given the opportunity to purchase coffee and chocolate straight from the grower.

Next stop was the ranch, here you are shown around the herb garden and told about the medicinal use for a lot of herbs grown. Then around the animals, iguanas, pigs and alligator/crocodile (can't remember which). Then shown a demonstration in cigar making and the process is explained to you. Our 5 year old.found this very interesting (weird!). Again giving the chance.to purchase should you wish. There are also local craftsmen around the place showing what they do.

This is where we stayed for lunch. Food was lovely, and I'm a real fuss about what i eat.

After lunch, one last stop at the beach. This beach is beautiful. Then.back to the hotel.

Although I've mentioned lots of chances to purchase items there is no hard sell, its there if you want it. The tour guides also have a lot of merchandise you can buy from them, but again no hard sell. What is great about the merch you buy from them is that proceeds go to funding the companies donation of school uniforms to the children.

This is the last trip we do before flying home and it will certainly leave its imprint.

On the bus there is lits to drink, beer, coke, sprite, water and of course the staple rum. They even give you a free reusable cup to save on the plastic.

I highly recommend this tour!!! Tour guide "Daddy" Eddy and his driver Wilson were both wonderful. Eddy was extremely knowledgeable about the culture and history of the DP. Wilson was a considerate and careful driver. Both seemed to enjoy their jobs and were very attentive to the individual needs of the people on our tour. The trip was very interesting and the local lunch which was provided was delicious. Bring a camera, hat and bathing suit. Water and other drinks were provided. Thanks again Eddy and Wilson! And, as a teacher myself, I would like to thank Outback Adventures for their commitment and support of the local families, and especially, for their dedication as financial sponsors of the schools to help with the education of the children in the local area. Keep up the great work!

What a great experience!!

Angel and Papi were AMAZING! Angel was hilarious, informative and a spectacular tour guide!

We loved getting to see the plantations and a typical home, and getting to see how some of the products were made.

Angel and Papi kept the tour fun, informative and we really enjoyed it!

We wished the time at the beach was a little longer but it was a fantastic tour. We would do it again!

I was given the tour of the coffee factor and the coconut factory. Danny was amazing. He made our trip spectular. He has a great sense of humor. Cesar was the other half. He took us from point A and B. He keeps us hydrated and he made us laugh. Danny is the best your guide ever. I really experienced the culture of DR.

Because of Alex Jurassic and our driver (sorry, forget his name), we had a tremendous experience! We have been on many tours throughout the years, but this was definitely the most informative, fun and well-organized expedition we have ever been on. We took the full day excursion and there was never a boring minute. And, the lunch they served was fantastic!

Absolutely fantastic. The most educational and interesting tour we’ve ever done. The tour guide George was what made the entire trip. He was funny, informative, well educated about the area and very personable. Enjoyed the stops at Choppys for coffee and the stop to drop off baseball equipment.
George is truly the best asset that they have, he is what made the tour GREAT.

Nice day culture tour , bit disappointed for me , I was expecting to see how local people live , what we saw was commercialized side of it , First was where coffee was made , this was not local local , well established people. Second was coconut oil maker , yes this was right in country how locals live and make living. overall was interesting and enjoyed the trip. Driver and guide were jolly good fellows