The captain has not yet opened the doors of the plane that we are already eager to take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and enjoy a well-deserved rest on a merengue rhythm typical of the Dominican Republic. Punta Cana has become one of the favorite destinations of the French, and for good reason. In addition to its miles of white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, the spot enjoys an idyllic climate and impressive seabed.
Are you planning a vacation in the Dominican Republic? Discover right away the 13 must-do's during your stay!
Punta Cana, put your bags in a paradisiacal setting
Punta Cana is one of the most developed tourist centers of this part of the island which shares its territory with Haiti. All year round, the region attracts sun seekers as well as escape enthusiasts. It must be said that it has all the infrastructures, international airport at the head, to facilitate at most the arrival of the tourists. Nature does the rest. From south to north, from Cap Cana to Uvero Alto, a paradisiacal landscape is drowned in the blue of the waves. Families and friends come here to enjoy a spellbinding coastline that stretches over some 40 kilometers. Punta Cana has become an expert in the art of growing resorts. Wherever you decide to set down your luggage in Punta Cana, a few strides in the warm sand will be enough to reach your resort from the beach. The "All Inclusive" formula is the most widely used in these temples of tourism. Accommodation, refreshments and all kinds of activities are served to you on a platter. An incentive to take it easy... So you can alternate splashing in the pool and napping in the shade of the coconut trees. But the sweet idleness is only one option among many others, because Punta Cana has many other assets: its nature offers multiple activities.
Diving, jet-skiing or golf, a wide range of activities
The idyllic setting of Punta Cana makes it a spot fully oriented towards beach activities. If the tourist and cultural visits are not legion on the spot, the water sports and pleasures are present almost everywhere. The "All Inclusive" formula is an excellent pass to test a maximum of them. Outside the resorts, local operators and hawkers provide complementary excursions for those who want more. To get the most out of your stay, many operators will offer you the opportunity to fly over the beaches in a parasailing plane. Big game fishing, spas, golf and horseback riding are also on the list of activities. But the most popular activity is scuba diving. The conditions of heat and visibility are perfect to appreciate the coral reefs comfortably. What's more, their shallow depth makes them accessible to all. Once in the deep blue, the amazingly shaped coral gardens let tiny gobies swarm around them. Farther on, large schools of fish are shown in panoramic and technicolor. The cast is impressive: the green and blue parrotfish is next to the yellow and black striped butterflyfish while the red squirrelfish tries to steal the show from the almost transparent pompano. The more experienced can go to the wrecks and the thrill seekers can practice cave diving in the cenotes or chasms. If you have the means to do so, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the aquatic parks. The Marinarium, a 40,000 square meter natural aquarium, offers the chance to observe shark behavior and interact with stingrays on a glass-bottom catamaran tour. Others invite you to swim with sea lions and dolphins. You can also admire pink flamingos, crocodiles, turtles, toucans, without forgetting the cotorra verde, the small green parrot endemic to the island. North of Punta Cana, in the bay of Samanà, you can also take a boat to observe whales mating and giving birth between mid-January and mid-March.
An authentic and peaceful hinterland Santo Domingo, an exceptional colonial capital
You should also take a day trip to the small villages and sugar cane fields. This is a unique opportunity to meet the inhabitants and to exchange with them. You will be able to get a close look at the daily life and culture of the Dominicans. You may also attend one of the many weekly cockfights. They take place mainly on weekends in the galleras. You must see the Dominicans passion for this national sport.
In Punta Cana and its surroundings, celebrations are also part of the Dominican soul. You will be able to plan your stay according to these great popular gatherings. On your way, you may come across Dominicans who have emigrated to the city and are returning to their village of origin on the occasion of the patron saint's day. Each village has its own. Fireworks and concerts explode... and the cockfights, a true national sport, redouble their numbers. Each village also has its own traditions for the carnival which takes place twice a year (on February 27, the day of the National Independence, and on August 16, the day of the Restoration of the Republic). Masks and multicolored costumes recall the customs of a past with African and Spanish roots. The most important carnivals are those of Santo Domingo, San Pedro de Macorís, Monte Cristi, Samanà, Santiago and La Vega. If you can, take the time to discover these cities with an unjustly ignored heritage. Take advantage, for example, of being in Santo Domingo to discover its historical center testifying to the beginnings of the colonization. Plan a good day to discover the secrets of this Unesco listed site, but also to visit the Amber Museum, stroll along the sea on the Malecón and do your shopping and find some souvenirs at the Mercado Modelo.
Rum and cigar and lobster, small pleasures of the Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is full of little pleasures you haven't tried yet. Did you know, for example, that the Dominican Republic is the first cigar producing country in the world before Cuba? Made locally, they are of very good quality and relatively cheap. Rum is another local product. It can be consumed as you wish: dry, in a cocktail or with cola. Once you've had your aperitif and refreshments, take a walk in search of a good table. Less sophisticated than that of the neighboring Caribbean islands, Dominican cuisine is nonetheless rich in specialties. The goats of the salt meadows of the region of Monte Cristi are particularly famous. The typical dish is the sancocho, a stew of vegetables and meats. But the menus also give pride of place to fish and shellfish from the miraculous waters of the Caribbean. Lobsters, crabs and shrimps are succulent. You should also ask for swordfish, red mullet, tuna and sea bream. The most difficult thing is to choose. The country is also a fruit paradise with lemons, bananas, mandarins, coconuts and juicy watermelons.
At nightfall, you will surely hear the musical buzz of a merengue band or a bachata singer. It's an invitation to continue the evening in the bars and discos of Punta Cana. As we discover Punta Cana, we realize that the spot is far from being limited to the postcard image often spread in travel brochures. To your suitcases!
Smart info
When to go? Punta Cana is bathed in sunshine all year round. Winter, from mid-December to March, is ideal with a climate that is neither too hot nor too cold to discover the Dominican Republic.
Getting there. There are daily flights to Punta Cana. There are many charter flights to the destination.
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