Hello there!
I know you couldn't wait for new, full itinerary! I am recently doing a research for our upcoming trip to Punta Cana and fairly, that's the hardest research I've done so far! Tourists there don't bother to see the best things around but rather stay in all-inclusive resorts for their whole stay! BORING! For people who crave a bit more activities it's really hard to find something good and affordable within Punta Cana area (and further!) without robbing the bank!
So here I am, reading through and completing the itinerary that is worth to try next time you are in amazing Dominican Republic! P.S. I will be renting the car but most of the places are possible to reach by bus, public taxis and regular taxis. Let's do this.
Day 0/1
Bavaro Beach
We are usually coming to our accommodation around afternoon hours so you don't want to start your first day in this beautiful place by running out of the hotel and explore. Enjoy the moment and fact you are finally on holidays, you can enjoy bars and restaurants along the beautiful coast of Bavaro (which is blending into Punta Cana so we all don't see the difference). From what I've notices you can observe great sky and beautiful sunset sipping Santo Libre, a very local drink made of local rum and sprite. Of course you will want to come back there during the day too.
Day 2
I know you couldn't wait for new, full itinerary! I am recently doing a research for our upcoming trip to Punta Cana and fairly, that's the hardest research I've done so far! Tourists there don't bother to see the best things around but rather stay in all-inclusive resorts for their whole stay! BORING! For people who crave a bit more activities it's really hard to find something good and affordable within Punta Cana area (and further!) without robbing the bank!
So here I am, reading through and completing the itinerary that is worth to try next time you are in amazing Dominican Republic! P.S. I will be renting the car but most of the places are possible to reach by bus, public taxis and regular taxis. Let's do this.
Day 0/1
Bavaro Beach
We are usually coming to our accommodation around afternoon hours so you don't want to start your first day in this beautiful place by running out of the hotel and explore. Enjoy the moment and fact you are finally on holidays, you can enjoy bars and restaurants along the beautiful coast of Bavaro (which is blending into Punta Cana so we all don't see the difference). From what I've notices you can observe great sky and beautiful sunset sipping Santo Libre, a very local drink made of local rum and sprite. Of course you will want to come back there during the day too.
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| Photo DEZALB |
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| Photot skeeze |
Day 2
Morning to afternoon - Montana Redonda
Highly recommended by car or by organized tour or even by so called public taxi (Carro publico) for few hundred to few thousand pesos depend on where you staying. If you are quite far from outskirts of Punta Cana I would advised the first two options, however you can try to negotiate the price with a taxi driver too.
But what is it for? It is a very steep mountain peek you are going to, adding to it, you gonna swing! Imagine being on the top, taking all them nice pictures of 360* view of Dominican Republic! Relax, have a picnic, sit on a swing for couple of nice shots and enjoy your trip up and down through tropical surroundings. There is no facilities such as shops or restaurants so be aware of having your own food (p.s. ok, there is one small shop on the way but well overpriced, serving some crisps and soft drinks.) As the place is not well advertised by the excursion and tour agencies it's barely any tourists in there so you can enjoy the nature, views and a swing all for yourself!
Scape Park/Adventure Park/Canopy Adventures
Head to one of many many adventure parks around Punta Cana for this small adrenaline rush after relaxing mountain views. It's a great way to explore through off the beaten path as well, for example zipline or buggy tours offer you to see what you wouldn't normally be able to see!
Take the evening easy or do your research about good places to enjoy yourself at the beach bar or proper disco club (One of the most famous clubs in Punta Cana is located in Hard Rock Hotel resort).
Day 3
Explore the beach and relax
To be honest, not many people are heading to the beach in the early morning to enjoy the space for themselves. That's a great time for you to take those great shots like taken for postcards either you are going to spend the whole day just beachin' around (hehe) or just cure your last-night-hangover and move on, It is worth it to see not only Bavaro or Punta Cana areas but head elsewhere to explore beaches beyond the resorts.
Take the dinner boat or eat in the air!
Feeling fancy? Why won't you try something fancy? ;) It is now very popular to reserve yourself a treat on the luxury boat and a nice meal but if you feel like it will be too boring for you, try to go up to the air and eat there with other brave people! That option is available in Hard Rock resort and you don't have to be a guest there to have a chance to try it. Resort also has a casino so If you feel lucky... that's your way to spend the rest of the night!
Day 4
Ecological Reserve - Lagoon Pools
Not far from the centre of Punta Cana is Ecological Reserve Ojos Indigenas placed in subtropical forest. It's been a home for many animal species from birds through turtles to iguanas etc! And yes! You can swim in the few of the natural lagoon pools right in the middle of that forest! Sounds good? Duh!
Day 5
La Romana & National Park (with optional tour to Saona - MUST DO)
Get in the public bus, we are going on adventure! Well, not that much of adventure if you buy the tour from your hotel because it's gonna cost you twice as much per person, you will get into the speedboat to Saona Island, have a fixed lunch over there and head back.. yea.. fun.
Instead, I advice as many vloggers do, get to La Romana nearest beach and ask around (if they won't ask you first!) for a boat to Saona Island! People there will try to make a profit off you straight away so remember to negotiate the prices before you actually sit in the boat! Enjoy the most beautiful island in Carribean and visit the natural pool for amazing experience with starfish! If this doesn't sound like a perfect day to spend, I don't know what does!
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| Photo marquious |
Spend the rest of your day in La Romana at their beautiful beach and village, enjoy different, more laid-back atmosphere in less touristy part of Dominican Republic. If it's not too late and you still feel strong, there's a trek available from Bayahibe and Playa Dominicus to the Cave of Bridge!
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| Photo amandamyren |
BONUS
Craving more? Head North!
If you are staying in Dominican Republic for longer than a week and you are not really into spending your whole time at one resort in Punta Cana, head North to beautiful Samana Penninsula - Visit La Terrenas; Playa Rincon - the most beautiful beach of Dominican Republic; El Limo - the most famous waterfall in DR; take a boat off the coast for incredible whale watching; take a class of surfing! It's so many things to do, you don't necessarily have to spend the whole vacation seating in the overpriced resort! (Although, some of them are just breathtaking!)
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| Photo Free-Photos |
Important to remember
There is nothing that you can enjoy... for free. This country is not really pleasant for backpackers because even locals for giving you simple directions would expect something in exchange, don't count that any of the above attractions except the beaches (and not always even that!) are free or cheap for tourists at all. However, you are going on holidays, you are going to explore and relax and you gotta understand this is some people's the only income. So don't be extra greedy trying to bargain, don't be rude if you are unhappy with the prices and in general, don't be rude at all.
Remember, you are not in your own country so respect the strangers like you would elsewhere. Don't trust anyone too much even if they would love to know you better. Ladies shouldn't get involved in any conversation with locals, simply just say ,,no'' when you have to and walk away. The more interested you look, the more pushy men will be towards you.
This is not the first-world country, some people never seen the amount of money you just have paid for your tour. So be cautious, don't walk with a lot of money on you, don't tell people where exactly are you staying, don't show off with jewelry, the newest iphone or camera because most likely it will change the owner whenever you take your eyes off it. Also, don't leave your drinks unsupervised, alcohol is super cheap so even if you don't finish your drink it's not a biggie.
Buy food and souvenirs in markets and shops where locals do their shopping, they are even three times cheaper than shops at the resorts and nearby or so called ,,gift shops" at the beach.
P.S.
If you are looking to see my own pictures from Thailand,US, Dominican Republic or many different countries in Europe, please visit my instagram mags.travels for those! If you need advice or help in booking flights or accommodation, you have questions about trips, excursions or particular countries, please contact me through Instagram as well!
