Punta Cana, Domincan Republic 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Punta Cana Itinerary:

Where to Stay:

  • For Luxury: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (offers a variety of activities and dining options)
  • For Families: Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana (kid-friendly activities and amenities)
  • For Budget Travelers: Iberostar Dominicana (all-inclusive resort with affordable pricing)
  • For Couples: Excellence Resorts (adult-only luxury resorts for a romantic getaway)

Where to Eat:

  • For Authentic Dominican Flavors:
    • Jellyfish Restaurant: Enjoy local cuisine in a vibrant, casual setting.
    • La Yola Restaurant: For a more upscale dining experience, try this restaurant specializing in fresh seafood.
    • El Cortesito: This popular chain offers delicious and affordable Dominican dishes with a local flair.

Where to Go & What to Do:

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive at Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Relax and settle into your chosen accommodation.

  • Afternoon: Hit the beach! Punta Cana is renowned for its stunning beaches, so soak up the sun and sand at one of the many beautiful beaches in the area.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at El Cortesito (consider trying their traditional “La Bandera” dish).
    • Activity: Take part in a beachside bonfire and music session.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Relax and enjoy the beach and the water. Many resorts offer watersports like kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, or you can simply swim, sunbathe, or stroll along the white sands.

  • Afternoon: Explore Macao Beach. This is a popular spot for surfing and has a more bohemian vibe than other beaches in Punta Cana.

  • Evening:

    • Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in the village near your resort.
    • Activity: Enjoy a beachfront dinner with live music and a breathtaking view of the ocean.

  • Dinner: Choose from a variety of local Dominican cuisine options.

Day 3:

  • Morning: Relax by the pool or head out for a beach walk.

  • Evening:

    • Activity: Visit a local bar and experience the vibrant nightlife of Punta Cana.

Day 3:

  • Morning:

    • Beach Activity: Take a catamaran cruise to Saona Island, known for its pristine beaches and turquoise waters.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy the sunshine and relax with a cocktail at a beach bar.

Day 4:

  • Lunch: Experience the local flavors at El Chiringuito (beachfront restaurant).
  • Activity: Relax on the beach and enjoy the water activities, or book a snorkeling excursion to explore the vibrant coral reefs.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Jellyfish Restaurant.

Day 5:

  • Morning: Spend the morning exploring the local shops and markets.

  • Activity: Relax at the pool or beach in the afternoon.

  • Dinner: Try a traditional Dominican meal at El Jellyfish (local restaurant)

  • Dinner: Relax with a romantic dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the fresh food and drinks.

Day 6:

  • Morning: Relax at the beach or resort pool and enjoy the sunshine.
  • Activity: Take a cooking class to learn how to prepare some of your favorite Dominican dishes.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The Dominican Peso (DOP) is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Language: Spanish is the official language, but English and other languages are often spoken in tourist areas.
  • Weather: Punta Cana has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The rainy season runs from May to October.
  • Culture: Embrace the local culture by learning a few basic Spanish phrases, trying traditional Dominican food like La Bandera (a dish of rice, beans, and meat), and experiencing the vibrant nightlife.

Transportation:

  • Punta Cana is well-served by taxis, “gua-guas” (public buses), and public transportation options like the “tap-taps” (shared taxi vans) for travel within the town itself).

  • Car rentals are available, but not recommended for exploring the area beyond walking distance.

Transportation Tips:

  • Negotiate fares beforehand: Especially if using a “gua-gua” or local taxi, agree on a price before getting in.
  • Guada-lupe: A guade-transport (shared transportation) is a great and affordable way to get around Punta Cana.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Punta Cana beaches: Enjoy the pristine beaches like Bavaro Beach, Playa Macao, and Macao Beach with their white sand and crystal-clear waters.

  • Snorkeling and diving: Discover the vibrant underwater world at the stunning coral reefs surrounding the island.

  • Adventure activities: The Dominican Republic is known for its adventure tourism. Explore the jungle on a zip-lining tour, go diving in the crystal-clear waters, or take a thrilling buggy ride.

  • Local culture: Experience the local culture by visiting the vibrant markets, trying authentic Dominican food, and learning to dance the merengue.

  • Shopping: Enjoy duty-free shopping at the various malls and boutiques in Punta Cana.

  • Nightlife: Embrace the nightlife with a visit to a local bar or club.

  • Punta Cana is known for its all-inclusive resorts, but there are also plenty of local restaurants and bars to explore.

  • Be sure to try some Dominican food while you’re here!

  • Dining and Nightlife:

    • Local cuisine: Immerse yourself in the flavors of the Caribbean with a traditional “Dominican Republic” meal.

  • **Try the “Guava Grill” at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana (for local food, try this option).

  • Safety:

  • Always be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

  • Consider using a taxi service for getting around rather than walking alone at night.

Things to Consider:

  • Budget: This itinerary allows for flexibility in choosing activities and dining options based on your budget.

  • Travel Style: Adjust the schedule based on your preferences. Do you want to relax on the beach, go on an adventure, or experience the nightlife of Punta Cana? The choice is yours!

  • Seasonality: Remember that this itinerary can be adapted depending on the season. For example, if you’re visiting during the rainy season (May-October), you may want to adjust the schedule for outdoor activities and consider alternative indoor options.

Transportation Tips:

  • Public transportation: Utilize “guaguas” (public buses) which are affordable and readily available in Punta Cana.
  • Tours and excursions: Book these in advance, especially if you’re interested in specific activities or have a limited timeframe.

Things to see/do:

  • Local Markets: Experience the vibrant local culture by visiting “Mercado Nacional” or other nearby markets for authentic crafts, souvenirs, and delicious local snacks.
  • Sellable items: Look for souvenirs like hand-woven baskets, Dominican cigars, and locally made rum (Mamajuana is a traditional Dominican drink).

Local Cuisine:

  • Try the local cuisine: Be sure to try “La Yola” which is a popular restaurant for experiencing authentic Dominican flavors.
  • Visit a local farm: Many resorts offer tours of nearby farms where you can learn about the local agricultural practices and enjoy fresh produce and locally made products.

Tips for a memorable trip:

  • Book a tour to explore local culture: This will allow you to see a variety of “tiendas colmadas” (local shops) and experience the local life.

  • Consider taking a cooking class: Learn how to make delicious Dominican dishes like “La Locura” (a traditional dish made with chicken, rice, and beans).

  • Try a new activity: If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a “guagua adventure tour,” which includes stops at local markets, rum distilleries, and beaches.

  • Take advantage of the vibrant nightlife:

Many resorts in Punta Cana offer “Guagua tours” that let you experience the Dominican culture.

  • Learn to dance the merengue, a lively dance with roots in the Dominican Republic.

  • Taste the local cuisine

  • Enjoy authentic Dominican food and drinks at the many restaurants and bars in the area.

  • Shop for souvenirs:

    • Consider purchasing: Locally crafted jewelry, rum bottles, cigars, coffee, or cocoa products.

  • Take a tour of “Santo Domingo”, the capital city, known for its colonial architecture, museums, and historical sites.

  • Explore local history and culture:

Visit a “colonial city” near Punta Cana like La Romana.

  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife:

  • Many resorts offer traditional Dominican cooking classes.

Other Experiences:

  • Take a “Dominican Rum Tour” to learn about the rum-making process and sample different varieties.
  • Go for a walk on the beach: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Punta Cana while experiencing the local culture and vendors.
  • Visit a local farm, which offers tours showcasing the production of coffee, cocoa beans, vanilla, and other crops.

Immerse yourself in Dominican culture:

  • Experience the vibrant culture of the local villages by visiting “Mercado Nacional” (a place to experience the local culture).

Travel Tips:

  • Consider a “guagua” or “public bus” ride: While car rentals are an option, taking public transportation offers a unique way to connect with Dominican people and see more of the country.

Remember:

  • “Taxis,” “buses,” and “car services” are all readily available in Punta Cana: You can easily book a taxi or “taxi moto” (motorcycle taxi) for short trips.
  • Try to negotiate the fare before you get in as this will ensure a smoother experience.

This is just a starting point, of course. The best itinerary for you will depend on your individual interests and budget.