About Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a city of the Dominican Republic in the easternmost region and is a part of the municipal district of Veron-Punta Cana. It is the second most popular tourist destination in Latin America, and witnesses more travelers than any other city in the Caribbean region. The city is known for white sand beaches, turquoise water and seaside resorts. This guide will help you learn everything about this place and tell you all the necessary information.
Furthermore, the climate of the city is hot year-round, especially during summer and autumn. Punta Cana contributes a lot to the tourism of the Dominican Republic and due to its location, water activities are the most preferred things to do here.
Population
Punta Cana is not very populated and the population density is very low. Most of the inhabitants are migrant workers from Haiti and accounted for 81% of the town’s population as of 2010. The population of the city in 2010 was 43,982 and as of 2022, the population is 100,023 inhabitants with a growth rate of 7%.
Geography
It has its border with the beaches of Cabeza de Toro, Bávaro and El Cortecito, in the North. The nearest town, Higüey, is 500 years older and is 28 miles from the city, which takes an hour to reach by car. The province has a 62-mile coastline and natural marine pools in which travelers can bathe safely. From north to south, the biggest beaches to visit here are Uvero Alto, Macau, Arena Gorda, Las Corales, Cabo Engaño and many more. Bavaro is the most famous beach, because it is home to many hotels along the coast and has become a service center with supermarkets, fast food stores, pharmacies, gourmet food restaurants, banks, schools and more. Also, you can find everything you need during your trip to Punta Cana.
History
In the late 1960s, a Dominican entrepreneur, Frank Rainieri, sided with Theodore Kheel, a high-level New York lawyer, to acquire a 58-million-square-meter piece of land. This land in the easternmost part of the Dominican Republic and the province of La Altagracia was an undeveloped area and is now called Punta Cana. At that time, the nearest largest city was Higüey which took a lap of about 5 hours. The first project of this city was a hotel that housed 40 people and was called “The Club of Punta Cana”.
In 1970, Rainieri changed the name Yauya or Punta Borrachos to Punta Cana and in 1978, the Mediterranean Club of Paris joined with the SA project group of the town and built a 350-room hotel. In 1979, the Hotel Puntacana was built and then in 1984, the Punta Cana International Airport opened. In 1993, the construction of Marina de Punta Cana Resort & Club began and in 2000, the development of the first residential community began and six years later, Tortuga Bay opened.
Religion
Punta Cana is a city on the easternmost side of the Dominican Republic and that is why it is in accordance with the religion that is followed in the country. Christianity is the most followed religion in the Dominican Republic. Although in the past, Catholicism dominated other religions in the country and received government’s support.
Approximately 85% of the country’s population follows Christianism. Of this 85%, Catholics count 57%, Protestants 13%, saints and others 15%. People who don’t follow any religion or who are atheists have 12%. Other religions followed here are Islam (0.02%), Buddhism (1.1%), baha’i (0.1%) and others are taoism, animism, etc.
Culture
Dominican culture has a lot to offer and has everything you would want on your trip to Punta Cana, from delicious food to pristine beaches. The Dominican Republic has a multicultural past, which has influences from Europe, Africa and native Taino India. All this has developed the social identity of Dominicans in their food, music, art, sport and religion. The country seems like a mixture of both, the ancient and the modern, unique and global.
Language
The language spoken in Punta Cana is Spanish. There are many places where tourists do not visit and in these places, people only speak Spanish. But, you don’t have to worry because in the tourist places, you will find people who speak English. In addition, other languages are spoken to help people, such as German and French. If you want to plan a trip here but can’t speak Spanish, you don’t have to worry.
Currency
The official currency used by the people of Punta Cana is the Dominican Peso. Although some of the resorts also accept the U.S. Dollar and major credit cards.
Government
The Dominican Republic is a representative democracy or Democratic Republic with three branches in force; executive, legislative and judicial. The President of the Dominican Republic is in charge of the executive branch, implements the laws of Congress, appoints a cabinet, and is a commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The national legislature is bicameral and has a senate, including 32 members and chamber of deputies with 178 members.
The Dominican Republic has a multi-party political system. Elections are held every two years, alternating between presidential elections. Presidential elections are held in four years. Legislative and municipal elections were held in even numbers. International observers have found that the elections held here are generally free and fair since 1996.
Climate
Punta Cana has a wet and dry tropical climate. The climate of this city is almost constant throughout the year with an average temperature of 26°C on average. The hot and humid season is in the months of May to September. The temperature during these months drops down to 35°C during the day. The months of November to March are pleasant and have a temperature of 20°C on average.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to travel to Punta Cana is around January to March. Many travelers travel here during these months, considering the optimum weather conditions to explore the city’s tourist sites. The temperature fluctuates between 19°C and 29°C at night and during the day respectively. During these months, you are unlikely to encounter rain since the sky is clear. Apparently, if you want to enjoy your trip here, it is the best time to visit.
Travel
There are three much-needed documents to carry with you, when traveling to the Dominican Republic; your passport, a tourist card and your visa. The last two are needed in special cases, but the passport is a very important document. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of your arrival or entry.
Tourist visa
It is another document that you have to carry and has the same use as the tourist card. You only need one of them depending on your country’s relations with the Dominican Republic. This visa allows you to be in this country for a period of 60 days.
Tourist car
You have to pay a tax that is charged by the local government. It is for the people who do not need a tourist visa to enter this country. It is valid for one year for use at customs or you have to buy it again. In the same way, its validity is for one year and for a single use. Hence, when you arrive here for the next time, you have to buy it again.
The documentation is different depending on where you are traveling from.
If you are a U.S. citizen
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the time of your entry.
- You must have at least 2 spare white sheets in your passport.
- You can enter this country only by possessing a valid tourist card.
- Tourist Card- Dominican government tax is included in your airfare.
- You do not need a tourist visa if you plan a trip to Punta Cana or the Dominican Republic for a trip which is less than 30 days.
- You do not have to be vaccinated if you arrive from the United States.
- There are no currency restrictions on your arrival but you have to pay a price when you have to leave the country.
If you are a UK citizen
- Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the time of your entry.
- British citizens do not need a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic.
- The tourist arrival tax (called as a tourist card) is no longer charged during your arrival and hence, must be included in your airfare.
- You do not have to be vaccinated nor do you have to carry the PCR test reports.
- You must have proof of your exit. A tourist would not be able to enter if they do not have proof of their return.
- All travelers need to fill out the required online entry form which includes all the necessary information.
A tourist is allowed to bring a maximum of 20 packs of cigarettes, 25 of cigar and 200 grams of tobacco. You can bring a maximum of 3 liters of wine, beer, rum, whiskey or liquor. You can also carry gifts priced up to $500 with you once every three years. Medicines for personal use can also be carried; however, only in a quantity that justifies the use for the traveler. In cases of medicines containing psychotropic materials, you have to give your prescription for use.
The prohibited items are:
- Pistols, firearms, or any other device that can fire projectiles
- Plastic or metal toy guns/replicas, including water guns
- Slingshots, darts, sports sticks or bats
- Objects with sharp tips or edges, such as razors, knives, scissors and other objects with sharp blades more than 6cm mm in length, syringes (except with medical prescription)
- Work tools
- Fireworks, flammable or solid liquids, fuels, among others
- Articles dedicated to cleaning bleach, acids and poisons
- Objects containing compressed air or gas
- Radioactive materials or even suitcases with integrated alarm systems
- Electronic equipment that can generate problems such as the creation of interference in the communication and navigation system of the aircraft itself
- Any type of lighter and matches.
The largest airport in Punta Cana that operates major airlines is Punta Cana International Airport and its IATA code is PUJ. You can get to and from this airport during your trip to the city for best comfort. This airport was opened in December 1983 and is the busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. It is also the second busiest airport in the Caribbean and approximately 7.8 million travelers traveled to and from this airport as of 2018. This airport serves 90 airports in 26 countries.
Punta Cana International Airport customer service number (24*7)
- 809.959.2376
- U.S. and Canada toll-free number: 888.442.2262
Customs and Immigration
- Location: Punta Cana International Airport, Carr. Airport, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
- Contact Number: 809.959.2376
Emergency and Medical Assistance
Punta Cana International Airport provides medical assistance services in case of any emergency. The airport has combined with other airports that provide special and private spaces designated for mothers to breastfeed their children. It also provides wheelchair service for people with disabilities.
Lost and found
If you lose anything or find something that belongs to someone else, you can take them to the lost and found center at the airport. To claim something they have discovered at the airport you can contact: 809-959-2376. You can also send an email to: [email protected]. The customs contact number is 809-959-0074. You have to fill out a lost and found form to add the details of the things.
The most popular airlines to travel to and from Punta Cana are: Air Canada, Air France, United, American. JetBlue, Avianca, Delta Air, British Airways, Spirit, WestJet, Air Europa, etc.
If you think about how to travel to Punta Cana, there are many options from which you can choose.
- By Foot
The best way to travel around Punta Cana is on foot, especially if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort. Many of the resorts or luxury hotels are nestled on the beach and you won’t need to go anywhere far to relax. You can explore everything in a resort that offers all such facilities. - Car
To explore the nearby cities, you can rent a car from your hotel or from the airport. However, you may not be able to drive inside Punta Cana, considering the traffic jam. The driving style in the Dominican Republic is very different. Some resorts offer you free parking and your driver’s license must be valid for three months post to your departure date. - Gua Gua Buses
Taking a local bus is a very cheap way to travel here, but it’s not the best if you have to reach your destination in a hurry. Buses arrive later than an hour normally and stops are also unclear. - Taxi
There are many taxis and the price is negotiable, so, arrive at a reasonable price after you sit in the taxi. But they can also be expensive at times. It is best if you walk from your resort to one of the taxi stands to make your traveling cheaper.
Accommodation
Western Caribbean
Address: Carretera Macao SN Playa Arena Gorda, Punta Cana, 23301, Dominican Republic
Contact: 00 34 917 69 58 87
Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana
Address: Arena Gorda _ Macao, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: 00 1 305-592-6466
Royalton Splash Punta Cana
Address: Playa Arena Gorda, Carretera Macao, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: 00 1 809-221-2121
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana
Address: Juanillo Beach, Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: 00 1 809-469-7260
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Address: Boulevard Zona Hotelera, Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23302 Dominican Republic
Contact: 00 1 833-297-5292
Services
The tourist region in Punta Cana offers good medical care and emergency services to all the tourists. The city also has private hospitals with very modern medical facilities and highly qualified professionals.
IMG Hospital in Punta Cana
- Address: Carretera Higüey – Miches esq, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
- Contact: +1 809-285-6116
Hospiten Bavaro (open 24 hours)
- Address: Carretera Verón – Punta Cana,106, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
- Contact: +1 809-686-1414
Punta Cana Medical Center (open 24 hours)
- Address: Av. España No.1, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
- Contact: +1 809-552-1506
Pharmacy Sps 24 HOURS Bavarian
- Address: Av. Alemania, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
- Contact: +1 809-455-7667
- Hours: 24 hours
All tourists traveling to the Dominican Republic must have their insurance before leaving their native country. From medical insurance to travel safety, tourists need to make sure they are completely safe and insured.
Why is insurance necessary?
Travel insurance is necessary for unexpected losses or expenses such as missed flights, lost luggage, stolen currency and lost passport.
Other services
- Electricity
Contact: +56 (2) 29410300 - Punta Cana Fire Department
Contact: +1 809-455-1551
Etiquettes
- Dress code
One of the factors you would like to know prior to your trip to Punta Cana is that there is no specific dress code that the city follows. However, many locals like to dress well or wear something casual during the day. But this does not mean that they need to wear a very attractive dress. Tourists may prefer to wear hats, dresses or shorts, since the weather is too sunny. - Drinking
Drinking in this city is completely legal if you are 18 or older. The resorts even also follow the rules of drinking and do not provide alcohol to a person under the age of 18. The purchase, consumption and possession of alcohol for persons under the age of 18 is prohibited and is a punishable offense. - Tipping
Tipping in Punta Cana is normal and expected. A 10% tip is customary for standard service in a bar; a tip of 15% or more shows additional appreciation. Remember that you don’t need to tip every time you order a drink, but you should certainly give more when your waiter goes above and beyond. - Photography
Taking photos in the Dominican Republic is completely legal, and you will also find many places to take photos in different rooms of the city during your trip to Punta Cana.
Neighborhood
- The city of Dominican Republic has all the things you need for a relaxing trip: white sand, warm water, good food, and vibrant bars. It depends on your requirements in which neighborhood you have to stay during your trip to Punta Cana.
- Bavarian
Bavaro is a beach resort area in Punta Cana, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. It is located in the province of La Altagracia, the easternmost province of the country. With the development of the city, Bavara has become a tourist hub with many hotels and resorts. - Cap Cana
This is a destination located in the heart of the Caribbean, on the easternmost shores of the Dominican Republic. Cap Cana is known for its luxurious, expensive and high-quality resorts. It is full of palm trees, beaches and offers popular activities such as surfing, kayaking and snorkeling. This neighborhood is located at a distance of 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. - Uvero Alto
Uvero Alto is a neighborhood that is home to many luxurious and high-quality resorts along with casinos. The hangover in the water on the beaches of Uvero, makes you the best place to do fun activities in the water. The Sirenis water park has slides, pools and picnic areas, while nearby stables offer horseback riding. - Punta Cana Resort
A gated community of rental homes and several hotels, plus golf courses, tennis courts, a spa, restaurants, and more. Punta Cana Resort is a bustling resort within Punta Cana’s largest vacation area. There is a wide variety of accommodations and access to 5 kilometers (3 miles) of beaches, as well as something for all ages, ideal for families.
Entertainment
Punta Cana is a major destination housing many beachside resorts and the culture here is generally relaxed. It is famous for white sand beaches and luxurious resorts and is also known for being cheaper than other Caribbean destinations. The culture of this city is a mixture of different cultures, but has a little more of the European culture. The culture is varied and good for tourists, here you will find English speakers as well.
The Best Museums and Art Galleries
Punta Cana Tourism
Punta Cana Food & Wine Tour
Punta Cana, the city of the Dominican Republic, on the easternmost coast has many hidden gastronomic secrets. It can be said that this place is the center of Dominican cuisine. Dominican cuisine is a mixture of indigenous influence from Africa, the Caribbean, Spain and Taino. It offers the best delicious and unique flavors. Also, the cuisine here is one of the best in the country.Gourmet restaurants.
High Dining
Zoho Beach Club Punta Cana
Address: Calle Marcio Veloz Maggiolo, Bavaro, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 829-943-9003
Montserrat Manor Restaurant
Address: Blvd Turístico del Este km 28 #74 Macao Municipio de Higüey Punta Cana República Dominicana Hard Rock Hotel, Punta Cana Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 849-945-0215
Chic Cabaret & Restaurant Punta Cana
Address: Avenida. Francia TRS Turquesa Hotel, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-221-8149
La Yola Restaurant
Address: Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-959-1010
Nakamura
Address: Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 849-451-5413
Casual Dining
Kukua Beach Club & Restaurant
Address: Carretera de Arena Gorda a Macao Entrada por Club de Golf Punta Blanca, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 829-642-0022
The Greek Resort 24 Hour Beachfront Restaurant
Address: Calle Pedro Mir # 7 The Greek Hotel, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-469-7000
Castaways Restaurant And Bar
Address: 1 Andi Las Vegas Boulevard At Playa Palmera Playa Palmera Between Grand Sirenis And Excellence El Carmen, Uvero Alto, Punta Cana Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-455-9499
Onno's Bavaro
Address: Corner of Calle Pedro Mir and Avenida Espana, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-552-0376
Pearl Beach Club & Restaurant
Address: Carretera Cabeza De Toro, Punta Cana 23000 Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-933-3171
Bars & Lounges
Coco Bongo Punta Cana
Address: Centro Comercial Downtown Punta Cana, Carretera Barcelo (Verón)
Contact: +52 998-577-4289
Drink Point
Address: Avcon Av. Francia, Plaza Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-552-1175
Imagine Punta Cana Night Club
Address: Av. Estados Unidos, old Coco Loco to Friusa crossroads, Punta Cana
Contact: +1 829-838-5341
The Kan Drink House
Address: av españa 23001 Bávaro, República Dominicana
Contact: +1 829-762-1200
Kviar Show Disco & Casino Punta Cana
Address: Hotel Dominican Fiesta, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-931-9495
Spas and Wellness Resorts
Flavio Acuna Spa Natural Center
Address: Spa Natural Center, Los Corales, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 (809) 849 9011, +1 (809) 210 3150
Ananda Yoga International - Punta Cana
Address: Galerias Punta Cana, 23000, Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 809-720-5052
Holistic Touch
Address: Bávaro, Dominican Republic · Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Contact: +1 829-745-7008
Plaza Caribeña & Massages Spa
Address: Uvero Alto, La Altagracia, Dom. Rep.
Contact: (809) 994-0275 / (849) 875-7311
Palmarosa Spa
Address: Plaza Arenal del Caribe, local 7, German Avenue, 23301 Bávaro
Contact: 829 728 49 87
