Punta Cana Area Map

Sitting on the easternmost tip of the island of Hispaniola in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a general term used to describe the beaches of Bávaro, Higüey, Macao and Uvero Alto, among others. Most spend their vacation in the Bávaro region, which is closest to the airport.

Bávaro

North of the Punta Cana Airport, Bávaro features the staggering all-inclusives and commercialism associated with the region. The town is also home to El Cortecito, a small fishing village famous for its lively artisan market where tourists can browse for souvenirs among the rows of open-air stalls. Several amusement parks are located near the area to lure in vacationing families: Dolphin Island offers the chance to swim with dolphins and sea lions, while Manatí Park showcases local species, such as iguanas and crocodiles. The shallow waters of quiet Arena Gorda are also becoming increasingly popular among tourists.

Higüey

Sitting west of Punta Cana, Higüey is only accessible by rental car or taxicab. Those who live nearby consider Higüey holy land, as the site of a vision of the Virgin Mary. The city's cathedral, the Basilica de Higüey Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, is Higüey's main attraction, along with its two main open-air markets, the Mercado Publico de Higüey (Higüey Public Market) and Plaza Higüeyana.

Macao

Just north of Bávaro and along the coast is Macao, the region's newest resort hotspot. Travel writers describe Macao as charming and provincial complete with pastures and ranches. Stunning beaches have inspired the construction of new resort hotels.

Playa Uvero Alto

Farther north is Playa Uvero Alto, a small, secluded beach village complete with coconut groves and unique boutique hotels. Fodor's says that a new road leading from the Punta Cana Airport will make Playa Uvero Alto's boutique hotels more accessible to tourists, but until then, "there's always the option of coming by helicopter."

Safety

Punta Cana is one of the safest vacation spots in the Caribbean, and tourists should feel comfortable traveling outside of the hotel zone. However, petty theft (especially of cell phones, according to some) does sometimes occur, so you should be careful when carrying valuables with you. Hotel security is good, and there's even a special branch of the police department devoted to tourist safety, known as Politur. Police officers are often stationed in the hotel.

But previous travelers have had other safety concerns when visiting the Dominican Republic. For one, many recommend NOT drinking Punta Cana's tap water. Drinks without ice and bottled water are the ways to go unless you've got a stomach of steel.