Punta Cana

Punta Cana, named after a local cape, is a region in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Covering about 4,200,000 m2 (approximately 1,100 acres), the region is home to a coastline of sandy white beaches and to a town of the same name. A region once named Punta de Borrachón was merged with Punta Cana by the founding investors in 1969.

Located in the province of La Altagracia and population estimated at 100,023[citation needed], the region borders the Atlantic Ocean to the east. To the north, it borders the village of Bávaro and El Cortecito beaches. The nearest town, Higuey, is 28 miles away, and it takes about an hour to drive there. Europeans, particularly the Spanish, tend to own the resorts of Punta Cana. Resort architects have been likely to make some nod to Spain or colonial Mexico. The coastline tends to be mildly windy. The ocean waters are mainly shallows, with several natural marine pools in which visitors can bathe.

Bávaro is a town developed together with the resorts of Punta Cana, as a town for workers. As the Hotels started to rise along the East coast, Bavaro itself became a center of services. Bavaro starts from a crossroad Veron (Shell Gas station), (after town Higuey and small village Otra Banda), and goes 15 kilometers to North until crossroad for Macao beach. Upt to north you can find, Uvero Alto beach, Roco Ki beach, La Vacama beach. Bavaro has 10 kilometers distance that goes from the Sea shore. Punta Cana has one of the busiest and best connected airports in the region (the Punta Cana International Airport), serving about two million tourists per year and sometimes receiving more flights than the Santo Domingo airport, Las Américas International Airport.

Punta Cana is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic. Several professional golf courses have been built in the region.

The nightlife inside the resorts is very lively. Outside of the hotels, several small plazas and discotheques allow tourists to interact with local residents. Other tourist attractions have also been installed in the area, among them Manatí Park (a waterpark), Plaza Bolera Punta Cana (a shopping mall and bowling center), a Marina, and the Palma Real Shopping Center in Bávaro, housing well known facilities such as Hard Rock Cafe and Tony Romas. Saona Island, located nearby, is popular for scuba diving.

The entire Bávaro-Punta Cana region entered a fast-paced growth phase in early 2004. With the establishment and initiation of foreign investment projects such as CapCana and The Westin Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort, the development of new marinas, resorts, and housing complexes have been developed. With 37,000 hotel rooms counted in 2005, it is expected that the region doubles its capacity in the upcoming years.

The weather is fairly constant, with an average temperature of 26°C. The hottest season lasts from April to November, and during the day temperatures might reach 32°C. From December to March, temperatures during the evening are around 20°C. Very little rain falls around the area, mostly because of the flat landscapers.
 

Our tour desk can help you arrange private or group excursions to these wonderful nearby attractions.

• Altos de Chavón — A fascinating recreation of a 16th century Mediterranean village on a cliff overlooking the Río Chavón
• Isla Catalina — A small offshore island with an incredible coral reef for snorkeling and diving.
* Isla Saona — taking a catamaran, sailboat or speedboat ride to this island will show you the incredible turquoise water and beauty of the limestone cliffs. You may even see some dolphins following your boat!
• Santo Domingo — the oldest city in the New World, where the settlement of all the Americas began. You’ll see the first cathedral and the first hospital. Explore the cobble stone streets that wind through the Spanish colonial architecture and imagine yourself back in the 1600s. There are so many restaurants it is said that even those who live here cannot visit them all
• La Romana — third largest city in the Dominican Republic with beautiful beaches and a duty-free zone
• Higuey — A small town known for its large Basilica honoring the Virgen de la Altagracia, patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Stroll the small streets and sample some of the tasty local cheese and fresh fruit from the local markets

ARTS, CULTURE, AND SPORTS
The spirit and charm of the Dominican Republic is captured in its music, food, and national pastimes. Known for its professional winter baseball, handcrafted cigars, and annual music festivals, the culture of the Dominican Republic is never stodgy, or boring. It's always an artful and colorful expression of life.

Even the museums and archeological sites are vibrant, bringing the daring history of the Dominican Republic alive with antique treasures, dazzling jewels, and the cavernous time capsules left to us by a long lost culture. In the Dominican Republic, culture really means adventure.



Passing through the streets of the Dominican Republic visitors are sure to notice the handmade posters that hang from telephone poles promoting an upcoming merengue or bachata night at a nearby venue. Continue walking and it doesn't take long to realize that music acts as the soundtrack of the country and its people, often heard blaring from vehicles, stores, restaurants and houses. After sunset, the pulsing beats fill the air with life and draw locals and tourists alike toward the crowded dance floors of the world's hottest night clubs. A way of life on the island, Dominicans view dancing as an art and take pride in sharing their native movements with others. Salsa, Latin jazz and other types of dance music can be heard in the country, but are not as popular as their beloved merengue and bachata counterparts.