There’s more to Punta Cana than palm trees and Presidentes. The east-coast Dominican Republic resort town has plenty of attractions beyond the confines of your hotel, and you’re missing out if you don’t rouse yourself from your chaise to sample at least one. Here, to get you started, are suggestions for Five Fun Things to Do in Punta Cana.
GET HIGH
Punta Cana is the only place in the Caribbean where you can take a hot air balloon tour. Climb into one of Dominican Balloons’ four- or 16-passenger baskets and soar as high as 3,000 feet above waving fields of sugar cane on an hour-long flight that also includes breakfast and a champagne toast.
GO DEEP
The freshwater sinkholes known as cenotes are most often associated with Mexico’s Riviera Maya, but the Dominican Republic has them, too. Find out for yourself at Scape Park, where after a short walk through the jungle you can swim in the refreshing and crystal-clear waters of Las Ondas cenote. (scapepark.com)
GET BEACHED
Punta Cana’s Bavaro beach is certainly one of the Caribbean’s best strands, and chances are you’re staying in a resort right on it. But allow us to suggest another that’s well worth the trip from your hotel: Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana boasts a cinematically beautiful sweep of sand; an Instagram-ready coconut palm that leans into the surf: an excellent eponymous restaurant and bar; as well as a superb gift shop. What more could you want?
SET SAIL
You can’t leave the Caribbean without spending some time out on the water so make sure you book a catamaran cruise, if only to see the sunset. Better still, book passage on a day cruise to the offshore outposts of Isla Saona or Isla Catalina for snorkeling, sun and fun.
EAT LOCAL
Looking for real local flavor? Eating outside your hotel can be delicious and inexpensive. Case in point: Solo Pollo in the nearby village of Los Corales, where filling and flavorful pollo horneado (rotisserie chicken) with rice ‘n’ beans and a tangy tamarind juice will set you back less than 10 bucks.
