Punta Cana may be best known for it’s 32km of blissful Caribbean beaches, but this part of the Dominican Republic has so much more to offer. From swimming in natural lagoons to hiking, zip-lining and horse riding, there are so many options to make your Dominican Republic holiday unforgettable. I've rounded up my pick of the 5 most special and unique things to do in Punta Cana, which would be an amazing addition to any trip.
This blog post has been written in partnership with Iberostar
Punta Cana at a Glance
Punta Cana is located at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic. Along with The Bavaro area, it makes up La Costa del Coco, translating as the Coconut Coast. Here you’ll find plenty of luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. But beyond the beaches and 5 star boltholes is mountains, countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty.
5 Amazing things to do in Punta Cana
1. Scape Park, Cap Cana
Scape Park is a unique ‘natural theme park’ offering visitors the chance to experience zip lining, rope jumps and swimming alongside ancient caves and impressive waterfalls. Look out for Hoyo Azul (blue hole), a turquoise sinkhole hidden at the base of a 75 metre cliff. There is also a ranch with horses, goats, ponies among many other farm animals.
2. Saona Island
For something a little more relaxing, take a boat trip out to Saona Island, an untouched island off the coast of Punta Cana. The island is a government-protected nature reserve that is brimming with wildlife. If you’re visiting between March and August, you may be lucky enough to see tea turtles laying their eggs during nesting season.
3. Hiking in the Anamuya Mountains
When you’ve had enough of the beach, try a hike in Punta Cana’s nearby Anamuya Mountains. Hikers can expect spectacular panoramas and lush green landscapes filled with coffee and cocoa plantations. With guided hikes ranging from half a day to a full 3 days, there’s something to suit every fitness level. Guided hiking tours can be booked online, through your travel agent or your hotel and promise to provide an unforgettable holiday experience.
4. Off-roading in a Terracross Buggy
Another epic way to explore more of Punta Cana is to go off-roading in a 2 or 4 seater Terracross buggy. These open air vehicles can take on the steepest and muddiest of terrains, promising an exhilarating adventure through the Dominican countryside. A full 18+ driver’s license is required for this experience and guests are advised that getting wet and muddy is very likely!
5. Horse riding at sunset
One of the most romantic things you can do Punta Cana is to go horse riding at sunset. You’ll travel to a ranch just outside Punta Cana before going on a 2 hour trek through beach and countryside. The hacks are always carefully timed to coincide with the local sunset time, which is sure to provide incredible memories during your holiday in Punta Cana.
Where to Stay in Punta Cana
There are over 90 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, so it’s definitely worth spending some time researching and reading reviews to find the best option for you. A great place to start is Iberostar's Punta Cana resorts, which include 5 different hotels in the Playa Bavaro area. All 5 hotels have a focus on sustainability and are single-use plastic free hotels. They vary from being adult-only to extremely child-friendly with kids pools and brilliant kids clubs.
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