Punta Cana in 5 days

Endless white-sand beaches, all-inclusive ease, and turquoise water on the Dominican Republic's east coast. Best time to visit: December-April (dry, sunny). Average daily budget: $90 to $180 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Bávaro, The main resort strip: the widest beaches, biggest hotels, and most beach bars.

Morning: Sunrise on Bávaro Beach. The east-facing sand means the sunrise over the water is spectacular and empty.

Afternoon: Explore Bávaro, The main resort strip: the widest beaches, biggest hotels, and most beach bars.

Evening: Catamaran party cruise. Sail along the coast with snorkel stops, a natural pool, and rum punch flowing.

Eat: Fresh grilled lobster and seafood at a beach shack

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Cap Cana, The upscale marina enclave: luxury resorts, golf, and a polished yacht harbour.

Morning: Saona Island day trip. A postcard-perfect island of palm trees and shallow turquoise lagoons in the south.

Afternoon: Explore Cap Cana, The upscale marina enclave: luxury resorts, golf, and a polished yacht harbour.

Evening: Hoyo Azul cenote. A stunning sapphire-blue freshwater pool at the base of a cliff in Scape Park.

Eat: Mofongo (mashed fried plantain) with garlic shrimp

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Playa Blanca, A quieter beach with a famous seafood restaurant and calmer, family-friendly water.

Morning: Fresh-caught lobster at a local shack in Playa Blanca instead of the buffet.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Playa Blanca, A quieter beach with a famous seafood restaurant and calmer, family-friendly water.

Evening: An ATV buggy ride to a Dominican farm for coffee, cacao and cigar tasting.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Tostones (twice-fried plantains) with local hot sauce

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: Macao, A wilder public beach popular with surfers and four-wheel buggy tours.

Morning: Macao Beach at golden hour, where surfers ride and the crowds thin out.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Macao, A wilder public beach popular with surfers and four-wheel buggy tours.

Evening: A merengue and bachata lesson with locals at a beach bar after dark.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Mamajuana, the Dominican spiced rum infusion

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Downtown Punta Cana, Where locals live and eat: cheaper food, supermarkets, and a glimpse of real DR life.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Downtown Punta Cana, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Downtown Punta Cana, Where locals live and eat: cheaper food, supermarkets, and a glimpse of real DR life.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh grilled lobster and seafood at a beach shack, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Downtown Punta Cana.

Eat: Fresh grilled lobster and seafood at a beach shack

Hidden gems

Fresh-caught lobster at a local shack in Playa Blanca instead of the buffet.
An ATV buggy ride to a Dominican farm for coffee, cacao and cigar tasting.
Macao Beach at golden hour, where surfers ride and the crowds thin out.
A merengue and bachata lesson with locals at a beach bar after dark.

Getting around

Punta Cana International Airport is the main gateway, just 20 to 30 minutes from most resorts. Resort shuttles, taxis and pre-booked transfers handle the airport run. Within the resort zone, taxis are plentiful but pricey; agree fares first. Public guaguas (minibuses) are cheap for reaching Bávaro town. For excursions, organised tours include transport.

Safety

Punta Cana's resort areas are very safe, with tourism heavily protected. Use official taxis or resort transfers rather than hailing on the street, and keep valuables in the room safe. Beware strong currents and respect beach flags when swimming. Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled. Mosquito repellent is useful at dusk.

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