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Punta Cana

Punta Cana travel guide

Resort town in La Altagracia Province, Dominican Republic

Flights from$679 round trip
Things to do123 experiences
Best time to visitAll year round
Nearest airportPUJ · 1 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4
Population138,919

About Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a resort town in the easternmost region of the Dominican Republic. It was politically incorporated as the "Verón–Punta Cana Touristic Municipal District" in 2006, and it is subject to the municipality of Higüey. According to the 2022 census, this township or district had a population of 138,919 inhabitants.

Cheap flights to Punta Cana

The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $679 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.

Airlines travellers compared most often: Copa Airlines.

Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 20 Sep and 20 Oct 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.

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Places to visit in Punta Cana

  1. Bávaro Beach

    Bávaro Beach

    Beach · 12 mi from centre

    A long stretch of white sand and palm trees along the main resort coast of Punta Cana. Walk along the shoreline to find quieter spots between the big hotels.

  2. Saona Island

    Saona Island

    Beach · 35 mi from centre

    A protected island with palm-lined beaches and a shallow natural pool full of starfish. Most visitors go on a boat tour; choose a small group for a less crowded trip.

  3. Altos de Chavón

    Altos de Chavón

    Landmark

    A replica Mediterranean village above the Chavón River, with an amphitheater, art galleries, and a church. Come at sunset for views over the river valley.

  4. Macao Beach

    Macao Beach

    Beach · 18 mi from centre

    A public beach north of the resort area with golden sand and good surf for beginners. Book a surf lesson here, as the waves are gentle on most days.

  5. Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia

    Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia

    Religious · 23 mi from centre

    A modern concrete basilica in Higüey with a tall arched facade, the most important pilgrimage site in the country. Dress modestly and avoid January 21, when crowds are huge.

  6. Catalina Island

    Catalina Island

    Nature

    A small, protected island with coral reefs and clear water, good for snorkeling and diving. Most trips leave from La Romana, so plan a full day.

  7. Cap Cana

    Cap Cana

    Neighborhood

    A gated development south of Punta Cana with a marina, golf courses, and the calm, clear water of Juanillo Beach. Visit the marina for seafood and an evening stroll along the docks.

Things to do in Punta Cana by type

123 tours, tickets and experiences across 10 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 29
  • 3-6 hours 23
  • 1-3 hours 9
  • Up to 1 hour 3
  • Flexible 2
Good for
  • Youth 9
  • Families 9
  • Couples 9
  • Senior 8
  • Adult only 2
  • Families with kids 1
Ways to go
  • Private 11
  • Small group 6
  • Skip the line 2
Browse all things to do in Punta Cana

Top experiences in Punta Cana

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 123 available.

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Where to stay in Punta Cana

Popular hotels in Punta Cana, out of 189 properties you can book.

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Best time to visit Punta Cana

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Punta Cana is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 81–87°F and rain falls on about 20 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 75° – 82° 18
Feb 73° – 81° 18
Mar 74° – 83° 14
Apr 75° – 82° 22
May 76° – 85° 22
Jun 78° – 86° 23
Jul 79° – 86° 25
Aug 79° – 87° 23
Sep 78° – 87° 19
Oct 77° – 86° 18
Nov 76° – 84° 23
Dec 75° – 82° 20

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Punta Cana weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 88° 78° 53%
  • Thu 22 Oct 84° 73° 87%
  • Fri 23 Oct 82° 75° 92%
  • Sat 24 Oct 84° 75° 86%
  • Sun 25 Oct 86° 77° 71%
  • Mon 26 Oct 85° 79° 65%

Know before you go

Currency
Dominican peso (DOP)1 US dollar ≈ $61.4
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Santo_DomingoUTC−4
Capital
Santo Domingo

Upcoming public holidays in Dominican Republic

  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayDía de Año Nuevo
  • Day of KingsDía de Reyes
  • Our Lady of AltagraciaDía de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
  • Duarte's BirthdayDía del Natalicio de Juan Pablo Duarte

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Punta Cana

These are the airports closest to central Punta Cana. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • PUJ Punta Cana International Airport1 mi (2 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Punta Cana

Tour operators: Most passengers arriving in Punta Cana International Airport have prearranged local transportation through a tour operator. These companies have representatives at the airport to guide guests to vehicles waiting to take them to the reserved resort. If you are travelling with a tour operator it is highly recommended that you attend any welcome meetings and orientations offered by your tour operator.

Punta Cana travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Punta Cana?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Punta Cana is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 81–87°F and rain falls on about 20 days a month.

What is the weather like in Punta Cana?

September is usually the warmest month in Punta Cana, with average highs of 87°F (31°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 73°F (23°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 188 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Punta Cana?

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the closest airport, about 1 miles (2 km) from the centre of Punta Cana.

How much are flights to Punta Cana?

The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Punta Cana in the last 30 days was $679 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec.

What currency is used in Punta Cana?

Punta Cana uses the Dominican peso (DOP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $61.4.

What time zone is Punta Cana in?

Punta Cana uses the America/Santo_Domingo time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Punta Cana?

Tour operators: Most passengers arriving in Punta Cana International Airport have prearranged local transportation through a tour operator. These companies have representatives at the airport to guide guests to vehicles waiting to take them to the reserved resort.

What are the best places to visit in Punta Cana?

Top sights in Punta Cana include Bávaro Beach, Saona Island, Altos de Chavón and Macao Beach. A long stretch of white sand and palm trees along the main resort coast of Punta Cana. Walk along the shoreline to find quieter spots between the big hotels.

What are the top things to do in Punta Cana?

Popular experiences you can book in Punta Cana include Saona Island - VIP Tour, Santo Domingo - Full Day Tour and Samaná: Limon Waterfall and Cayo Levantado - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 123 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Punta Cana?

The most popular types of experiences in Punta Cana are day trips & excursions (42), outdoor activities & adventure (29), cruise & water tours (25) and gastronomy & nightlife (5). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Punta Cana?

Popular areas for hotels in Punta Cana include Uvero Alto and Bavaro. Well-reviewed options include Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana All Inclusive Resort and Grand Palladium Select Bávaro - All Inclusive.

How many hotels can I book in Punta Cana?

Destina Holidays currently lists 189 properties in and around Punta Cana, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.