Dominican Republic · La Altagracia · east coast

What to see and do in Punta Cana

Public beach and a private reserve with own visit.

Bávaro, Macao and the Puntacana Foundation reserve belong to different areas of the destination. Organize your transfers and combine beach days with a reserved visit to Ojos Indígenas if you are interested in conservation.

2 days suggestedModerate budgetBeach and sea · Nature

Duration, budget and itinerary: editorial suggestions adjustable to your trip. No prices or availability in real time.

Bavaro Beach
Andreas Volkmer Original photography · CC BY 2.5 · Reduced version of Wikimedia; without editing the content. The website may show a frame crop.

What to visit in Punta Cana · Bávaro, Macao and Indigenous Eyes

PLACES AND EXPERIENCES

What to do in Punta Cana · Bávaro, Macao and Indigenous Eyes

beach

Bavaro Beach

The long coast of Bávaro combines light sand, palm trees and tourist services facing the Atlantic. You can organize a day at the beach using the public accesses, with restaurants and optional activities in its surroundings.

Activities for your visit

  • Walk along the shore from an authorized public access.
  • Enjoy the coastal landscape and choose local services if you want them.

Tips for this place

  • Confirm the closest public access to your accommodation.
  • The state of the sea and algae change; Follow the safety instructions of the day.
Check access ↗

Free public beach. Use enabled access; Hotels, parking, sun loungers and water activities can charge their own services.

Reference sources and location

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.71666, -68.45006.

Wikidata · Bavaro Beach

Bavaro Beach
Bavaro Beach Andreas Volkmer Original photography · CC BY 2.5 · Reduced version of Wikimedia; without editing the content. The website may show a frame crop.

beach

Macao Beach

Macao is north of Punta Cana's main tourist area, with a broad stretch of sand and palm trees. Its waves attract surfers and distinguish it from other beaches in the destination.

Activities for your visit

  • Walk along the public beach and observe the landscape.
  • Choose a separate surf class if you are interested in that activity.

Tips for this place

  • Don't assume calm waters: check waves and local advisories.
  • Classes, meals and transportation are separate services.
Check access ↗

Free public beach. Surf lessons, buggy tours, meals and transportation are separately optional services.

Reference sources and location

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.773089, -68.5355211.

Ministry of Tourism · Macao Beach

nature

Indigenous Eyes Reserve · Los Ojos Eco Journey

The Puntacana Foundation reserve protects a tropical forest with freshwater lagoons. Your guided experience Los Ojos Eco Journey combines conservation projects with a visit to the authorized areas of this private space.

Activities for your visit

  • Learn about the ecological projects included in the tour.
  • Tour the authorized trails and lagoons according to the reserved modality.

Tips for this place

  • Expressly choose Los Ojos Eco Journey on the foundation's channel.
  • Confirm transportation, swimming conditions and requirements before paying.
Book visit ↗

Direct booking of Los Ojos Eco Journey with the Puntacana Foundation. Confirm the authorized gaps, the meeting point and the transfers included.

Reference sources and location

indicative location of the place; it does not identify an entrance, trail, boat launch, meeting point, or accessible route.

Reference coordinates: 18.5075, -68.376944.

General Directorate of Cinema · Location Indigenous Eyes

A PROPOSAL TO ORGANIZE YOURSELF

2-day itinerary in Punta Cana · Bávaro, Macao and Indigenous Eyes

  1. Day 1

    Bávaro and Macao

    Choose a public stretch of beach and, with transportation arranged, explore the scenery of Macao.

  2. Day 2

    Indigenous Eyes

    Book the Puntacana Foundation modality and confirm the meeting point and transfers.

Tips for visiting Punta Cana · Bávaro, Macao and Indigenous Eyes

  • Macao and Bávaro are not a single beach or a short walk away.
  • The private reserve and its activities have different conditions from the public coastline.

LOCAL FLAVORS

What to eat in Punta Cana · Bávaro, Macao and Indigenous Eyes

Mangú, la bandera dominicana and a Holy Week dessert: six flavors that introduce Dominican cuisine. The photos show actual dishes for reference; every home and restaurant has its own variations.

Mangú with onion, fried eggs, cheese, salami and avocado
Mangú con los tres golpes and avocado, photographed in the Dominican Republic. Danimsosa · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic · Creole breakfast

Mangú con los tres golpes

Boiled, mashed green plantains served with salami, fried cheese and eggs. This breakfast combination is known as los tres golpes; the photo also includes onion and avocado.

Reference: Dominican Embassy · Gastronomy

Plate of white rice, meat and salad with beans served separately
La bandera dominicana: rice, meat and beans, served with salad. Asalas03 · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic Lunch every day

La bandera dominicana

White rice, beans and meat make up this Creole combination. It is prepared with chicken, beef or pork and can be served with different accompaniments; The beans can be served in a separate container.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Dominican dishes

A bowl of Dominican sancocho with meat, root vegetables and corn on the cob, served with rice
Dominican sancocho served with a portion of white rice. LittleT889 · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic · Broth to share

Dominican sancocho

Meat stew with groceries and vegetables, linked to meetings and special occasions. There are different recipes, including the seven meat version; The photo shows a Dominican preparation with rice on the side.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Sancocho

Fried fish slice with golden plantains and green onion
Fried fish with plantains; a reference Dominican presentation. Arlene Campusano · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican coasts · Taste of the beach

Fried fish

Seasoned and fried fish, a classic from the Dominican coast. It can be accompanied with tostones and other fried plantains; The fish and garnish change depending on the preparation.

Reference: Ministry of Tourism · Fried fish

Golden pieces of pica pollo resting on paper after frying
Freshly fried pica pollo, Santo Domingo style. fugzu · Original photography · CC BY 2.0

Dominican Republic Crispy fried food

Pica pollo

Pieces of chicken coated and fried until golden brown. Tostones are a common accompaniment; The photograph shows the chicken freshly fried, before the garnishes are served.

Reference: Dominican Embassy · Pica pollo

Bowl of sweet beans covered with small milk cookies
Sweet Dominican beans with milk cookies. Arlene Campusano · Original photography · CC BY-SA 4.0

Dominican Republic Holy Week Tradition

Habichuelas con dulce

Dessert of beans with milk, sugar and spices, closely associated with Holy Week. Its common ingredients include coconut milk, cinnamon and raisins; It is usually served with small milk cookies.

Reference: INESPRE · Tradition of beans with sweet

Sources to prepare your visit

Reference location: Wikidata · Bavaro Beach.

Reference of a place in the guide; It does not represent the entire area nor a route between visits.

Editorial content by SoyTurista PR, based on the linked sources. Confirm details with each provider before traveling.

Report a change to this guide. Include its URL and an official source if available.

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