Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. 2022 Travel Guide.

Among all the paradisiacal destinations in the world, Punta Cana has always been extremely popular thanks to its endless white sandy beaches in the heart of the Caribbean. It may be the destination you are looking for when deciding where to go on holiday this year in 2022.

The Dominican Republic reopened its borders to the world on July 1, 2020, making it easy to travel to the country due to the simplified entry requirements.

Travelling to Punta Cana is much more than simply enjoying the sun and the sea. Its attractions range from Dominican food and traditions to the island’s inland jungle region, which is very possibly unlike anything you had ever imagined. Get ready for your next holidays in Punta Cana with the following recommendations.

WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR STAY IN PUNTA CANA

Your holiday in paradise begins long before you set foot in Punta Cana. When you start planning what you are going to do and what you are going to visit, a part of you has already begun exploring the Dominican Republic.

Many times, your plans will be conditioned to a lesser or greater extent by whether you are travelling with your family, your partner or with friends. Or you may very well be travelling on your own, since Punta Cana is indiscriminately welcoming to anyone who decides to visit.

Let’s see what you can do during your holiday this year in 2022 in Punta Cana.

LEISURE AND RELAXATION ON PARADISIACAL CARIBBEAN BEACHES

What more can you ask for from your holidays than to enjoy some rest and relaxation? In Punta Cana, it’s impossible not to surrender to the freedom of not having to organise anything. Simply lay back and rest under the shade of a coconut tree and let yourself be caressed by the gentle breeze with the subtle smell of salt.

As for the quality of the beaches, Punta Cana is internationally renowned for its expansive sandy beaches bathed by crystal clear waters. There are so many beaches worth mentioning, but there is one that stands out above all the rest. We’re talking about Playa Bávaro, the most iconic beach in the area that many recognise as one of the most beautiful in the world. A space where you can enjoy a peaceful moment in the sun, a diving lesson among its beautiful coral reefs, or any of the numerous water activities.

That’s why the beaches in Punta Cana, such as Playa Bávaro, can offer you endless plans within the same space. All you have to do is go with the flow. But make sure to use sun protection during the hottest parts of the day to avoid getting a sunburn so you can fully enjoy all of the available activities. If you want to discover the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, you can learn all about them here.

OUTINGS WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS OR AS A COUPLE

Going on an outing in Punta Cana and in the Dominican Republic is an ideal plan to combine the relaxing days spent on the beach with other experiences that will immerse you in the culture and biodiversity of the country.

If you want to learn about the rural life, traditions and customs in the Dominican Republic, we highly recommend visiting the inland parts of the country. If you want to participate in sports activities such as canyoning or hiking, don’t hesitate to head inland to explore the nature reserves or the most impressive waterfalls in the Dominican Republic.

You can also book a tour to Catalina Island, which is ideal for enjoying with family, friends or as a couple. Visiting the Haitises National Park or hiking in the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Reserve are some of the Dominican Republic’s other main attractions.

Another option is to plan an outing to other beaches such as Playa Cosón or Playa Rincón in Samaná.

Another place that can’t be missed, especially due to its proximity to Punta Cana, is a visit to Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. On this outing you’ll get to learn about the origins of the Dominican people while you walk through the streets of the city’s historic centre, called the “Colonial City”, as you admire the first settlements on the island. And to really get to know the city in depth, there’s nothing better than eating at any of its restaurants and visiting its shops in search of the perfect souvenir or gift with which you’ll always remember your incredible holidays in Punta Cana.

WATER AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Without having to leave Punta Cana, or on any of the nearby beaches of the emblematic Costa del Coco, you’ll have access to numerous sports and leisure activities, practically without having to leave your resort.

Have you ever thought about swimming with dolphins? In Punta Cana, everything is possible, and swimming with dolphins is among the most popular activities. But there are many other fun things to do, such as going scuba diving to discover an incredible seabed unlike anything you’ve ever seen before or snorkelling for those who want to admire it from the surface. If you are a boat lover, you can also go sailing on a catamaran, and the more adventurous will have the option of going parasailing or paragliding in a truly magnificent setting.

If you’re looking for a relaxing experience, you can enjoy going for pleasant swims in the crystal clear waters during the day or go shopping at the best places in Punta Cana like The Boulevard, which also has spaces that offers entertainment for the littlest ones in the family, and an incredible selection of nightlife venues with places like the Chía nightclub.

FOOD IN PUNTA CANA

The typical Dominican dishes are an exquisite sample of Creole cuisine that gives the island a whole lot of personality. A combination of Taíno, Spanish and African influences that will delight any palate, such as mangú, one of the most popular dishes in the country. During your stay you will also have the try the excellent seafood from Punta Cana, freshly caught with all the flavour of the Caribbean. Don’t forget to accompany it with any of the typical drinks from the Dominican Republic. Have you seen the famous pictures of people drinking directly from a coconut? You’ve come to the perfect place to try all this and more, in addition to taking back an incredible memory of your holidays.

All the flavours of Punta Cana make it the best destination in the Caribbean to visit with your family, partner or friends.

LOCAL CELEBRATIONS IN PUNTA CANA

You can find deeply rooted local celebrations throughout the country, such as the La Vega Carnival, one of the most famous and colourful in the Caribbean.

One of the most enjoyed in the Dominican Republic is the merengue festival, held in Santo Domingo, very close to the Punta Cana area. For a whole month, Dominicans dance merengue non-stop and the whole island moves to its rhythm. If you have the chance to witness it, you’ll see how the Dominican people carry the rhythm in their blood. You can try your best to imitate them, but just know that it’s almost impossible to move like they do.

Religious festivals are also celebrated in Punta Cana, such as the one dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, the country’s patroness, considered to be the spiritual mother and protector of the American people. Her festival is on January 21st, and the most important celebrations take place in the Basilica of Higüey, in the area of Playa Bávaro. Therefore, if you are going to visit Punta Cana on these dates, keep it in mind so you can pass by the basilica and see the love and devotion that the Dominican people have for this Marian dedication.

In addition to these festivals, Punta Cana has an incredible variety of art and culture that will make you fall in love with the place even more. Have you thought about including these interesting plans as part of your holiday?

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW AND PREPARE BEFORE YOUR TRIP TO PUNTA CANA

Once you have fallen in love with the destination, there are a number of recommendations that you should take into account before travelling to Punta Cana. Below are the most relevant ones, although you can find even more information here.

CLIMATE IN PUNTA CANA

One of the biggest highlights of Punta Cana is its warm and tropical climate at any time of the year. In this region of the Caribbean, the average annual temperature is between 27 and 31ºC, dropping at most to 23-25ºC in winter. A true paradise for enjoying the sun and sea in any season.

Here you can find out more about the weather in Punta Cana at any time of year.

HOTEL IN PLAYA BÁVARO

Is there anything more important than choosing your hotel when travelling in the all-inclusive category? Searching for a hotel in the Dominican Republic will be easy if you decide to opt for hotels like the Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino, which is undoubtedly a tribute to endless luxurious experiences throughout your stay. Its privileged location on the beach is truly harmonious thanks to its infinity pool and its lush, green surroundings.

SAFETY IN PUNTA CANA

Although the Dominican Republic is considered a safe country, there are a number of basic safety precautions you should follow. In general, it is important to take precautions when moving away from tourist areas or resorts, and to avoid walking through rural or isolated areas at night, as well as to be especially cautious when handling cash.

In the centre of cities such as Santo Domingo, it’s a good idea to be careful around possible pickpockets, just like in any other popular tourist destination around the world, since they take advantage of any distraction to steal your belongings. In any case, the police are always on the lookout to prevent these types of altercations.

Here you can find all the safety recommendations for travelling to Punta Cana.

 VACCINES FOR TRAVELLING TO PUNTA CANA IN 2022

Another key point when organising a trip abroad is health security. Are there are any required vaccines for visiting Punta Cana? While no protection is mandatory, certain vaccines are recommended, such as Typhoid or Hepatitis A and B.

On February 20, 2022, the end of all pandemic-related restrictions was announced. Even the use of a face mask that used to be mandatory in indoor spaces was eliminated. The same goes for the vaccination certificate.  

Find more information about the recommended vaccines for travelling to Punta Cana here.

 PUNTA CANA AIRPORT

The 7 international airports in the country are open and operating and there are no mobility restrictions. 

The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the busiest in the Dominican Republic. Located on the east side of the country, it is very well connected and offers different means of transport such as taxis, buses, transfers or car rentals.

If you’re travelling to this destination, you’re likely to have a transfer service to the hotel included. If not, at the airport you can have a taxi or other means of transport take you to your destination. Always find out the best way of getting to your hotel before you leave so that you don’t waste any time at the airport.

 LUGGAGE FOR PUNTA CANA

Sun and sea. With these two claims to fame, you would think that preparing your luggage for Punta Cana would be easy. However, it is important to take into account certain recommendations, such as packing mosquito repellent, a hat or cap that protects you from the sun, and some warm clothing such as a jacket, especially if you are heading inland, whether during the day or at night.

It’s always a good idea to take a small first-aid kit with pain medication or plasters. And, of course, you should never forget to take sun protection with a high SPF, and a moisturiser for after sun exposure.

These are the basics that you can’t leave out of your suitcase when packing for Punta Cana.

And you should definitely leave enough room in your luggage for all the gifts you will buy during your stay in Punta Cana.

With these tips for your next holiday in Punta Cana, you can start preparing your trip and organising what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience in this incredible slice of paradise on earth.

If you’re travelling as a family, keep in mind that there are a number of recommendations for travelling with children to Punta Cana that may also interest you when choosing a hotel or planning which outings to go on.

Don’t forget to take note of the experiences that you don’t want to miss out on during your stay and start dreaming about that highly anticipated, long-awaited holiday in 2022 in the Dominican Republic.