Santo Domingo
A bit longer than a three hour drive from Punta Cana, is the capital of the Dominican Republic and a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the busiest and most populated Caribbean cities, combining modern sophistication and old world charm with the Latin lifestyle. This is where Christopher Columbus founded the first settlement in the Americas. It can boast of having the first cathedral in the Western Hemisphere, the first monastery, the first hospital, the first university and the first court of law. Known as the Colonial City it still has cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings.
Altos de Chavon
A stunning replica of a Mediterranean village built overlooking the winding Chavon River in the 1970s at the behest of the late Charles Bludhorn, the enormously wealthy president of Gulf & Western Corporation, which owned Paramount Pictures. He had it designed and built as an extravagant birthday present for his daughter. As the years passed, Dominican and American artists flocked to the area around it to live, study and work. The village hosts three major art galleries with current works. The hillside cliff where the village sits is also home to a 5,000 seat amphitheater, an archeological museum, craft workshops, and several galleries and restaurants.
Bavaro Runners
Very popular safari excursion in a four-wheeler in Punta Cana. It offers tourists an opportunity to experience the real people, the scenery and life in the Dominican Republic. The trip includes a visit to an authentic sugarcane plantation, a horseback ride on a spectacular beach, a school visit, a stop to see how cigars are made, and the Maria House coffee and cocoa plantation, and a small Dominican lunch. For those that would rather, the Runners offer a full-day of zip lining.
Saona Island
Sits on the Southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic. This scenic, secluded island with a lovely beach is part of a government-protected nature reserve called the Parque Nacional del Este, known for its beauty. The blue waters surrounding the island are teeming with tons of marine life, especially the area’s indigenous starfish. And protective sandbars keep the sand sparkling white. Most tours sail here by catamaran, leaving from Bayahibe. Or, you can catch a tour bus from Punta Cana, about a 90-minute ride. Some tours make a stop at a natural pool and include lunch and beverages, for an extra fee.
Manati Park
For animal lovers. It features some local animals including iguanas, crocodiles and tropical birds, but there are also exotic fish, horses, parrots and the chance to swim with dolphins. A half-day tour includes a Taino cultural show, a horse show, and two others by dolphins and sea lions. Guests can strolling in the lush gardens will see the ducks roaming freely. You may want to snap photos of the beautiful orchids and tropical plants, or buy local crafts in the souvenir shops. Bring your swimsuit and a towel, and you can take a short swim or swim with a dolphin.