Punta Cana
Dominican Punta Cana is home to European-owned resorts that follow the Mexican style of architecture, lined with soft sand beaches. The coastline is mildly windy and the surrounding natural marine pools are suitable for bathing.
An hour’s drive away takes you the nearest village is Higuey that sports a concrete basilica. On the way, you will see traditional wood houses in bright colors. Another village Bavaro provides its local people to service the resorts at Punta Cana. The primary language is Spanish though the locals speak English.
History and economy of Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a part of the Caribbean island Hispaniola and is shared by the Dominican Republic with Haiti. Before the Spanish took over the island, it was home to the local Taino Indians. This location was central to the Spanish conquest of the Americas. After a tumultuous fight for independence, from Spain and later Haiti, Punta Cana finally won its right to self rule in 1844. The country’s checkered history has seen foreign rule even after independence. The 1930s saw Raphael Trujillo, a brutal dictator, taking the reins of the country and leading it to an impoverished state.
The economy is primarily agrarian and a large part of the population is employed in the many resorts in the area. Punta Cana International Airport is well connected and serves a large tourist population.
Places near Punta Cana
Dominican Punta Cana is bordered by Cabeza de Toro, Cabo Engano and Juanillo. There are numerous beaches and resorts to the north of the cape like Playa de Arena Gorda, Playa Ubero Alto, Playa Macao, Playa Bavaro, and Playa de El Cortecito.
Weather at Punta Cana
The average day temperature at Punta Cana is 30 degrees C. This may rise to 35 degrees C during the months May to December. During the remaining months temperatures average around 20 degrees C. This region sees little rainfall.
Cuisine in Punta Cana
The local food at Punta Cana is a mix of Spanish and Taino Indian cooking. The local food is lightly spiced with flavours of oregano, garlic, onions and coriander. Apart from this, different types of meat, sea-food and vegetables are available as are disparate cuisines from the world over.
What to do in Punta Cana
Home visits are a great way to understand the culture and life of the people. It involves visiting a local ranch, enjoying a home-cooked meal and getting involved in the process of cocoa making. Lounge in a hammock or ride around the ranch on a horse after that’s done.
Go on a catamaran ride and pick coconuts. You may choose to go snorkeling further ahead or just stay back and watch the marine life. Maybe you’d like to get onto a deep sea fishing charter, manned by a professional crew that helps you land the biggest catch ever! Snorkeling with a guide in a reef filled with fish and coral or in Stingray Bay, for a firsthand view of sting ray and nurse sharks. Alternately, you may experience the animal adventure park with its displays by trained birds and sea lions. A touch pool allows visitors to hold some small, harmless sea creatures. You can choose to swim with the sharks and sea lions.
Golf and theatre
Visit the La Cana golf course with its varied choice of tees. The ocean lines a side of the golf course to make for an excellent view. Complete the round with a swim and a sumptuous lunch at the restaurant. The amphitheater at Altos de Chavon in La Romana is well worth a trip. Take the route from Bavaro through the sugarcane fields of Central Romana. Nightlife at Punta Cana is filled with activities that the resorts arrange. Alternately, you could visit the casinos for an experience of serious betting.
Shopping at Punta Cana
Look for larimar, amber and turquoise jewelry, local paintings and craft items, wood carvings along the beaches.Try shopping for authentic merchandise in Higuey.
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