Punta Cana guide: what to do beyond the resort

Punta Cana receives half of all air arrivals in the country and most visitors never leave the resort. Those who do discover that Santo Domingo, the oldest colonial city in the Americas, is three hours away by guagua, and the Samana peninsula makes a gorgeous one day journey.

The classic escape: Santo Domingo in a day

The Expreso Bavaro bus leaves Bavaro from 7:00 and drops you in central Santo Domingo in about 3 hours. The exact pick up point and time come with your booking confirmation. Colonial Zone, the First Cathedral of the Americas, Calle Las Damas, and back on the afternoon departure. It is the best value day trip in the east of the country.

Towards Samana and Las Terrenas

There is no direct bus from Punta Cana. The correct itinerary goes through Santo Domingo and Guagualine sells it solved: two coordinated segments plus connection assistance. Las Terrenas is the most European beach town in the country and from November to March Samana is the world capital of humpback whales.

Things to do in Punta Cana

• Saona Island trip from Punta Cana →
• Hoyo Azul and Scape Park →
• Macao buggy adventures →

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