Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 

Punta Cana, meaning "tips of white palms" in Spanish, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Caribbean. And the beaches are indeed lined with the tall palm trees pictured in the gorgeous photography of the area. 

Located in the Dominican Republic's (DR) easternmost province, vacationers and locals flock to the rest and relaxation of the place where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic. Primarily known as a resort town, Punta Cana is easily accessed with its very own Punta Cana Airport. 

Keep reading to learn more about the beautiful Punta Cana, DR. 

Punta Cana's History 

Believe it or not, Punta Cana was largely undiscovered and untamed until 1969, when a group of investors discovered the area. With its pristine beaches, azure waters, and lush coral reefs, they saw the potential in the investment, renamed it, and began development. The first hotel was built in 1971 with a mere 10 cabins. Then, in 1978, Punta Cana gained attention from the French resort chain Club Med. There they built their first large resort at 350 rooms. And in 1984, the airport was opened, and tourism really began to take hold. 

Since that time, several movies have been shot there, and the hotel industry enjoyed exponential growth. 

The Culture of Punta Cana 

As a whole, the Dominican Republic has a multicultural past that is revealed through strong European, African, and native Taino Indian influences. They are Spanish-speaking people with most knowing English as well. Tourists can witness the culture of the locals by visiting local restaurants, festivals, and the shops of handmade goods. 

Planning Your Stay 

With the largest concentration of all-inclusive resorts globally, there are plenty of choices for where to stay. And they range in price to accommodate all budgets. To name just a few, research the following resorts and see which might suit your vacation desires. 

• Ocean Blue Sands Golf & Beach Resort 
• Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana 
• The Grand Reserve at Paradisus 

• Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa 
• Paradisus Palma Real Golf & Spa Resort 
• Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar, Sanctuary Cap 

The Top Foods to Complete Your Culinary Experience 

Although the resorts offer a variety of cuisine from all over the world, authentic foods from Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are the choice for "foodies." The mixture of cultures from the indigenous Taino, the Spanish, and the African create a flavor uniquely DR. Try the plantain dishes like Mangu (a plantain mash) or Tostones (twice-fried plantains). Enjoy the savory with entrees such as Bandera (rice, beans, and meat dish), Sancocho (7-meat stew), or Pollo Guisado (braised chicken). And no meal in Punta Cana is complete without Arroz Blanco (white rice) and Ensalada Verde (green salad). 

Authentic fare is served up in restaurants like 

• Picapollo Chino 
• El Rincon del Marisco 
• Comedor Anny 
• Las Leñas 

• Huracan Cafe 
• Delicias de Bávaro 

What To Do in Punta Cana 

Discover new activities, new places, and new people on your island vacation in Punta Cana. With something for every family member, vacationers will enjoy a fulfilling experience in the vast array of activities in Punta Cana. Here are a few we recommend. 

1. 32 miles of stunning white sand beaches leave visitors tanned and well-rested. 
2. Known as "heaven on Earth" is Saona Island. It is the most popular place visited in Punta Cana for the starfish-lined beaches, coral gardens, the 2-foot iguanas, untouched beaches, and the mangrove forests. 
3. Scape Park is a natural theme park in the Cap Cana Resort. From the 100-meter cliff, adventurers will zipline, explore caves, swim underground, and more. 
4. Jeep Safari Tours and the Horseplay Ranch offer adventure and exploration. The Zipline Canopy Adventure is adrenaline-packed for sure. 
5. For a half-day snorkeling cruise, join Marinarium on a glass-bottom boat. 
6. Go exploring in Rancho Capote's Fun Fun Cave. 
7. Book a service at the Six Senses Spa before you go. The spa has nine treatment rooms, a relaxation area, a yoga pavilion, steam and sauna rooms, and all surrounded by the ocean. 

There are plenty of things to do for all in Punta Cana, DR. Come, lose yourself in the allurement of the islands in Punta Cana. 

CITED: puntacanatravel.org, likealocalguide.com, wikepedia.com, punta-cana.info