Five Can't Miss Punta Cana & Bávaro Adventures

The Punta Cana and Bávaro regions are home to some of the Dominican Republic’s finest all-inclusive resorts, including Barceló Bávaro Palace, Occidental Punta Cana and Occidental Caribe.

During your stay, you’ll want to take advantage of some of the area’s incredible adventures, ranging from fascinating historical sites to eye-opening ecotourism opportunities.  

Travel back in time to the age of discovery. Located at the mouth of the Ozama River, the Colonial City of Santo Domingo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) was the first permanent establishment of the “New World.”

Founded in 1498, the city is window into the past, with an array of historic Spanish colonial buildings and monuments, including the Catedral Primada de América, the first cathedral in the Americas, and the Alcázar de Colón, the former residence of Christopher Columbus’ son.

Eco-adventurers won’t want to miss the bounty of activities available in the Dominican countryside. On a Bavaro Runners tour, you’ll board a classic safari-style jeep for a ride through a breathtaking landscape filled with teeming jungles and amazing wildlife. You’ll also get a taste of authentic Dominican culture, visiting a sugarcane plantation and tobacco farm – cigar lovers will be able to see firsthand how cigars are handmade by master craftsmen.

When you get to Saona Island, you might feel like pinching yourself. But no, you’re not dreaming – this Dominican destination is pretty close to heaven on earth. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1494, the island boasts gorgeous mangroves, crystal clear waters (perfect for snorkeling) and postcard-worthy beaches. A day trip to Saona Island is one that will stay with you for years to come …

Take a trip back to the Stone Age! Fun Fun Cave is a subterranean wonderland located in National Park Los Haitises. Here, you'll be rappell safely down into the cave by expert guides, discover an underground river, see hundreds of nocturnal bats, and learn all about the Dominican Republic's earliest days and unique geography.

A one-of-a-kind cultural gem, Altos de Chavon is a detailed re-creation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village in La Romana, Dominican Republic. Here, you’ll encounter a working artists’ colony, filled with the Dominican Republic’s finest arts and crafts traditions. Don’t miss the beautiful open-air amphitheater, which has hosted such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana.