Things to Do in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: Walking Guide

Punta Cana is a lively resort town on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, celebrated for its powder-white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Ranking as the second-most popular tourist destination in Latin America, it draws more visitors than any other city in the Caribbean. If you are planning your trip and looking for the best things to do in Punta Cana, the area offers a fascinating mix of sun-drenched coastal charm, rich local heritage, and important cultural landmarks that stretch beyond the beach.

To help you explore the city at your own pace, Neywo offers a free Punta Cana audio guide featuring 5 narrated places.

What to See in Punta Cana

The region offers a mix of modern resort energy and deep-rooted historical and spiritual traditions. Here is what to see when you explore the area:

Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

Located in nearby Higüey, this prominent landmark is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and cathedral dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, the patroness of the Dominican Republic, and serves as the seat of the local diocese. Its interior was finished in 1971, and the building is famously featured on the reverse of the country’s fifty-peso note. Pope Paul VI elevated the cathedral to a minor basilica in 1970, and Pope John Paul II later visited in 1992. According to a beloved local legend, a young girl received a portrait of the Virgin Mary that repeatedly appeared beneath a small tree each morning, marking the spot as sacred. The historical painting has been on public display since 1571 and draws more than eight hundred thousand visitors each year, making it one of the most visited religious sites in the Caribbean.

Aroma’s Museum and Museo de La Altagracia

For travellers looking to dive deeper into local culture, the Museo de La Altagracia and Aroma’s Museum offer engaging stops along your journey to discover at your own pace.

Punta Cana and La Altagracia Province

Punta Cana sits within La Altagracia Province, the easternmost stretch of the Dominican Republic where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. The name La Altagracia means ‘High Grace’ and honors the revered painting brought from Spain in the early sixteenth century. The town itself takes its name from local cane palms, meaning ‘tip of the white palm stick.’ Today, its privately owned international airport situated about three kilometres inland is the country’s busiest, handling over 7.3 million passengers each year—roughly 64 percent of all arriving flights.

After discovering Punta Cana, you can continue your travels through the country and explore other remarkable destinations such as Puerto Plata.

Explore Punta Cana with Neywo

Discover the stories behind the sights with a Punta Cana audio guide. Neywo features a free audio guide for Punta Cana covering 5 narrated places. Each story plays automatically as you reach the place, allowing you to explore completely at your own pace with no group and no schedule. Narration is available in 11 languages, making it easy to learn about the history and culture of the Dominican Republic while you walk. Download Neywo before your trip and start exploring.