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Punta Cana Activities
La Romana/Altos de Chavon
This section on Punta Cana activities focusses on towns and cities which are within reasonable travelling distance of Puna Cana and Bavaro. See the box on the right for further information.
Further away than Higuey [about two hours] is the city of La Romana. This city was built and maintained by the sugar mills.
Altos de Chavon-this is the principal attraction of this area. It is a re-created 15th century Italian-Spanish village beside the mesmerizing Chavon River. At its founding in 1981, Altos de Chavon was declared ` artists village` by its creators who dedicated it to the service of the fine and applied arts.
Its old world cobblestone streets and quaint architecture conceal charming shops, fine restaurants, intimate bars, artisans workshops, a church, a vast amphitheater, an archaeological museum, and a university specializing in design.
The Parson's School of Design of New York City has a branch there. It has fine architecture, restaurants with great views and international cuisine, and an excellent museum.
Altos is adjacent to Casa de Campo so some couples may take the opportunity for one person to play golf at either Dye Fore or Teeth of the Dog and the other to visit Altos! Altos is completely free and you will merengue dancers and people dressed in traditional dress.
The views over the Chavon river are simply spectacular.
Punta Cana activities
This section focusses on towns and cities which are within reasonable travelling distance of Puna Cana and Bavaro.. See the white box below left for further excursion information.
Below: St Stanislaus Church, Altos
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SAMANA FOR THE WHALE WATCHING [JAN TO MARCH]
Samana Bay is world famous for its whale watching. Every year 5,000 Humpback whales travel to Samana Bay to mate and if you take a trip out into the bay you can see them breaching the water.
If you go to this area you could also consider visiting Cayo Levantado, a beautiful island some 15-20 minutes by boat off the coast of Samana.
Please be aware that the whale watching only happens from January to March each year. Also this trip will require a journey through some very `rugged` roads so go in a 4 wheeler or not at all!
Punta Cana activities
Above: Higuey Basillica
Below: Columbus Park
Santo Domingo
Higuey
is the nearest city and is about a 40 minute drive away. Higuey, America`s Holy Land. It was founded in 1494 by Jamaica`s conqueror, Juan de Esquivel and settled from 1502 to 1508 by the Captain of the Conquest, Juan Ponce de Leon.
The city has no tourist attractions other than its Basilica, a large modern cathedral that honors the Virgen de la Altagracia, patron saint of the Dominican Republic.
Higuey is the Mecca of the largest pilgrimages of Our Lady of Altagracia`s followers where, every year on the 21st of January, thousands of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia seeking health or spiritual wellbeing.
To visit the Basilica [see left] in Higuey, you can take either a taxi or public bus.
Punta Cana activities
Ponce de Leon House and Boca de Yuma
Located in San Rafael de Yuma, a detour south of the road that leads from Higuey to La Romana, the Ponce de Leon House was where the famous explorer of Florida lived with his wife and three daughters when he commanded the east of the country for the Spanish conquistadors back around 1505.
He would set sail from Boca Chica to colonize Puerto Rico, and then Florida. Near the Ponce de Leon house is the fisherman's town of Boca de Yuma, for fresh fish and dancing bachata and salsa.
Santo Domingo-capital of the Dominican Republic
I have left Santo Domingo until last because it is a long trip from Punta Cana. In fact it will probably take around 4 hours by car.
That said you can get a city tour there and in spite of the distance it is worth a visit, even if you stay over for the night.
Santo Domingo is the first city in the New World settled by the Europeans, and boasts a charming colonial zone and some of the best nightlife and dining in the Caribbean.
Punta Cana activities
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