Punta Cana is known as one of the best places in the Caribbean to relax. It’s always good to know that there are more than hotels and beautiful beaches in the area. Punta Cana offers all kinds of adventures and attractions that are not offered at any hotel, and if your interest is to see the reality of how people live in the Dominican Republic and some of the monuments and landmarks we have listed 5 ways to get around Punta Cana.
Getting Around Punta Cana
By Foot
The best way to get around Punta Cana is by foot if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort and don’t plan on going too far. Most of the resorts are right on the beach, or at least self-contained enough that you won’t need to go too far to plop down and relax. If you plan on going beyond the resort, have the concierge call a taxi for you. If you’re feeling courageous, you could rent a car.
Car
To explore surrounding towns, we recommend renting a car through your hotel or at the airport. We don’t, however, recommend driving within Punta Cana because traffic is at a constant gridlock. The Dominican driving style is different, to say the least — speed limits and stop signs are oftentimes ignored. Keep in mind that several resorts will charge you a parking fee, but you won’t need to purchase an additional license; your driving license is acceptable for up to three months.
Gua Gua “Buses”
Taking a local bus is one of the cheapest ways to get around, but not if you have somewhere to go in a hurry. The schedules are irregular, and buses have been known to be more than an hour late. Also, stops aren’t clearly marked so you can yell HERE and the driver will stop, and buses are usually packed.
Taxi
Taxis are plentiful and fares are negotiable, so always agree to a price before you get in the vehicle. But they can get expensive: If you have the concierge call a taxi, expect to pay around $40 USD for a 20-minute ride. Try walking off your resort to one of the taxi stands down the street for a cheaper rate.
Motoconchos
These taxi motorcycles have cheap fares, starting around $3 USD. Only if you like adrenaline but with the high accident rate and lack of helmets for passengers, we recommend taking a taxicab instead.
