Higuey Cultural and Historic Countryside Tour from Punta Cana

Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey

Higüey is the spiritual heart of the Dominican Republic. Its basilica, completed in 1971, is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, the protector of the nation, and keeps a small painting of the Virgin that has been venerated here since the early colonial period. The building is a striking piece of modern architecture: a tall pointed concrete arch rises above the plaza, and the interior is filled with soft light from stained-glass windows. Every 21 January, pilgrims from all over the country come here for the feast day.

On a Higüey tour from Punta Cana this is usually the first cultural stop. Your guide explains the story of the painting and the traditions around it, and you have time to step inside quietly. Shoulders and knees should be covered; wraps are provided at the door if needed, and a small voluntary offering is customary. On some days the group visits the old 16th-century church of San Dionisio instead.

Higüey Farmers' Market and Town Life

Away from the beaches, Higüey is a busy working town, and its market shows everyday Dominican life at its most colourful. Stalls are piled with plantains, cassava, yams, avocados, mangoes, passion fruit and bunches of fresh herbs, while vendors call out prices and motorbikes weave through the streets. It is a good place to see the ingredients behind dishes such as mangú, sancocho and la bandera, the rice, beans and meat plate eaten across the country.

Your guide walks the group through the market, introduces unfamiliar fruit and answers questions about local food and customs. Next door, a craft shop sells handmade souvenirs such as larimar jewellery, cocoa products and painted wood. Shopping is optional, but bring some small cash if you would like to buy fruit or a gift. Expect around 30 to 40 minutes here, depending on the group.

Horseback Ride and the Anamuya Mountains

North of Higüey, the land rises into the Anamuya Mountains, a green range of rounded hills, cattle pastures, royal palms and small farming villages crossed by the Anamuya river. Few visitors to Punta Cana ever see this side of La Altagracia, and the views from the hills stretch over forest and farmland towards the coast. The air is fresher than on the beach and the pace of life is slow.

Here you climb onto a calm horse for a guided ride along countryside trails; no experience is needed and the horses walk at an easy pace. Later the group stops by the river for a buffet lunch of Dominican country cooking, usually rice, beans, stewed chicken, salad and fried plantain, with soft drinks. Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged if you tell us when you book. This mountain stretch is the part many travellers remember most.

Coffee, Cocoa and Tobacco Plantations

The Dominican Republic is one of the world's leading producers of organic cocoa, and many small farms in the eastern hills still grow cocoa, coffee and fruit trees side by side. At a family plantation you walk among the trees, open a fresh cocoa pod, see how the beans are fermented, dried and roasted, and taste hot chocolate and freshly brewed Dominican coffee. You also step into a traditional countryside house built of wood and painted in bright colours.

The tour also includes a visit to a small tobacco workshop, where artisans show how the dried leaves are sorted and rolled by hand, a craft that has been part of rural life in the country for generations. The visit is a short demonstration and there is no obligation to buy. Coffee and cocoa products make light, practical souvenirs for the trip back.

Macao Beach

Macao Beach lies on the Atlantic coast north of Bávaro and is one of the few long beaches in the Punta Cana area without large resorts directly on the sand. Golden sand curves between green headlands, palm trees line the back of the beach and the waves are often strong enough for surfing. Small kiosks sell fresh fish, fried snacks and coconut water.

At the end of the full-day option the group spends about 45 minutes here before driving back to the hotels. It is a good moment to swim if the sea is calm, walk along the shore or simply rest after a long day. Food, drinks and sun loungers at Macao are not included, so bring a little cash, plus swimwear and a towel. If you wonder whether Macao Beach is worth visiting, its natural setting is the answer.