Punta Cana - What to see, what to pack

Looking for the best tips in Punta Cana? Below some ideas on what to see, pack, and some blog links to plan your trip.

There are direct flights from Brazil to Punta Cana, which makes it a natural and popular destination to Brazilians...! It is possible to book both economic packages (flight + hotel / all inclusive resorts) or choose to enjoy the island in its luxury version (Cap Cana, Casa de Campo, etc).

Punta Cana is on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic. The country is on an island called Hispaniola, shared with Haiti. Interesting how 2 countries that have exactly the same natural resources - and are side by side - can be completely different. The Dominican Republic is a prosperous, democratic, modern and developing country. Santo Domingo, the capital, is the oldest colonial city in the Americas...!

The local language is Spanish, the currency is either pesos or dollars. The country has approximately 10 million inhabitants. Hispaniola was where Christopher Columbus landed in 1492, beginning the Spanish rule. It is a paradisiac place, worth exploring.

Some must-have tips:

• Isla Saona - in the National Park. They say that the Blue Lagoon was filmed there (though apparently it is not true, it is a believable lie due to its natural beauty).
  
  
• Ecological Reserve Indigenous Eyes - the tour includes a trail that passes through 12 lagoons, one of them with a diving platform. Very worth the visit.
  
• Hoyo Azul - walk to the Cenote, located in the region of Juanillo. It is in Scape Park the cave, with crystalline blue water. Ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.
• Restaurant JellyFish: great food and beautiful place, a lot of weddings take place there:
  http://www.jellyfishrestaurant.com/en/home/
  

For kids:

• Manati Park: a super nature-oriented park that explores also the local culture.
  (There are also other parks, "aquariums", and "swim with dolphins" activities - kids and even adults may love them, but I don't feel good sharing/supporting this kind of tourism... so I refrain from listing them)

If you have more days, be sure to visit:

• Beaches, islands, famous areas: Bavaro, Macao, Catalina Island, Cap Cana (super lux)
• Nightlife - casinos, discos, shows: the most famous are Coco Bongo and Hard Rock

What to pack on a week trip:
1 pair of elegant flat sandals
1-2 pair of havaianas / jellies
1-2 pair of medium or high heel sandals - only if you plan to go dancing/clubs
1 pair of sneakers (to visit natural parks / trails)

Read more about Wedding shoes in Punta Cana here:
WHAT SHOES TO WEAR TO A BEACH WEDDING

The atmosphere is very relaxing, but you can dress anything from casual to a fashionable dressier look... Do focus on flats and comfort if you are in the mood to explore.

Interesting Blogs (in portuguese):
https://viagenscinematograficas.com.br/2015/11/dicas-de-punta-cana-melhor-epoca-passeios.html
http://viajante-abreu.com/2015/punta-cana-10-activities-for-the-praia/
http://www.aproximaviagem.pt/n1/03_puntacana.html
In English:
https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/dominican-republic/articles/the-top-10-things-to-see-and-do-in-punta-cana/
Diving:
https://www.seaprodivers.com
Trip Advisor, the Top 10 Things to Do in Punta Cana:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147293-Activities-Canada_Canada_Amazon_Province_Dominican_Republic.html#ATTRACTION_SORT_WRAPPER