La Altagracia: Horseback Ride, Coffee Farm & Anamuya River Lunch

Summary

Horseback riding through la altagracia coffee farms and riverside lunch

You’ll ride horses through La Altagracia’s countryside, sample fresh mamajuana at a family farm, explore Higuey’s bustling market with your guide, then unwind over a home-cooked Dominican lunch by the Anamuya River — maybe even take a dip if you feel like it.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to taste mamajuana right where it’s made? We’d barely left the hotel in La Altagracia when our guide, José, started telling stories about growing up nearby — something about his uncle’s horses and how every family here has their own way of making that famous drink. The air on the drive was thick and warm, but not uncomfortable. I kept catching whiffs of sugarcane and something earthy out the window. When we finally stopped for horseback riding, I realized my horse was named Luna — she seemed more interested in snacking on grass than carrying me anywhere fast. José just laughed and said she’s “tranquila,” which felt about right for the whole morning.

The next bit surprised me — we rolled into Higuey’s market after the countryside, and suddenly everything was louder: vendors calling out, music thumping from somewhere behind a fruit stall. Our group tried mamajuana (it burns a little but goes down sweet), then wandered past stalls stacked with plantains and bright peppers. I tried to say “gracias” with the right accent; one woman selling avocados smiled so wide I think she knew I was nervous. After that, we headed up into the hills to a small coffee and cocoa farm. The smell there hit me first — roasted beans, damp earth after last night’s rain. Watching them grind cocoa by hand made me realize how much work goes into every cup.

Lunch by the Anamuya River was honestly my favorite part of this day trip from Punta Cana. There were plates of rice, chicken, fried plantains — all simple but so good after being outside all morning. Some folks took a swim; I just dangled my feet in while sipping another glass of mamajuana (maybe two). The river water felt cold against my ankles compared to the sticky air above. Our guide kept us laughing with stories about local legends — apparently there’s a fish in this river that brings luck if you spot it, but nobody did. Still think about that view sometimes: green everywhere, people talking quietly over lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cultural tour and countryside activities

• Pick up at hotel by bus
• Horseback riding in countryside
• Taste Dominican mamajuana
• Visit Basilica Virgen de La Altagracia
• Explore local market
• Visit family farm for coffee and cocoa
• See natural product making
• Lunch by Anamuya River
• Swim in Anamuya River

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from all hotels in the area.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

You’ll have typical Dominican dishes made with fresh local produce.

Can I swim in the Anamuya River during the tour?

Yes, you can take a refreshing swim during the riverside lunch stop.

How long does this tour last?

This is a half-day excursion from Punta Cana or nearby areas.

Will there be a local guide throughout?

Yes, there is always a guide or instructor with you during the tour.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Infants must sit on an adult’s lap; check health requirements before booking.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water, soft drinks, rum and mamajuana are available throughout.

Do we visit any beaches on this trip?

You’ll visit a beach where locals live and share their culture.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned bus, guided horseback riding through La Altagracia’s countryside, tastings of real Dominican mamajuana at a family-run farm producing coffee and cocoa, time to browse Higuey’s local market and affordable stores outside tourist zones, plus a traditional Dominican lunch by the Anamuya River where you can also swim before heading back.