You’ll ride an ATV through Punta Cana’s wild trails, sample fresh chocolate and mamajuana at a Dominican organic farm, swim in a deep water cave, and relax on Macao Beach’s soft sand. Expect laughter, local flavors, and moments that linger long after you’ve washed off the dust.
The first thing I remember is the red dust—clinging to my shoes and eyebrows as we bounced along the trail outside Punta Cana. Our guide, Miguel, had this way of grinning just before hitting another puddle. I could smell something sweet and earthy when we stopped at the little organic farm. The owner handed me a chunk of chocolate so rich it stuck to my teeth. He showed us how they roll cigars—his hands were stained from years of tobacco leaves. I tried mamajuana for the first time (it’s like spiced rum but with a kick that sneaks up on you), and Li laughed when I tried to say “gracias” in her accent. Probably butchered it.
Riding the ATV felt like being a kid again—mud flying everywhere, wind in my face. When we finally hit Macao Beach, the sun was already high and you could hear kids shouting over the crash of waves. There were limestone cliffs off to one side and fishermen hauling nets nearby. I kicked off my shoes and let the sand work its way between my toes. You know how sometimes you forget what real salt air smells like? That hit me right then. Some people bought empanadas from a guy with a cooler strapped to his bike; I just sat there for a while watching everything.
The last stop was this water cave—dark and cool after all that sun. Miguel said it was about 25 feet deep but honestly, it felt endless when I jumped in (I hesitated for a second but everyone cheered). The water tasted mineral-y and cold enough to make me gasp. On the drive back, my shirt stuck to my back but I didn’t really care. Sometimes you get these flashes—a taste or smell or laugh—that stick with you longer than any photo. This day trip from Punta Cana is one of those for me.
The tour includes several stops over approximately half a day, including travel time back to your pickup location.
No lunch is included, but you can buy food and drinks at Macao Beach during your stop.
Yes, round-trip transportation from your accommodation is provided.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; older children may ride as passengers.
You’ll try local coffee, chocolate, green tea, mamajuana liqueur, and cigars (if interested).
Swimming is optional; those who wish can jump into or admire the cave pool.
The cave pool is about 25 feet deep according to guides.
The tour suits most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.
Your day includes round-trip transportation from your hotel in Punta Cana, an ATV ride with helmet provided, guided visits to an organic Dominican farm with tastings of coffee, chocolate and more, time at Macao Beach where you can buy snacks if you want, plus swimming at a natural water cave before heading back to your pickup point.
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