Punta Cana: Countryside Safari Day Trip & Anamuya River Lunch

Summary

Dominican countryside day trip with sugar plantation visit, local family lunch and river swim

You’ll ride through Dominican countryside from Punta Cana in an open-air truck, meet locals at a sugar plantation and cigar workshop, then share lunch high in the Anamuya mountains before cooling off by the river. Taste fresh fruit and coffee at a family home—and maybe even try rolling your own cigar if you’re brave enough.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to finish my coffee before our driver was outside the hotel in Punta Cana, waving like we’d known each other for years. The safari truck looked a bit wild—open sides, bright paint, you could smell last night’s rain still clinging to the seats. We bounced out of town with our guide, Carlos, pointing out every tiny pastel house and shouting “colmado!” whenever we passed a corner store. Kids waved at us from schoolyards; I think I counted more donkeys than cars that first hour.

The air shifted as we climbed into the Anamuya mountains—cooler, thick with green. At this old sugar plantation, I tried chewing raw cane (sticky sweet, tougher than it looks). There was this moment when one of the cigar masters handed me a leaf and showed me how to roll it—my fingers fumbled it completely. He just grinned and said something in Spanish I half-understood. The whole place smelled like earth and tobacco; honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy that part so much.

Lunch was up on a breezy terrace overlooking banana trees and a patchwork of fields. Rice, chicken stew, beans—the kind of food that makes you want to nap right after. Carlos poured us rum (just a splash) and told stories about his grandmother’s coffee. Afterward we visited a local family’s home; their daughter offered us cacao straight from the pod—bitter but good—and her mom brewed coffee that tasted like nothing back home. Someone handed around mamajuana; I took one sip and coughed so hard Li nearly spit out her fruit laughing.

We ended up by the Anamuya river—a few of us waded in (cold at first), just letting our feet sink into the muddy bottom while sunlight flickered through palm leaves overhead. It wasn’t fancy or anything but felt real in a way I can’t quite explain. Sometimes you just remember how people smiled at you or how quiet it got for a second between all the talking. That sticks with me more than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dominican countryside safari and culture

• Board open-air safari truck
• Drive through Anamuya mountains
• See horses, donkeys, and livestock
• Watch cigar rolling demonstration
• Try fresh sugar cane juice
• Enjoy buffet lunch with drinks
• Visit local Dominican home
• Taste tropical fruits and coffee
• Try mamajuana drink
• Relax at Anamuya river

Top questions

How long is the safari tour from Punta Cana?

The day trip lasts several hours including travel to and from your hotel in Punta Cana or Bavaro.

Is lunch included on this Dominican countryside tour?

Yes, lunch is served at a mountaintop restaurant pavilion during the tour.

Will we visit a local family home?

Yes, you’ll stop at a Dominican home to meet locals and sample fruit, coffee, and cacao.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Yes, both alcoholic (rum, beer) and non-alcoholic drinks are included with lunch.

What activities are included besides sightseeing?

You’ll see sugar harvesting methods, learn cigar rolling from craftsmen, taste local foods and drinks, and can swim or relax by the Anamuya river.

Is pickup included for this safari tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Punta Cana or Bavaro hotels.

Is horseback riding part of this tour?

A horseback ride is offered on the outskirts of the tropical countryside during your day trip.

Are there any health restrictions for travelers?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Punta Cana or Bavaro, guided transport in an open-air safari vehicle through mountain villages and plantations, food and drink tastings at a local family home (think fresh fruit, organic coffee), entry to sugar plantation demonstrations plus hands-on cigar rolling with master craftsmen, horseback riding if you want it, buffet lunch with drinks in the mountains—and time to relax by the Anamuya river before heading back.