Punta Cana: Cultural Safari, Higüey Town & Macao Beach Lunch

Summary

Half-day Dominican culture tour with local food, Higüey sights and beach swim

You’ll leave Punta Cana’s resorts behind for a day trip full of real moments—rolling cigars by hand, tasting fresh Dominican coffee and chocolate, sharing laughter over lunch at a mountain ranch, and swimming at Macao Beach. With hotel pickup included and Carlos guiding you through Higüey’s lively streets, it’s less about sightseeing and more about feeling part of it all.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what’s actually beyond those resort gates in Punta Cana? I did, so I signed up for this half-day cultural safari—honestly not knowing what to expect besides a bumpy truck ride. First thing I noticed: our guide, Carlos, greeted us like old friends (he even remembered my name later, which still surprises me). We rattled along through little villages—kids waving, roosters darting across the road—and stopped at a tiny souvenir shop that smelled like tobacco and sweet coffee. Watching cigars being rolled by hand was oddly soothing; I tried one puff (not for me) but the process was cool to see up close.

The drive into Higüey was louder than I thought—motorbikes everywhere, people chatting on corners. Carlos pointed out the Basilica from the truck window; it’s this huge concrete arch that almost looks out of place against all the bright houses. We got out to wander through the local market—so many colors and voices and these sharp smells of fruit and spices. I bought some weird-looking cacao balls (they’re for hot chocolate apparently) and probably overpaid but didn’t care. There’s something about seeing daily life just happening around you that feels realer than any museum.

Lunch at the ranch was buffet-style—rice, beans, chicken with this tangy sauce—and we ate outside under palm trees while someone poured us rum punch. The air smelled like grilled meat and wet earth after a quick rain shower. Afterward we visited a small house where they showed us how they roast coffee beans; the woman there laughed when I tried to say “gracias” with her accent. Tasted fresh mango too—sticky-sweet juice running down my wrist. The horse ride was short but fun (my horse seemed more interested in snacking on grass), then we finished at Macao Beach where locals were playing dominoes in the shade while kids ran straight into the surf. I didn’t pack a swimsuit but ended up wading in anyway—the water was warm enough to make you forget everything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day cultural safari and beach visit

• Pick up at hotel
• Visit typical souvenir shop
• Watch handmade cigar demonstration
• Tour typical Dominican house
• See coffee, cocoa, and fruit process with tasting
• Visit Higüey city and Basilica panoramic view
• Walk inside local market in Higüey
• Visit Higüey Mountains and ranch
• Enjoy Dominican buffet lunch
• Ride on the river
• Horse ride
• Visit Macao Beach and swim
• Drinks during excursion
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long is the Punta Cana half-day cultural safari?

The tour lasts about half a day, including transportation from your hotel.

Does this tour include lunch?

Yes, a Dominican buffet-style lunch is included at a ranch in the mountains.

Is hotel pickup included in this Punta Cana tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or lodging are included.

Can you swim during this excursion?

Yes, there is time to swim or relax at Macao Beach near Bávaro.

Are drinks provided on the tour?

Yes, water, rum drinks, and juice are served during the excursion.

What do you see in Higüey town?

You’ll get panoramic views of the Basilica and walk inside the local market in Higüey.

Is there a guide on this cultural safari?

Yes, an experienced local guide accompanies you throughout the day trip from Punta Cana.

Are there any tastings included?

You can taste handmade coffee and natural chocolate at a typical Dominican house during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Punta Cana or Bávaro, transport by open-air safari truck with guide and driver (and yes—a bartender), stops at a souvenir shop with cigar demonstration, panoramic views of Higüey town and its basilica, time exploring the local market, visits to mountain villages with tastings of fresh coffee and cocoa at a family home (plus fruit!), horseback riding along country trails if you want it, Dominican buffet lunch at a ranch with drinks provided throughout—including rum punch—and finally free time to relax or swim at Macao Beach before heading back.