Punta Cana & Higüey: Basilica, Market, Macao Beach Day Trip

Summary

From Punta Cana to Higüey’s basilica and markets with beach time

You’ll taste warm guava at Higüey’s bustling market, step quietly inside its famous basilica, share a smoky Dominican lunch in Anamuya, ride horses past palm trees, and end up barefoot on Macao Beach—all with hotel pickup and a local guide who makes every moment feel real.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell outside the Basilica of Higüey—candles and something sweet I couldn’t place. Our guide, Ana, waved us over to the stone steps and told us about the Virgin of Altagracia while a group of school kids giggled nearby. I’m not usually into churches but the way sunlight spilled through those arches made me stop for a second. There’s this hush inside—even with people moving around—and you kind of feel it in your chest.

We wandered through Higüey’s market after that. It’s loud in a good way—vendors calling out prices, someone chopping fruit (mangoes everywhere), a kid chasing a chicken between stalls. Ana handed me a piece of guava and I swear it was warmer than the air. She explained how locals shop daily for fresh stuff; I tried to ask for plantains in Spanish but mostly just made everyone laugh. They were patient though—Dominican patience is real.

Lunch came next in Anamuya—a little open-air spot where we sat under palm leaves and ate rice, beans, and chicken that tasted smoky from the wood fire. The coffee after was thick and almost gritty; they showed us how they roast cacao too, which smells nothing like chocolate bars back home (earthier? Hard to describe). We got to see inside a typical Dominican house—tiny kitchen, bright plastic chairs—and I kept thinking how different it felt from Punta Cana resorts.

I’ll admit I was nervous about the horse ride at Rancho Papito (I’ve only ever ridden ponies at fairs), but my horse seemed more bored than wild. The trail cut through green fields with cows watching us pass by like we were interrupting their afternoon. Last stop was Macao Beach—30 minutes goes fast when you’re floating in clear water or sipping pineapple juice straight from the fruit (not included but worth it). My hair still smelled salty on the drive back. So yeah—this day trip from Punta Cana to Higüey is still rolling around my head.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cultural tour from Punta Cana to Higüey

• Visit Basilica of Higüey
• Walk through local market
• Tour typical Dominican house
• See cacao and coffee making
• Stop at cigar factory and make cigar
• Horseback ride at Rancho Papito
• Relax at Macao Beach

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Punta Cana to Higüey?

The tour is a half-day trip starting with morning pickup from Punta Cana hotels and returning by afternoon.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Dominican lunch made with organic ingredients is included during the stop in Anamuya.

Do you visit Macao Beach on this tour?

Yes, there is a 30-minute stop at Macao Beach for swimming or relaxing before heading back.

Are hotel pickups available for this tour?

Pickup is included from all hotels in Punta Cana, Uvero Alto, and Cap Cana areas.

What can you see at the Basilica of Higüey?

You’ll see its unique architecture and learn about its religious significance with your guide.

Is there a horse ride included?

Yes, there’s a guided horse ride at Rancho Papito as part of the itinerary.

Can children join this day trip?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants and small children can use strollers or prams.

Will we visit any local markets?

You’ll walk through Higüey’s main market to experience daily life and sample fresh produce.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Punta Cana (or Uvero Alto or Cap Cana), entry to all sites mentioned like the Basilica of Higüey and cigar factory, guided walks through markets and towns with plenty of stories along the way, a traditional Dominican lunch in Anamuya with organic food tasting, time for horseback riding at Rancho Papito, plus free time to swim or relax at Macao Beach before heading back home.