La Altagracia

Several decades ago the eastern part of the Dominican Republic agreed to host a number of large hotel chains from Europe and put this coastal strip of the La Altagracia Province on the tourist world map. The beauty of its beaches drew much attraction, which over time diversified with the construction of golf courses and access to natural parks and other areas of ecological interest.

The province includes the very famous and well-known beaches of Punta Cana and Bávaro. With their beautiful sunrises and sunsets, they will make your stay a delight. They are also responsible for the majority of visits to the country. But, in addition, the province has an interesting cultural, historical and religious wealth that combines and integrates a high value tourist offer.

Did you know? The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is a private enterprise and, of all the airports in the country, is the one that registers the highest number of passengers.

The area of ​​Bávaro and Punta Cana is also well known today for its diverse offer of major shopping centers, which include a wide variety of establishments and restaurants, cinemas and other entertainment. Among them, is the Palma Real Shopping Village, the Puntacana Village, the San Juan Shopping Center and the Downtown Punta Cana, among others.

There are many leisure activities that can be enjoyed in this beautiful area. Excursions to caves with Taino cave paintings, and diving, kayaking, horseback riding, walks along the beaches, tours of the Victorian houses in the La Otra Banda municipal district, and a nightlife with many alternatives for all tastes. In addition, you can practice surfing in Macao beach.

Another important tourist and historical attraction in the province, in the city of San Rafael del Yuma, is a visit to Fuerte Casa de Ponce de León, conqueror of Puerto Rico, and the archaeological sites that surround the area, together with its forests and centuries-old traditions of Punta de Bayahibe.

The province’s ecological tourism is also evidence of the diversification of the tourist offer in this destination. The Bávaro lagoon, a freshwater coastal lagoon that was declared a protected area in 1995, stands out. This lagoon has become one of the main attractions for lovers of hiking, bird watching and kayaking. More than 85 species of birds inhabit this ecosystem, which constitutes a spectacular space for direct contact with nature.

Golf is another activity that is very much practiced and in demand in the province. Special mention should be made of the impressive golf courses that have been designed by renowned international golfers such as Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo, among others.

La Altagracia has a tourist cluster, which offers a wide range of information about the destination. Through it, you can find information on the gastronomic, cultural, historical and hotel attractions in the area.  

Did you know? In the main city of La Altagracia province, Higüey, is the Higüey Basilica, Our Lady of the Altagracia Cathedral, designed by A. Nunoyer de Segonzacy and Pierre Nupré, which opened on January 21, 1971. This Basilica was built to replace the Old Sanctuary, which was too small to accommodate the devotees.

Links of Interest:
Punta Cana International Airport: http://www.puntacanainternationalairport.com
Basilica of Higüey: http://www.basilicahiguey.com
Palma Real Shopping Village: http://www.palmarealshopping.com
San Juan Shopping Center: http://www.sanjuanshoppingcenter.com
Downtown Punta Cana: http://downtownpuntacana.com
Puntacana Village: http://puntacanavillage.com
Scape Park Cap Cana: http://www.scapepark.com
Puntacana Ecological Reserve: http://www.puntacana.com/to-do.html#ecoresrervetodo
Macao Surf Camp: http://macaosurfcamp.com
Coco Bongo Punta Cana: https://www.cocobongo.com/
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana (venue of important events and concerts in the area): http://www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com
Local news: http://www.bavaronews.com y http://www.bavaronline.com