Day Trips from Punta Cana: Saona, Higüey, Miches, and La Romana

Punta Cana is better connected to the rest of the east than most visitors imagine. Saona Island, within Cotubanamá National Park, is just over an hour away by road; the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, in Higüey, is forty-five minutes away; and Altos de Chavón, the recreated Mediterranean village in La Romana whose amphitheater was inaugurated in 1982 with a Frank Sinatra concert, is just over an hour away via the Autovía del Coral. At Nelly Rent a Car, we have been in the country for over 60 years, with an office in Punta Cana. This guide covers day trips and how to do them on your own.

What day trips can you take from Punta Cana?

Five destinations comprise almost everything worthwhile. Saona Island is the most requested: it is part of Cotubanamá National Park and is reached by boat from Bayahíbe, just over an hour's drive from Punta Cana. Higüey, forty-five minutes away, is the religious heart of the country thanks to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, whose main pilgrimage takes place every January 21, a national holiday. La Romana offers Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village built over the Chavón River, with its amphitheater and artisan workshops. To the north, Miches offers Montaña Redonda, a hill with swings and hammocks overlooking the bay, and almost pristine beaches like Playa Limón. And for something different, Boca de Yuma and San Rafael del Yuma preserve the 16th-century Casa de Juan Ponce de León.

What you should know before leaving the tourist area

Outside the tourist corridor, driving changes character. The Autovía del Coral, about 70 kilometers long and four lanes wide, connects the airport with La Romana and is the most comfortable road in the east, with a toll. But the road to Higüey and the routes to Miches are two-lane, with motorcycles, trucks, and unlit sections, so it's best to travel them during the day. The critical point is fuel: gas stations are scarce outside Verón and Bávaro, and along the way to Miches, there can be long stretches without any, so you should leave with a full tank. The final access to Montaña Redonda is a steep dirt road where a high-clearance vehicle or local transport from the base is recommended. At Nelly Rent a Car, we suggest SUVs for these routes.

Why do them with a car rental in Punta Cana

The cost difference is greater than it seems. An organized excursion to Saona or Altos de Chavón charges per person, so for four people, a single trip already approaches the cost of several days of rental. Added to that are fixed schedules, shared buses, and included commercial stops. With your own vehicle, you drive to Bayahíbe and hire the boat directly, or you arrive in Higüey at your preferred time. Nelly Rent a Car operates in Punta Cana in addition to Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata, with SUVs for routes to Miches and Montaña Redonda. If your trip continues to the capital, you can drop off the vehicle there without backtracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to Saona Island on your own from Punta Cana?

Yes. You drive just over an hour to Bayahíbe, in La Romana province, and from there, boats depart for the island, which is part of Cotubanamá National Park. Hiring the boat directly at the pier is usually more economical than an excursion with included transfer, especially for groups. It is advisable to arrive early because departures are concentrated in the morning.

What is the Higüey Basilica and why is it important?

It is the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, the main Catholic sanctuary in the Dominican Republic and a national pilgrimage center. Its modern architecture, with a large concrete arch, contrasts with the colonial style of other temples in the country. The main pilgrimage is every January 21, Altagracia Day and a national holiday, when the city fills up and traffic becomes complicated.

How long does it take from Punta Cana to Altos de Chavón?

Just over an hour via the Autovía del Coral, a four-lane, approximately 70-kilometer road connecting Punta Cana airport with La Romana. The highway has a toll, so it's advisable to carry cash in Dominican pesos. Altos de Chavón is located within the Casa de Campo complex, and its amphitheater was inaugurated in 1982 with a Frank Sinatra concert.

Is it worth going to Montaña Redonda from Punta Cana?

It's a trip of approximately an hour and a half towards the Miches area, with views of the bay and surrounding lagoons. The final access is a steep dirt road, so a high-clearance vehicle or local transport from the base is recommended. It's advisable to combine it with Playa Limón to make the trip worthwhile.

Is it cheaper to rent a car than to pay for excursions in Punta Cana?

In a group, almost always yes. Excursions charge per person, so a family of four might spend on a single trip the equivalent of several days of rental, and still be subject to fixed schedules and commercial stops. With Nelly Rent a Car, you can pick up the vehicle in Punta Cana and do Saona, Higüey, and La Romana on different days for the same cost.

Day trips from Punta Cana stop being closed packages when you drive yourself: Saona, Higüey, La Romana, and Miches are all less than an hour and a half away. Nelly Rent a Car has been operating in the Dominican Republic for over 60 years, with offices in Punta Cana, Santo Domingo, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. Call us or message us on WhatsApp at 809-687-7997, or email us at reservas@nellyrac.com, and plan your own outings.