Sunday, June 19, 2011

Fun for Everyone in Punta Cana

By Robert Nickel


Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination on the east coast of the Dominican Republic. The climate is warm and humid with very little rainfall throughout the year. The Dominican Republic shares their Caribbean island with Haiti, which lies to the west. The prominent language is Spanish, and the architecture reflects both a native Dominican culture and the Spanish history of colonization. Punta Cana's population is relatively small in comparison to North American standards, but one of the largest in the Dominican at just over 325,000 people. There are many European owned hotels and resorts in Punta Cana and just as many activities for visitors. Here we will take a brief look at some of the best ones.

The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is located at the southern end of Punta Cana. It is a nature sanctuary home to over 500 species of exotic flora and fauna. With trails snaking all over the park there is much to see and wonderful lagoons to explore. These are not the lagoons of Gilligan's Island, these are pristine and colorful.

Manati Park is a theme park nothing like those found in the US or Canada. Set in the tropical forest of Punta Cana, it features gardens overflowing with orchids, parrots, caimans, flamingos and many other residents of the Dominican Republic. The opportunity to swim with dolphins and visit an authentic Taino village is present, and will create lifelong memories.

FUN-FUN Cave Adventure is not for the timid. It is for the adventurous! Geared up with all the appropriate safety equipment and specially trained guides, participants climb down into the some of the largest caves in the world. Adventurers will see ancient cave paintings, gigantic rock formations and tunnels running through underground rivers. Truly an amazing experience!

Punta Cana is loaded with companies happy to take travelers on excursions all over Punta Cana. Jeep safaris are fun as they can go over almost any terrain, allowing you to go where the road doesn't necessarily lead. Ride through the tropical jungle, old plantations and then stop for an authentic Dominican meal before heading to a deserted beach!

If history is more interesting for you, then be sure to visit the House Museum of Ponce de Leon. Juan Ponce de Leon was a very prominent explorer and entrepreneur who settled in the Dominican Republic in 1505 with his wife and four children. The plantation house from which he oversaw his business has now been turned into a museum, bearing beautiful architecture and artifacts.

There is something for everyone in Punta Cana; adventure, discovery, ecosystems culture and history. And don't forget the beaches! Try out the Dominican Republic for your next vacation.




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