Higuey, Punta Cana & La Romana
Neighborhoods
This is our favorite Beach. Cristal clear water and white sand.
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Bayahibe
This is our favorite Beach. Cristal clear water and white sand.
Sightseeing
Located in nearby Higüey and inaugurated in 1971, this cathedral ranks among the most important religious sites in the Dominican Republic. Honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia, patron saint of Dominicans, it’s a standout for its 69-meter or 225 feet high arch, with a bronze and gold entrance. The altar holds a framed painting of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century, the centerpiece of devotion. One legend says that a sick child was healed after seeing the Virgin Mary appear at this site, near an orange tree, and that he later found her painted portrait under it. Every January 21, pilgrims from around the country flock here to pay their respects, lining up before the altar and making their requests. The celebrations continue around the cathedral with local food and drinks. Safari excursions from Punta Cana include a stop in Higüey for a tour of the cathedral
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La Basílica
Located in nearby Higüey and inaugurated in 1971, this cathedral ranks among the most important religious sites in the Dominican Republic. Honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia, patron saint of Dominicans, it’s a standout for its 69-meter or 225 feet high arch, with a bronze and gold entrance. The altar holds a framed painting of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century, the centerpiece of devotion. One legend says that a sick child was healed after seeing the Virgin Mary appear at this site, near an orange tree, and that he later found her painted portrait under it. Every January 21, pilgrims from around the country flock here to pay their respects, lining up before the altar and making their requests. The celebrations continue around the cathedral with local food and drinks. Safari excursions from Punta Cana include a stop in Higüey for a tour of the cathedral
2012 World Monuments Watch
Fifty kilometers from the tourist region of Punta Cana, the town of Higüey is home to the Parish Church of San Dionisio, one of the oldest churches in the Americas and an important landmark in the Dominican Republic. Consecrated in 1572 on the site of an earlier structure from 1512, the church is dedicated to the Virgin of Altagracia. The one-story church and two-story bell tower are constructed of limestone and brick in a baroque, Spanish colonial style that has been altered over the years with Victorian details. The cult of the Virgin is closely tied to Dominican identity; the Virgin of Altagracia is considered the protective mother of the Dominican people. Because of this association and the church’s proximity to tourist resorts, it receives more than 450,000 visitors a year. Yet, deferred maintenance has resulted in the deterioration of San Dionisio. The historic church was included on the 2012 World Monuments Watch in order to help raise awareness for its conservation and long-term stewardship. The building is an invaluable asset to the cultural life of the community and an emblem of the Dominican Republic’s history.
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MONUMENTO HISTORICO IGLESIA PARROQUIAL SAN DIONISIO
La Altagracia2012 World Monuments Watch
Fifty kilometers from the tourist region of Punta Cana, the town of Higüey is home to the Parish Church of San Dionisio, one of the oldest churches in the Americas and an important landmark in the Dominican Republic. Consecrated in 1572 on the site of an earlier structure from 1512, the church is dedicated to the Virgin of Altagracia. The one-story church and two-story bell tower are constructed of limestone and brick in a baroque, Spanish colonial style that has been altered over the years with Victorian details. The cult of the Virgin is closely tied to Dominican identity; the Virgin of Altagracia is considered the protective mother of the Dominican people. Because of this association and the church’s proximity to tourist resorts, it receives more than 450,000 visitors a year. Yet, deferred maintenance has resulted in the deterioration of San Dionisio. The historic church was included on the 2012 World Monuments Watch in order to help raise awareness for its conservation and long-term stewardship. The building is an invaluable asset to the cultural life of the community and an emblem of the Dominican Republic’s history.
Bucket list
Loved, loved, loved it!! We enjoyed the entire experience...all the stuff before the monkeys and the monkeys!! We loved learning about cocoa and the culture. We especially loved the tour guides and their happy attitudes. And of course, the monkeys were adorable and seemed very well taken care of.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
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Monkeyland
Loved, loved, loved it!! We enjoyed the entire experience...all the stuff before the monkeys and the monkeys!! We loved learning about cocoa and the culture. We especially loved the tour guides and their happy attitudes. And of course, the monkeys were adorable and seemed very well taken care of.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Saona Island lies off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Part of the East National Park, it's known for mangroves and coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches like Palmilla Beach. The island’s shallow waters are home to starfish. Mano Juan is a laid-back fishing village near Flamingo Lagoon, with colorful shacks and a turtle sanctuary. To the west, the Cave of Cotubanamá has pre-Columbian rock art.
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Saona (isola)
Saona Island lies off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic. Part of the East National Park, it's known for mangroves and coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches like Palmilla Beach. The island’s shallow waters are home to starfish. Mano Juan is a laid-back fishing village near Flamingo Lagoon, with colorful shacks and a turtle sanctuary. To the west, the Cave of Cotubanamá has pre-Columbian rock art.
City/town information
La Romana is home to the famous Casa de Campo resort, internationally renowned golf courses, a world-class marina and Altos de Chavón, a beautiful replica of a 16th-century artisan village. Nearby, the Bayahibe area offers picturesque beaches, chic accommodations, desirable attractions and splendid opportunities for ecotourism. Visitors can enjoy stunning Saona Island, Cotubanamá National Park and more.
La Romana, Dominican Republic, 22000 La Romana, Repubblica Dominicana
La Romana is home to the famous Casa de Campo resort, internationally renowned golf courses, a world-class marina and Altos de Chavón, a beautiful replica of a 16th-century artisan village. Nearby, the Bayahibe area offers picturesque beaches, chic accommodations, desirable attractions and splendid opportunities for ecotourism. Visitors can enjoy stunning Saona Island, Cotubanamá National Park and more.
Food & beverage
This restaurant is a hidden gem on the Higuey central area, in the heart of the crazy busy streets, you can take a break of your stressfull days or simply have a romantic date, and enjoy a magical culinary experience. L' Monani restaurant uses the freshest seafood and meat on a wholesale scale, mixing it with a delicious blend of butter, garlic, parsley, and secret seasonings pastas; I recommend the high quality delicious risotto, on its three varieties. Just imagine the best seafood sauce to smother your fish, crab or lobster plates with a variety of succulents complements from fresh shrimp in the skillet, to lobster tails on top of all their multiple pastas modalities. This beautiful restaurant has an italian feeling that take your mind out of hot noisy higuey city, with a very cute designs on the walls, and two floors with plenty of tables. The large seafood and meat platters among the other appetizers plates could be easily combined. Some plates are big enough to share among 4 or more.
L’ Monani Restaurant
El Patio de Pepe
D' Yira Restaurant
KaFe Restaurant
Food scene
La Tiendita By ABS
Good food & great flavor