Help keep our prices low: Share with Friends
Your All-In-One Guide To Touring Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
Discover Higüey’s Unique History and Culture
Higüey is a thriving city full of gorgeous architecture, spiritual beauty, natural wonders, and colorful culture. We invite you to dive in, and learn what this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.
Indigenous Taino Culture Shapes Higüey’s History
Higüey gets its name from the word for “sun,” in Arawaken, the language of the indigenous Taino people.
The Taino began cultivating the land around the Yuma River around 600 AD, creating the Caíçimu-Higüey kingdom of Taíno and maintaining it for centuries. The impact of the culture they built is still felt in modern-day Higüey, centuries later.
Salvaleón de Higüey Founding and Independence
Juan de Esquivel conquered the Caribbean islands, officially founding Salvaleón de Higüey for Spain in 1503. Higüey remained a Spanish colony until 1822, when the nation of Haiti drove the Spanish out.
In 1844, the Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti, and Higüey became the capital of the new DR province of La Altagracia.
What To Do, Explore, and Experience In Higüey, DR
There are numerous activities and destinations to explore in Higüey. If you’re seeking recommendations, why not try one of these?
Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is a minor basilica and cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the nation of the Dominican Republic. The cathedral hosts an iconic arch, and the structure as a whole is designed to withstand the onslaught of hurricanes.
Its interior is filled with intricate frescoes, and it displays a blessed artwork of the Virgin Mary, painted in 1571.
Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia
Each year, the basilica hosts the public holiday Dia de la Altagracia on January 21st. The feast day honors the patron saint with song, dance, festivals, food, and candlelight vigils.
Monkeyland
Monkeyland is a nature preserve dedicated to the protection of primates in Higüey. Visitors can interact with, feed, and, sometimes, even pet squirrel monkeys, who roam freely in the park. Engaging with the monkeys, exploring the preserve, and riding Monkeyland’s zipline makes for an unforgettable family experience.
Boat Tour and Swimming In Yuma River, River Maimon
Two rivers flow through Higüey: the Yuma and the River Maimon. Travelers can enjoy boat tours, guided nature exploration, and even freshwater swimming in the destination’s rivers.
While exploring, some travelers make a short trip to the nearby Boca de Yuma nature preserve, where you can explore the semi-crystalline cave, Cueva de Bernard.
Explore Higüey’s Dominican Market
The open-air markets in Higüey offer fresh food, artisan crafts, fashion, and unexpected finds. It’s the place to truly immerse yourself into daily life in the city.
Spend an afternoon perusing the stalls at your own pace. Or, join a walking tour of Higuey’s bazaars and souks, and listen as guides unveil local culture and folklore as you shop.
Dine On Authentic Taino, Caribbean Cuisine
Taino culinary arts are an unmissable part of Higüey’s culture.
Whether you’re looking to try pan-roasted pollo jibaro, classic plantain dishes like mofongo with consomme sauce, or even snack on some yuca fries, the food is sure to surprise and delight.
Visit Higüey and More On Caravan’s Exclusive, All-Inclusive Tour of Dominican Republic
Traverse Higüey in the Dominican Republic, and discover why so many make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia each year. Experience centuries-old architecture, authentic Taino cuisine, bustling markets, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Caravan’s Escorted, 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour
Caravan invites guests to experience Higüey on our all-inclusive, escorted Dominican Republic trip. Check out the details here: Dominican Republic 7-Day Tour (Itinerary & FAQs). We offer fully guided sightseeing throughout. Each locale, attraction, hotel and meal is carefully chosen by our travel experts.
Fees for each excursion and activity, meals listed on the itinerary, bottled water, and transportation are included in the tour’s price.
Caravan also offers Tour Cancellation Protection. This gives each of our guests peace of mind, should anyone have to cancel their spot on the trip before the day it begins.
To learn more about the 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour, or to make a reservation, please call Toll-Free at 1-800 227-2826 or 312-321-9800. Or, visit these pages to learn more.
2025 Hotels
2025 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Day 1 • Punta Cana
Four Points by Sheraton Puntacana Village
The Four Points by Sheraton PuntaCana Village hotel is centrally located in Punta Cana Village, ten minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. This full service hotel has a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, fitness center, and a 24 hour courtesy airport shuttle service. Free WiFi.
Days 2, 3 • Santo Domingo
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel
El Embajador Royal Hideaway Hotel is located in the exclusive residential neighborhood of Bella Vista, close to Santo Domingo’s colonial district. The hotel has extensive tropical gardens, 2 restaurants, a bar, casino, fitness center, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa services with treatment rooms including sauna, steam baths, whirlpool baths, therapeutic pools, and massage. Free WiFi.
Days 4, 5, 6 • Bávaro Beach
Barceló Bávaro Palace
The Barceló Bávaro Palace Hotel is located in Punta Cana adjacent to the stunning white sand Bavaro Beach. Protected by an offshore coral reef, the hotel grounds are filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and gardens. The hotel has a fitness center and full service spa, four swimming pools, tennis and paddle courts, miniature golf and a P.B. Dye designed 18 hole golf course, casino, and evening entertainment. Water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing are available on the beach. Free WiFi.
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
Arrival Transfers
Caravan’s hotel in Punta Cana Village, Dominican Republic, the Four Points by Sheraton, provides free arrival transfers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). The hotel's courtesy shuttle operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Upon arrival, first collect your luggage before calling the hotel at 1-809-959-4444. Please allow up to 30 minutes for the shuttle to reach the airport. The drive to your hotel takes 15 minutes. Taxis cost approximately $20.
Departure Transfers
Caravan includes departure transfers on the day the tour ends from the Barceló Bávaro Palace on Bávaro Beach to the Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The transfers arrive at the airport at 5:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:30 a.m. If you wish to go at a different time or extend your stay in the Dominican Republic, you will need to transfer on your own at your own expense. Taxis cost approximately $30 and can be arranged through the hotel's guest services.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
The Dominican Republic requires a current U.S. passport valid for six months after your date of entry. Non U.S. citizens, please check passport and visa requirements. Note: If you are travelling with children under 18 years old without both parents or legal guardians, you should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). A notarized birth certificate showing only one parent, a parent’s death certificate, or a court order of child custody may also be permissible. Failure to have proper documentation could result in denial of boarding by the airline, due to international child protection laws.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Santo Domingo | Punta Cana | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 84/68 | 0.6 | 83/73 | 1.2 |
| Feb | 85/67 | 0.7 | 83/72 | 1.0 |
| Mar | 86/68 | 0.7 | 84/73 | 0.9 |
| Apr | 86/70 | 1.2 | 85/74 | 1.5 |
| May | 87/72 | 2.4 | 86/76 | 2.6 |
| Jun | 88/74 | 1.9 | 87/77 | 1.9 |
| Jul | 89/74 | 1.6 | 87/78 | 1.7 |
| Aug | 89/74 | 1.9 | 88/78 | 2.0 |
| Sep | 89/74 | 2.1 | 88/77 | 2.3 |
| Oct | 88/73 | 2.1 | 87/76 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 86/71 | 1.5 | 85/75 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 85/69 | 0.8 | 83/74 | 1.4 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo | ||||||||||||
| temp | 84/68 | 85/67 | 86/68 | 86/70 | 87/72 | 88/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 89/74 | 88/73 | 86/71 | 85/69 |
| rainfall | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.5 | 0.8 |
| Punta Cana | ||||||||||||
| temp | 83/73 | 83/72 | 84/73 | 85/74 | 86/76 | 87/77 | 87/78 | 88/78 | 88/77 | 87/76 | 85/75 | 83/74 |
| rainfall | 1.2 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 1.5 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required.
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
