5 incredible Dominican Republic cultural experiences

Owned and operated by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation, Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve is a 1,500-acre natural and cultural wonderland in the heart of Punta Cana.

• At Indigenous Eyes, intrepid explorers will find a dozen freshwater lagoons. You can take a plunge into five of them. Bring your swimsuit and explore the gorgeous waters. It’s these lagoons that give the park and reserve its distinctive name; the Taíno Indians called them “eyes” in the pre-Columbian era. The Guamá lagoon is the largest and deepest of all the lagoons at Indigenous Eyes. Back in the day, it was the private swimming hole of the Taíno chief. Not a bad perk!
• Indigenous Eyes is a great place to get a taste of the Dominican Republic’s wild side. Visitors can experience a fun petting zoo, a habitat for the threatened rhinoceros iguana and other attractions that reveal the natural history of the Dominican Republic.
• Did you know? Sugarcane played an integral role in the Dominican Republic’s culture and heritage. At Indigenous Eyes, there is a fascinating sugarcane exhibit, which reveals the story behind the DR’s long relationship with the crop.

No matter what your personal faith may be, this magnificent Punta Cana structure is worth a visit during your Dominican Republic vacation. Quite simply, it’s one of the most beautiful churches in the western hemisphere – and one of the most important spiritual sites in the Dominican Republic. Located in Higuey (a short drive from Punta Cana), Basilica Catedral Nuestra Señora De La Altagracia was completed in 1971. It’s a sight to see as you approach the church, thanks to its awe-inspiring arch, which rises 225 feet above the landscape. Once inside, you’ll find a hushed atmosphere and intricate architectural details, all highlighted by a gorgeous altar with a 16^th century painting of the Virgin Mary.

• Good to know: The church is named in honor of the Virgin of Altagracia, the patron saint of the Dominican Republic. Every January, pilgrims come to Higuey to pay their respects to this beloved saint.

A vacation the Dominican Republic isn’t just a journey to another country. It can also be a trip back in time. A one-of-a-kind cultural gem, Altos de Chavon is a detailed re-creation of a 16^th-century Mediterranean village in La Romana, not far from Punta Cana. Here, you’ll encounter a working artists’ colony, filled with the Dominican Republic’s finest arts and crafts traditions. Don’t miss the beautiful open-air amphitheater, which has hosted such luminaries as Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana. Altos de Chavon is an only-in-the-Dominican-Republic experience you don’t want to miss.

Whether you are an aficionado or a newcomer to the world of cigars, Dominican Republic cigars can’t be beat. The country is the world's largest cigar producer, with a history that stretches all the way back to the 16^th century. But it’s not just about the number of cigars that the DR produces. It’s about the quality. In short, cigar making is an art form in the Dominican Republic. And it’s the perfect place for a cigar immersion. In the Punta Cana and Bavaro area, you have a few options when it comes to experiencing this important part of Dominican culture.

• Don Lucas Cigars: This downtown Punta Cana cigar shop and factory produces 14 different cigar sizes with five different strengths, all kept in humidors to ensure optimal conditions. For those who want to learn more, a revealing factory tour will take you behind the scenes.
• Tabacalera de Garcia Cigars: The largest handmade cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, Tabacalera de Garcia makes some of the world’s most beloved cigars. During a one-hour walking tour, you’ll get a step-by-step demonstration of how to make a great Dominican cigar.

Like cigars, chocolate has been a major part of the Dominican Republic culture for centuries. It’s not just a sweet treat here! At Punta Cana’s ChocoMuseo, you can discover this rich heritage, and at the same time sample plenty of authentic Dominican chocolate, of course! Located in the Mundo Auténtico shopping complex, ChocoMuseo will illuminate you on everything about Dominican chocolate. You’ll learn how it’s harvested, how flavor is added and how it gets out to the rest of the world. You’ll also have the chance to become a chocolatier yourself and make your own Dominican chocolate. It’s one of the best – and most delicious – Dominican Republic cultural experiences.

Start planning your Dominican Republic cultural experiences. And don’t forget to take advantage of great deals and packages at Barceló Bávaro Palace, Barceló Bávaro Beach, Occidental Caribe and Occidental Punta Cana.