We know that spending a dream vacation in Caribbean waters is the desire of many and there are two tourist destinations in the Caribbean in high demand by people from all over the world, Cancun and Punta Cana.
It has a very just reputation of being incredible paradises with a tourist activity incomparable.
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Cancun vs Punta Cana – Where to vacation
That said, we also know that people often plan their trip to the Caribbean but I don’t know where to go. Riviera Maya or Dominican Republic? Cancun or Punta Cana? And it is that the choice of one or another destination will depend on the type of tourist you are, on what you expect from your vacation.
In this article we want to help you choose between these two beautiful destinations. So, when you are considering whether to stay in Mayan territory or step on Dominican land, you already have enough clarity about both places.
So, without further ado, let’s see what Cancun and Punta Cana can offer you
But before starting we invite you to read these posts: How to get to Isla Mujerer or How to get from Cancun to Cozumel
Punta Cana
WHO SHOULD GO TO PUNTA CANA?
People who just want to enjoy sunbathing on paradisiacal beaches and bathing in infinite turquoise waters.
It is a very famous place among the youngest, who decide for the Dominican Republic to travel in a group.
Also wedding couples who are going on their honeymoon, who after the wedding hustle only think about relaxing and forgetting the nerves and stress that an event of these characteristics entails.
BETTER DON’T GO IF YOU
Are not one of those who spends hours and hours under the umbrella or in a deck chair. If your vision of vacations is to discover new cultures and discover places full of history, it may be going to the Riviera Maya because is a getaway more in line with your expectations.
WHAT’S THE PRO?
Regardless of what we are looking for and the type of tourism we want to practice, the Dominican Republic has hundreds of attractions that will make you fall in love. If you go you will not regret it, we can assure you that.
Punta Cana has dreamy beaches, with fine white sand, with crystal clear waters and an intense blue color. So much that it became considered by Unesco one of the best beaches in the world, with spectacular sunsets and the possibility of diving or snorkeling.
In Punta Cana you have the possibility to get to know and enjoy such places as the nexts:
Isla Saona
An essential excursion. This is one of the largest islands in the Dominican Republic, with numerous species of fauna and flora identified in the area. Mangroves, salty forests, bushes, coral reefs. Among the animals that you can observe, sea turtles, beach gulls, waders, iguanas, rhinos, dolphins and many other reptiles and birds. Saona is part of the Cotubanamá National Park and its beaches are also among the most spectacular on the planet.
Villages full of charm, such as La Romana and Altos de Chavón
The Village of Alto de Chavón seems to have stood still in time, in colonial times, with cobbled streets, old houses and an amphitheater crowning the hill. It is home to a Cultural Center, the National Archaeological Museum, and the so-called City of Artists
Samaná Peninsula
It is what you may call “Eden on Earth”. One of the most beautiful places of the country, without being overcrowded yet, with dream beaches that contrast with the intense green of the trees that populate it. Here we find the villages of Sabana de la Mar and Samaná and the town Las Galeras, where you can still breathe a very local atmosphere, an indigenous way of life, with small wooden houses, painted in colors and friendly people who welcome visitors with a smile.
Santo Domingo
Since we step on Dominican territory, how not to visit it’s Capital, Santo Domingo? The city is worth it, with a historic center where its colonial past is evident in every corner. Cobbled streets, well-preserved and brightly colored old houses. The first cathedral in America was built here and Colón has a plaza and a large lighthouse dedicated to his historical figure.
CANCÚN
WHO SHOULD GO TO CANCUN?:
Riviera Maya combines the magic of the Caribbean like few other destinations, with unique beaches and a beauty difficult to describe, with an intense history, a civilization rich in culture and folklore. Thus, those who want to combine time in the pool or taking a bath in the sea with visiting such emblematic places as Chichen Itza or the ruins of Tulum do not need to keep looking. Mayan Mexico is the best choice.
BETTER DON’T GO IF YOU
The truth is that here everyone will find what they want. You can stay a week tanning and tasting the delicious Mexican cuisine or alternate these moments with cultural visits. The difference to take into account may be in the price, since, in general, the trip to Punta Cana is usually significantly cheaper than a trip to Riviera Maya.
WHAT’S THE PRO?:
If you opt for the Mexican paradise, go preparing the agenda that there are a thousand things to see and many amazing activities to do and places to know.
Also you will have the great opportunity to have the tourist attention service from the Cancun airport to any of the destinations we will point out to you below, by the hand of the professionals in charge of the Cancun Transfer Airport. They will take you from the airport to the entrance of your hotel or from your hotel to the destinations of Cancun at a fair cost and with a personalized and safe attention.
They have a variety of tours, so your experience in Cancun will be one of total relaxation since you will not be worried about schedule every one of your moves but you will have professionals who will plan everything for you with the idea that you get to enjoy everything to the maximum at every destination Cancun has to offer you.
We invite you to visit their website https://transfercancun-airport.com/en/ so you can know their services or book through the telephone numbers +52 998 120 5674 and +121 0757 0376
Chichen Itzá
An archaeological complex declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is the most famous Mayan city in the world and receives more than a million tourists every year. The Kukulcán Pyramid is the highest of the complex, with 24 meters high.
Tulum
A fortress on the beach, one of the most photogenic places in the entire Riviera Maya. The contrast between the remains of the buildings and the turquoise blue sea and the fine white sand beach overwhelms the visitor.
The Cenotes
They are a kind of underground natural caves that the Mayans considered sacred places, the entry point to the other world. They are unique formations on the planet that are created when rainwater seeps through the ground and creates underground rivers and springs. One of the most famous is the Cenote Ik Kil, about three kilometers from Chichen Itzá. It has a mouth of 60 meters in diameter and 26 meters from each to the water.
Xel Há
A spectacular water park in the middle of nature. It is considered one of the best places on the planet to dive, a total contact with the marine ecosystem. More than 90 marine species can be observed diving in its bottoms, from angelfish to damsels, parrots, sergeants, families of rays, puffer fish, barracudas and a pink snail. Activities for all ages, perfect to spend the day with family or friends.
Akumal
During your visit to Riviera Maya oyu can enjoy one of the most beautiful activities that this destination offers, swimming with sea turtles. It is an organized excursion where these animals are respected to the maximum, a unique experience that I recommend 100%. The Riviera Maya combines the magic of the Caribbean like few other destinations you will get to know, with unique beaches and a beauty you have to see with your own eyes, with an intense history, a civilization rich in culture and folklore.
CANCUN VS PUNTA CANA
As you can see, both are ideal places to spend an unforgettable vacation. The choice of one or another destination will depend on what you are looking for and how you want to spend your time. In any case, when having this debate about Cancun vs Punta Cana, both places are a real success, but we personally recommend that you start with Mexico and the reasons with suggest that are these:
- Vestiges of the Mayan empire.
- Cancun has more than 7 malls with numerous international brand stores.
- Cancun has numerous cenotes.
- Cancun is close to the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen and Tulum
- Cancun’s drink is tequila and margarita.
- Cancun offers little vegetation in its hotels and surroundings.
- Cancun has serenades.
- Cancun has a living indigenous culture that predominates to this day.
Cancun has everything you are looking for so that you can live unique experiences. In Cancun and its surroundings, the wonderful natural attractions also stand out, such as the majestic mangroves, the exuberant jungle and the mystical cenotes where innumerable adventure activities are enjoyed.
The entertainment options that Cancun offers to its visitors and that make its incomparable nightlife famous, includes discos and nightclubs with impressive light shows, acrobats and the best DJs in the world to unique bars with an extensive menu of drinks.
Are you looking for a promotion? Use the code TRANSFER10 and receive a 10% discount when booking your transfer service in Cancun
