La Altagracia

ProvinceDominican Republic, North America

La Altagracia is a STATE in Dominican Republic, North America.

La Altagracia is the Dominican Republic's premier tourist destination, home to the world-famous Punta Cana resort region. This eastern province offers stunning contrasts between luxurious all-inclusive resorts along pristine white-sand beaches and authentic Dominican culture in historic towns. The region's crown jewel is the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia in Higüey, the country's most important religious site where pilgrims gather annually. Beyond the resorts, visitors can explore the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park's freshwater lagoons, witness humpback whales in Samaná Bay (seasonal), and discover the remote beauty of Isla Saona with its protected marine life. La Altagracia's unique appeal lies in its perfect blend of Caribbean luxury and cultural depth, where you can enjoy championship golf courses, gourmet dining, and vibrant merengue rhythms while experiencing the warmth of Dominican hospitality. Adventurous travelers will find exceptional windsurfing in Macao, cave exploration at Fun Fun Cave, and the ecological wonders of Los Haitises National Park nearby.

Best time to visit La Altagracia

December to April offers perfect beach weather with low rainfall. Avoid September-October (peak hurricane season). February is ideal for whale watching in nearby Samaná. July-August brings higher temperatures and more crowds. Shoulder seasons (May-June, November) offer good weather with fewer tourists and better prices.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Overcast
Temperature
25°
Feels like
31°
Humidity
94%
Wind
8 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 28-34°C, rainy

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Hurricane risk still high

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

PUJ

Punta Cana International Airport

International

5 km away

LRM

La Romana International Airport

International

70 km away

SDQ

Las Américas International Airport

International

160 km away

Getting around

"Most tourists use resort shuttles or taxis. Uber operates in Punta Cana. Car rentals are available but driving can be challenging outside resort areas. Public transportation includes guaguas (minibuses) and motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) for local travel between towns. For longer distances, Caribe Tours buses connect to Santo Domingo. Popular apps: Uber, Google Maps (download offline maps). Many resorts offer free airport transfers."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes; speeds vary

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5 (Claro, Altice)

Calling code

+1

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Resort areas are very safe; petty crime is the main concern in towns.

Night safety

7/10

Resort areas are very safe; petty crime is the main concern in towns.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Resort areas in Punta Cana are generally safe with private security. Exercise normal precautions: don't leave drinks unattended, use hotel safes, avoid displaying valuables. Be cautious in Higüey and less touristy areas, especially at night. Common scams include timeshare presentations with unrealistic promises, overcharging taxis (use hotel taxis or Uber), and fake tour operators. Only use licensed tour companies. Avoid isolated beaches after dark. Police presence is visible in tourist zones."

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical facilities in Punta Cana are good with several private hospitals and clinics (Hospiten, Centro Médico Punta Cana). Outside resort areas, facilities are more limited. Drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent (dengue and Zika are present), and ensure travel insurance covers medical evacuation. Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines. Pharmacies are widely available in tourist areas. Sun protection is essential. Medical services in resorts are typically excellent but expensive without insurance."

Culture

Local customs

"Dominicans are warm and friendly—greet people with 'buenos días/tardes.' Dress modestly when visiting churches (cover shoulders/knees at Basilica). Tipping: 10% in restaurants if service not included; tip bellboys, maids, and tour guides. Bargaining is expected at markets. Respect religious processions during festivals. Learn basic Spanish phrases beyond resort areas. Sunday is family day—many businesses close early."
SpanishEnglish (tourist areas)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Dominican Peso (DOP) · $

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5-15 | a cheap local meal costs around $5, resort dinner $15-30

Hotels

$50-150 | budget hotels $50-80/night, mid-range $80-150, luxury $200+

Local transport

$1-3 | local bus ride ~$1, taxi within Punta Cana $10-20

Cost notes

All-inclusive resorts offer great value for meals and drinks.

Timezone

America/Santo_Domingo -04:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

430,000

Area

3,010 km²

Government

Provincial government with municipal divisions

ISO code

11

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: La Altagracia, Ла-Альтаграсия, DO-11, ラ・アルタグラシア州, Higueey, Higuey, Higüey, Sal'valeon-de-Iguehj, Salvaleon de Higueey, Salvaleón de Higüey, salabhali'ona de higuye, salavali'ona de higu'i, salavaliyona de higu'eya, salfalywn dy hyghwyy, salwalywn dhyghwyy, salwalywn dy ہygwyې, salwalywn ڈy ہygwyے, sarubareon・de・iguei, saልvaleʾoni de higuye, Сальвалеон-де-Игуэй, سالفاليون دي هيغويي, سالوالئون دهیغویی, سالوالیون دی ہیگویې, سالوالیون ڈی ہیگویے, सालवालियॉन डे हिगुएय, সালভালিওন ডে হিগুয়ে, ਸਾਲਵਾਲਿਓਨ ਦੇ ਹਿਗੁਈ, ሳልቫሌዖን ዴ ሂጉዬ, サルバレオン・デ・イグエイ

Capital CityMajor HubBeachResortSnorkelingNational ParkCulturalFamily-FriendlyAdventureRomantic