Higuey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Higuey featuring a pond, tranquil scenes and animals
This city, famed mostly for its formidable cathedral, offers an authentic experience of the Dominican Republic away from the beachside resorts.

The tourist-oriented resorts of Punta Cana are only 40 minutes away and many of Higüey's residents make a living in the hotels and golf courses on the eastern coast. Their home city is far less geared towards the island's visitors, with only the famous basilica featuring prominently in any guide books. Divert from the well-trodden path along the coast to explore this undiscovered city.

Reflect and pray in the architectural marvel that is Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia (La Altagracia Cathedral). Built in 1956 to house a religious icon reputedly left in Higüey by a miraculously appearing apostle, this is said to be the site of many incidents of healing by the Virgin Mary. Admire the parabolic curve of its distinctive spire before heading inside to see the ancient art kept within. Witness the setting sun in the late afternoon as it casts a colourful light through the stained-glass windows that line the far wall.

Learn more about the church in the Museo de la Altagracia, situated behind the basilica, which illuminates the religious history of the nation and features a collection of religious art and jewellery. After your visit to the cathedral, discover more of the city's religious history in Iglesia San Dionisio, a quieter destination for religious observers.

Wander through the multicolored markets of Higuey's bustling streets and take in the sights and smells tables topple with fruit, vegetables and shimmering fish. Get lost in the hustle of everyday life of a real Dominican city and see how farmers live in the acres of sugar cane plantations that surround it.

Higüey functions as a good base to reach other parts of the island. Take a trip to the golden sands of Punta Cana, where everything is geared towards tourists. For a wilder experience, visit Parque Nacional Este (East National Park) or Isla Saona, both south of the city and offering diverse wildlife.

Coach and bus services run to Higüey from major nearby destinations. Many tour operators will schedule in a stop at the basilica, but make sure to explore the rest of the city while you are there.

Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
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The price is ₹16,693 per night from 4 Oct to 5 Oct
₹16,693
per night
4 Oct - 5 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (3,738 reviews)
"Beautiful property. Beach had seaweed bc of the storms."

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2023

Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
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5 out of 5
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The price is ₹24,672 per night from 1 Oct to 2 Oct
₹24,672
per night
1 Oct - 2 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,821 reviews)
"Had a great time. Stayed over 6 days. Just wish there was more lunch options and breakfast options"

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2023

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana - All Inclusive
Majestic Colonial Punta Cana - All Inclusive
4 out of 5
Carretera El Macao, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is ₹23,786 per night from 27 Sep to 28 Sep
₹23,786
per night
27 Sep - 28 Sep
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,966 reviews)
"The best pool bartender Leandro is really the best of the best on the private adult pool."

Reviewed on 22 Sep 2023

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Primaveral 2
Primaveral 2
3.5 out of 5
Autop. del Coral, Higuey, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Higuey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 15 outdoor pools. Discover genuine guest reviews for Primaveral 2 along with ...
6/10 (4 reviews)
Concentration camps / projects beware
"The seller listed it in higuey, which ended up being in Punta Cana an hour and a half away. The house condo cannot be found not by maps or Google driving directions it is situated in the woods away from civilization we’re all the action is. This is not an ideal vacation home to take your family to ..."

Reviewed on 7 Jun 2022

Primaveral 2
Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Playa Palmera Beach Resort
5 out of 5
Exellence el Carmen, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking and a private beach. Popular attractions Macao Beach and Sirenis Aquagames ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (28 reviews)
"Most of the people from the front desk are not kind at all"

Reviewed on 10 Sep 2023

Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Los Corales Tropical Beach Resort & SPA
Los Corales Tropical Beach Resort & SPA
4 out of 5
Calle Residencial Los Corales, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 4-star beach villa in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Los Corales Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (183 reviews)
"Please make yourself a favor and go forward and book this property. This location is the best in Puntacana. The beach is great and the views are amazing."

Reviewed on 25 May 2023

Los Corales Tropical Beach Resort & SPA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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