Higuey Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Altagracia Cathedral showing modern architecture
Higuey featuring a pond, tranquil scenes and animals
La Altagracia Cathedral featuring a park
Higuey showing animals
La Altagracia Cathedral featuring modern architecture and a church or cathedral

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 AltagraciaOpens in a new window (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.

The Patio

The Patio

3 out of 5
Calle Laurel #24, La Ceiba, La Altagracia
The price is ₹2,750 per night from 21 Jul to 22 Jul
₹2,750
₹3,246 total
21 Jul - 22 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Higuey. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a beach shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Macao Beach and Sirenis Aquagames Water ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"I like the place. The outside area has nothing to do with the inside. Breakfast is served but is not like you choose from the menu. They are doing construction. Making the place bigger. I stood in the room with one bed and one sofa bed. The sofa bed I couldn’t use it. It was broken and we didn’t ..."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

The Patio
Barceló Bávaro Beach - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Barceló Bávaro Beach - Adults Only - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera Bávaro Km. 1, Playa Bávaro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is ₹20,944 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹20,944
₹26,808 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,088 reviews)
"The rooms are outdated specially furniture and appliances."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Barceló Bávaro Beach - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive

Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Bávaro Km. 1, Playa Bávaro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is ₹22,125 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹22,125
₹28,320 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,803 reviews)
"Excelente lugar, el Sr. Pedro Hernandez siempre se preocupó porque nuestra estasdia fuera amena."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Barceló Bávaro Palace - 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.
Punta Cana Ecolodge

Punta Cana Ecolodge

3 out of 5
Costa arrecife, Higuey, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3-star beach cabin in Higuey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and in-room massages.
Punta Cana Ecolodge
Apartahotel Señorial

Apartahotel Señorial

2 out of 5
La Altagracia, esquina Santome, Higuey, La Altagracia
Stay at this aparthotel in Higuey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions La Altagracia Cathedral and Caribbean Cinemas Multiplaza ...
Apartahotel Señorial
Hacienda corales de margarita

Hacienda corales de margarita

3 out of 5
Santa clara, Higüey, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3-star cabin in Higuey. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions La Altagracia Cathedral and Caribbean Cinemas Multiplaza ...
Hacienda corales de margarita
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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