A Guide to the Dominican Republic: Exploring Interesting Places from Punta Cana by Rental Car

car rental in Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic is not just about stunning beaches; it’s full of unique places that reveal the country from a completely different perspective. If you’re staying in Punta Cana, you can easily turn your vacation into an adventure by exploring its beauty with a rental car.

Why choose a rental car?

Economy
Taxis in the Dominican Republic can be quite expensive. For example, a 15-minute trip from the airport to the hotel can cost around $40, which is almost the daily rental price of a car. With car rental Punta Cana, you gain freedom of movement and can plan your trip the way you want.

Convenience and flexibility
A rental car allows you to manage your time and route independently. You don’t need to adjust to group tours, and you can stop anywhere, whether it’s at the picturesque Montaña Redonda or a waterfall hidden deep in the tropical forest.

Ease of process
At companies like Vroom.DO, renting a car is as convenient as possible: full insurance is included in the price, the car is delivered to your hotel or directly to the airport, and the fleet includes only new cars from 2024.

Pros and cons of renting a car

Pros

  • Saving time and money on transfers.
  • Freedom to choose routes and departure times.
  • Access to hard-to-reach places.

Cons

  • Roads are often filled with motorcyclists, and sometimes even horses or cows wander onto the streets.
  • Long trips require thoughtful car selection; for example, visiting the Samaná Peninsula is better with an SUV to handle steep inclines.

Interesting routes from Punta Cana

Montaña Redonda
One of the most popular Instagram spots. From the top of the mountain, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the bay and surroundings.

Samaná Peninsula
From January to March, you can see humpback whales here. Along the way, stop by small fishing villages and try freshly caught fish.

Lake Enriquillo
Located in the western part of the island, this is the largest saltwater lake in the Caribbean, where you can spot flamingos and iguanas.

The city of Baní and mango plantations
If you’re lucky, you might catch an exhibition where you can try over 60 varieties of mangoes.

Architectural landmarks of Santo Domingo
The country’s capital, where you can visit the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Wild beaches and waterfalls
Not far from Punta Cana, you’ll find secluded beaches and the El Limón waterfall hidden in the jungle.

Life hacks for independent travelers

Check insurance: always rent a car with full insurance. It will save you stress and money in case of unforeseen situations.
Documents: make sure the glove compartment contains insurance and the “matrícula” (vehicle registration document). Without them, you may not be allowed to continue driving if stopped by the police.
Money: exchange at least $100 into pesos. This will come in handy for toll roads, as well as in local shops and cafes.
Plan your route: choose a car based on the places you plan to visit. For example, a compact Kia Picanto is perfect for city trips, while a powerful car is better for long routes.

Conclusion

The Dominican Republic is more than just beaches. When you rent Kia Picanto in Punta Cana, you can explore scenic roads, unique natural spots, and historical landmarks, discovering new facets of this amazing country. Renting a car will not only make your journey more convenient but also give you unforgettable experiences of complete travel freedom.

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