The historic city of Higuey packs several worthwhile tours within its bustling streets and surrounding countryside. The standout experience is the full-day island tour from Punta Cana, which smartly combines the magnificent Altagracia Basilica with stops at working sugarcane fields and the pristine Macao Beach. Culture buffs will appreciate the focused city tour that explores the Basilica-Catedral’s impressive architecture and the authentic Dominican atmosphere of the old town. For something more active, the ATV excursion to a hidden water cave and beach delivers both thrills and natural beauty. The cigar-making workshop offers a genuine peek into local craftsmanship, complete with hands-on instruction. Transportation is reliable, and cancellation policies are tourist-friendly. Let’s explore the best tours that showcase Higuey’s true character.
Key Points
- The Higuey Full-Day Tour provides an extensive overview of the region’s sugarcane plantations, sacred shrines, and cultural experiences like a River Yuma boat trip and voodoo performance.
- The Higuey Dominican Culture Walking Tour offers an immersive experience, including visits to the Mercado Municipal, tastings of traditional empanadas and juices, and engagement with local communities.
- The Guided Half-Day Tour highlights Dominican customs and includes visits to a tobacco factory, the Basilica-Catedral, and the Higüey market, with hotel/Airbnb pickup and transportation.
- The Higuey City Tour and Cigars Factory Experience provides a 3-hour exploration of iconic sights like the Basílica de La Altagracia and an opportunity to witness cigar-making.
- The La Altagracia Cultural Sightseeing Tour focuses on Higuey’s history, featuring a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a local artisan workshop, and sampling of regional cuisine.
From Punta Cana: Full-Day Island Tour With Lunch
Travelers can embark on a full-day island tour from Punta Cana, exploring the cultural and natural wonders of Higuey. Priced at €96.26 per person, this 8-hour excursion offers a comprehensive experience.
Highlights include a visit to the Altagracia Basilica, a pilgrimage site, and a tour of a sugarcane plantation with rum tasting and cigar-rolling demonstration.
Travelers will also enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch at a local family’s home and relax at Macao beach. The tour incorporates engaging cultural elements, such as exploring a coconut oil producer and a family farm with cocoa and fruit tasting.
Transport, guide, lunch, drinks, and gratuities are all included. While the experience isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, it promises a well-rounded exploration of Higuey’s highlights.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option make this tour an attractive choice for travelers.
Read our full review: From Punta Cana: Full-Day Island Tour With Lunch Review
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La Altagracia: Cultural Sightseeing Tour With Local Guide
Exploring the cultural and historical treasures of Higuey, the La Altagracia: Cultural Sightseeing Tour with Local Guide offers an immersive experience for visitors.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour takes you on a journey through the charming town, showcasing its colonial architecture, religious sites, and vibrant local culture.
You’ll start at the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a stunning example of Dominican Baroque architecture and a significant pilgrimage site.
Next, you’ll explore the historic city center, marveling at the well-preserved colonial buildings and learning about Higuey’s rich history.
The tour also includes a visit to a local artisan workshop, where you’ll witness the creation of traditional Dominican crafts and have the opportunity to interact with the artisans.
Finally, you’ll enjoy a delightful sampling of local cuisine, allowing you to fully learn about the culinary traditions of the region.
Read our full review: La Altagracia: Cultural Sightseeing Tour With Local Guide Review
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Higuey: Dominican Culture Walking Tour With Cathedral Ticket
Although Higuey is renowned for its magnificent Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, the Higuey: Dominican Culture Walking Tour with Cathedral Ticket offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the town’s vibrant local culture and heritage.
Priced at £82.12 per person, this 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a guided journey through the scenic Dominican town.
Highlights include visiting the lively Mercado Municipal to discover fresh produce and local cuisine, as well as the opportunity to savor traditional empanadas and juices at DCarlos Empanadas.
Participants will also have the chance to shop for souvenirs at Multiplaza and enjoy a lunch of Dominican specialties at a local restaurant.
Throughout the tour, an expert guide provides insights into the area’s rich history and culture.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the flexibility to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers an immersive cultural experience in Higuey.
Read our full review: Higuey: Dominican Culture Walking Tour With Cathedral Ticket Review
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ATV Tour to Water Cave and Macao Beach
This ATV tour offers thrill-seekers an exhilarating way to explore Higuey’s natural wonders. Priced at €53.48 per person, the tour includes a 25-minute ATV ride through forests and tropical gardens, a visit to a 25ft deep water cave for swimming, and a stop at Macao Beach for relaxation.
The tour’s highlights include riding your own ATV with experienced guides, tasting fresh local products, and swimming in a refreshing water cave. With hotel pickup and drop-off, helmet use, free tastings, and admission to the farm, cave, and beach included, this tour provides excellent value.
Available in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, the tour is flexible, allowing you to check availability and select your preferred date and number of participants.
Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, this ATV tour promises an unforgettable experience in Higuey.
Read our full review: ATV Tour to Water Cave and Macao Beach Review
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Higuey City Tour And Cigars Factory Experience
For travelers seeking to enjoy Higuey’s vibrant cultural heritage, the Higuey City Tour and Cigars Factory Experience provides an enriching insight into the city’s historical landmarks and artisanal craftsmanship.
Priced from $32.00 per person, this 3-hour tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Higuey’s iconic sights, including the Basílica de La Altagracia. Guests will also have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of cigar-making at a prestigious tobacco factory.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the tour caters to travelers’ flexibility. Though lunch isn’t included, the experience is wheelchair accessible, and the multilingual driver ensures a seamless journey.
However, past customer reviews indicate some issues with tour cancellations and unavailability, so travelers are advised to book with caution.
Read our full review: Higuey City Tour And Cigars Factory Experience Review
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Samana: Monkeyland and Open-Air Safari Truck Tour
Offering a captivating blend of wildlife encounters and scenic countryside exploration, the Samaná: Monkeyland and Open-Air Safari Truck Tour invites travelers to enjoy the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic.
Priced at $65 per person and lasting around 4 hours, this tour allows visitors to interact closely with squirrel monkeys in their natural mountain habitat and enjoy a guided ride on an open-air safari truck through the Dominican countryside.
During the tour, participants can feed fruit to the playful monkeys, observe their interactions, and capture memorable moments on camera.
The experience also includes a visit to the Monkeyland Park and an open-air safari truck ride, providing a unique perspective of the local landscape.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers convenience and flexibility.
However, it isn’t recommended for pregnant women or individuals with animal allergies.
Read our full review: Samana: Monkeyland and Open-Air Safari Truck Tour Review
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Full Day Cultural Tour in Dominican Republic
Travelers seeking a comprehensive introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the Dominican Republic can embark on the Full Day Cultural Tour. This immersive experience takes visitors on a journey through the country’s history, art, and traditions.
The tour begins with a visit to the 16th-century Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first cathedral in the Americas. Next, guests explore the historic Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, admiring the traditional architecture and learning about the city’s colonial past.
The tour then continues to the thriving artisanal community of Higüey, where visitors can witness skilled craftspeople creating intricate leather goods, wood carvings, and vibrant textiles. A highlight of the day is a traditional Dominican meal, allowing guests to savor the local cuisine and engage with the friendly locals.
The Full Day Cultural Tour offers a well-rounded and authentic glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of the Dominican Republic.
Read our full review: Full Day Cultural Tour in Dominican Republic Review
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Private Half Day Tour in Punta Cana With Local Guide
Visitors to Punta Cana can experience the vibrant Dominican culture through a Private Half Day Tour with a local guide. Priced at $198 for up to 5 participants, this 4-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.
Offered in English and Spanish, the tour takes travelers to a local souvenir shop, coffee and cocoa plantation, cigar factory, Higüey Market, and the Basilica Cathedral.
Along the way, guests will gain cultural insights, learn about Dominican architecture and tobacco cultivation, and engage with local residents. Activities include coffee and chocolate tasting, a cigar-making experience, and exploring local neighborhoods.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 4 reviews, travelers praise the knowledgeable guide and the immersive countryside experience.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, young children, seniors, or the hearing-impaired. Flexible booking and free cancellation make this private tour an attractive option for discovering the charms of Punta Cana.
Read our full review: Private Half Day Tour in Punta Cana With Local Guide Review
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Higuey: Full-Day Tour With River Boat, Lunch, & Voodoo Show
Although Punta Cana’s pristine beaches often steal the spotlight, the nearby town of Higuey promises a captivating culture for adventurous travelers.
The Higuey Full-Day Tour with River Boat, Lunch, and Voodoo Show offers an immersive experience, priced at €110.85 per person. Over 8 hours, you will visit sugarcane plantations, sacred shrines, and the vibrant Higuey market, while also sailing down the River Yuma and witnessing a traditional voodoo performance.
Travelers can expect to engage with local communities, observe daily life, and taste tropical fruits as they learn about Dominican agriculture.
The tour includes transportation, a guide, boat trip, lunch, and drinks, although gratuities aren’t covered.
While reviews are generally positive, with one recommending the tour for an authentic experience, caution is advised due to potential issues with overbooking and pickup.
Read our full review: Higuey: Full-Day Tour With River Boat, Lunch, & Voodoo Show Review
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Punta Cana: Guided Half-Day Tour With Pickup Service
For those seeking a comprehensive introduction to Punta Cana’s cultural and natural highlights, the Guided Half-Day Tour with Pickup Service delivers an engaging and efficient experience. Priced at $250 for up to 10 participants, this 3.5-hour tour provides a well-rounded itinerary, starting with hotel or Airbnb pickup by a guide holding a banner.
Guests will visit a tobacco factory to learn traditional cigar-making techniques, explore the modern Basilica-Catedral, and experience the local Higüey market. A stop at a private home allows for immersion in Dominican customs, followed by tastings at a coffee and cocoa plantation.
The tour also includes a visit to the sanctuary of San Dionisio and its connection to the Virgen de la Altagracia.
With private transportation, bottled water, and cathedral entry ticket included, this half-day tour offers a hassle-free way to discover Punta Cana’s cultural and natural wonders.
Flexible cancellation policies and the option to reserve now and pay later make this an attractive choice for travelers.
Read our full review: Punta Cana: Guided Half-Day Tour With Pickup Service Review
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Sum Up
Higuey offers an array of tours that immerse visitors in the Dominican Republic’s rich culture and natural landscapes. From exploring historic landmarks to experiencing rural life, these tours provide an engaging and informative way to discover the region’s unique charm. Whether seeking a cultural deep-dive or an adventurous outdoor excursion, there’s a tour to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences in Higuey.