Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
DOWN UNDER IN THE DR
For something down'n'dirty, check out
Cueva Fun Fun
( 809-553-2656;
www.cuevafunfun.com
;
Rancho Capote, Calle Duarte 12, Barrio Puerto Rico, Hato Mayor; adult/child US$155/110), which
runs spelunking trips to one of the largest cave systems in the entire Caribbean. The day includes a
horseback ride, a walk through a lush forest, a 20m abseil and 2km walk through the cave, which in-
volves a good deal of sploshing and splashing in the underground river. Breakfast is provided, as is the
equipment, including boots, harness, crash helmet and colorful jumper outfits - the overall effect is of
a group of disposable extras for a James Bond baddie in a missile silo. Trips are generally booked as
groups from hotels in the Bávaro/Punta Cana area, a 2½-hour drive away, but singles or small groups
can piggyback on with enough advance notice.
Beaches
Superlatives describing the beaches here are bandied about like free drinks at a pool bar,
but they're mostly deserved; keep in mind, however, that the best pieces of property have
been claimed by developers and are either already occupied by all-inclusives and condos
or will be in the near future. This means you will not be alone. In fact, you will be part of
a beach-lounging crowd.
Public access is protected by the law, so you can stroll from less-exclusive parts like
Playa El Cortecito
, which tends to be crowded with vendors, to nicer spots in front of resorts
- but without the proper color wrist bracelet you won't be able to get a towel or chair.
North of El Cortecito is
Playa Arena Gorda
, lined with all-inclusive resorts and their
guests, many topless, riding around on banana boats, parasailing or just soaking in the
sun. A further 9km north of here is the best accessible surf beach,
Playa del Macao
, a gor-
geous stretch of sand best reached by car. It's also a stop-off for a slew of ATV (All-Ter-
rain Vehicle) tours that tear up and down the beach every day - there's less noise at the far
northern end of the beach.
In the other direction, south of Bávaro and El Cortecito, is
Playa Cabo Engaño
, an isol-
ated beach that you'll need a car, preferably a 4WD, to reach.
Activities
Water Sports
