Punta Cana · Backpacking
ON A BUDGET
Punta Cana is built for all-inclusives, but Bávaro behind the resorts runs on local prices.
Sleep in El Cortecito
The old fishing settlement inside Bávaro keeps guesthouses and a few hostels a street back from public beach access, far cheaper than the resort strip.
What a day costs
Guesthouse or dorm RD$1,000–2,000, plato del día RD$400–800, guaguas RD$100. Reckon RD$1,800–3,500 a day, roughly $30–60.
Getting around cheap
Guaguas run the Bávaro–Verón road all day for small change and motoconchos cover short hops; the Expreso Bávaro coach reaches Santo Domingo in about four hours.
Free by day
Every beach is public below the high-water line — walk in at El Cortecito, or take a guagua to the surf and cliffs at Macao.
Los Corales strip
The bars and beach clubs between Los Corales and El Cortecito are where independent travellers and off-duty resort staff drink; the nightclubs charge resort prices.