Summary
- Hotels in Punta Cana range from $30 to $200+ per night, offering budget-friendly options with ocean views.
- Excursions in Punta Cana cost between $50 and $100 per day, but free beach activities are also available for budget travelers.
- The budget for a trip to Punta Cana can be as low as $890 for a week, flights, accommodation, activities and food included.
It's not a sleepy town, but Punta Cana, tourists will feel like they are in a dream. This gem of the Dominican Republic is the perfect hotspot for divers, as its waters are home to diverse wildlife and colorful coral reefs. so much more to enjoy. The best part? You can easily visit Punta Cana on a budget.
Here's what to know about budgeting for a trip to Punta Cana, including exactly how much you can expect to spend in the cheapest vacation destination around.
UPDATE: 2024/06/03 8:33 PM EST BY ERYNN RUIZ
Punta Cana is cheap, but here's exactly how much to budget
Here's a realistic breakdown of how much you can expect to spend on a cheap trip to Punta Cana, including flights, accommodation, meals and excursions.
Budget for hotels in Punta Cana
Hotels cost between $30 and over $200 per night
Swim in the infinity pool at Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana
Numerous hotels dot the coast of Punta Cana, all offering majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean. Punta Cana is home to some incredible resortsbut rates can get high, especially with all-inclusive properties.
Fortunately, there is affordable resorts in Punta Cana which offer everything you need in one economical package.
Examples of all-inclusive rates in Punta Cana
Seaside resort |
Price per night, per Kayak |
Palm Beach Jewel |
$188 |
Western Punta Cana |
$220 |
Onyx Dreams |
$257 |
Travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay may want to move away from all-inclusive resorts, but there are plenty of options available that leave room for food, excursions, and more.
Examples of prices for an economical stay in Punta Cana
Accommodation |
Price per night, per Kayak |
Sun Express Hotel |
$28 |
Hotel Marimba Punta Cana |
$28 |
Apartment 1 Suite Beach Club |
$32 |
Depending on your preferences, you can expect to spend between $28 and $257+ per night for accommodation in Punta Cana.
What to do in Punta Cana
Lying on the beach is free, but excursions to Punta Cana require a fee
A beach with palm trees in Punta Cana.
With a beautiful white sand coastline, Punta Cana is located in the Caribbean makes it the ideal destination for beach lovers. Tourists are guaranteed unforgettable memories at this Dominican hideaway, especially if they enjoy a variety of day trips that showcase all the beauty and excitement of the area.
However, most tours and day trips involve some fees.
- Travelers can expect to spend between $50 and $100 per day on excursions and trips, depending on their interests. Of course, the budget traveler could tick all the boxes by spending time on the (free) beaches and wandering around the resort and beyond.
Bávaro Adventure Park
In this seaside town there is more than just beaches, as those who want to experience an adrenaline-filled adventure can have their share at Bavaro Adventure Park. Guests can try ziplining, buggy rides, horse riding and a lazy river trip.
- The park is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Cost: from $139 per package
Cotubanama National Park
This destination is full of caves, some with pools where tourists can swim. Visitors can also enjoy their day exploring the beach, hiking along the winding forest trail, checking out the mangrove area, and spotting wildlife.
- Depending on the tour operator, prices vary from $50 to $100.
Dive sites
Punta Cana's various beaches, with pristine shores and crystal clear waters, are amazing on their own, so going underwater is another form of paradise. Beginner or professional divers will have a memorable time exploring beneath the waves.
- Tourists can visit wrecks such as the 450-year-old tin shipwreck, the giant El Astron, and the Enriquillo RM-22 (for advanced divers).
- For beginners, they can explore the dive sites of Las Cuevitas and El Canal.
- Snorkelers can discover the 22 sculptures of the Igneri Caribe Taino Underwater Museum, which also serve as a habitat for fish.
Whatever floats a tourist's boat, Punta Cana has it. Be it water sports or land adventures, the place offers a perfect mix of activities. A budget of $100 per day should be more than enough for a few adventures, or you can forgo packages altogether and explore for free.
How much to budget for a trip to Punta Cana
Accommodation, activities, food and flights average less than $1,000 per week
An aerial view of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Flight costs will likely make up the majority of your budget in Punta Cana, and rates vary greatly depending on where you're traveling from.
A budget of $500 should cover your flight costs in most seasons and from most major airports. With accommodations, you can expect to spend a minimum of $30 per night and activities cost around $100 per day. Food would be included in the price of an all-inclusive resort, but if you go the budget route, approx. $8 to $11 per meal is the current average — or about $30 per day.
With these numbers in mind, here is a budget breakdown for your trip to Punta Cana.
Costs |
Amount |
Flight |
up to $500 |
Hotel |
as low as $30/night or $180 for 6 nights |
Activities |
zero to $100/day |
Food |
around $30/day or $210 for a week |
Total: |
Between $890 and $1490 |
A trip to Punta Cana is totally doable for less than $1,000, but you can easily exceed $1,500 depending on the activities you plan and the food you want to try.
Plan your visit to Punta Cana
Stay safe, plan ahead and enjoy!
Tourists on a beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is one of the most visited cities in the Americas, rightly so as it satisfies travelers looking to enjoy the flow of nature and sunny experiences outdoors. Here are some reminders for a hassle-free trip to paradise.
Is Punta Cana safe? What you need to know about this Caribbean destination
Known for its affordable all-inclusive resorts and heavenly beaches, Punta Cana attracts millions of tourists every year, but is it safe?
There's a lot to know about visiting Punta Cana besides your budget, but getting the financial part sorted can make your trip a breeze.
Have you ever been to Punta Cana? Tell us about your experience in the comments!