Punta Cana: Safari and City Tour with Horseback Riding

If you’re looking to escape the busy beaches and explore a different side of the Dominican Republic, this 6.5-hour safari and city tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into local life, nature, and culture. Starting from Punta Cana, you’ll travel through the scenic Monte Plata Province, visiting Higuey and its famous basilica, riding horses through lush landscapes, and cooling off in a crystal-clear river. Priced reasonably, this tour combines adventure, cultural insight, and relaxation, making it a good choice for active travelers who want an authentic experience beyond the resort.

Two things we particularly liked: First, the opportunity to visit a typical country house where you can see how locals live and work — a rare chance to step off the tourist trail. Second, the horseback ride and river swim truly highlight the natural beauty of this region, offering a refreshing break from the usual beach day.

A potential consideration is that the tour involves quite a bit of moving around (about 2 hours on the bus and several stops), so it’s better suited for those comfortable with a full day of activity.

This experience is best for travelers who enjoy culture, outdoor activities, and scenic landscapes. It’s ideal for those wanting more than just sunbathing — those eager to see local life, taste tropical fruits, and add a bit of adventure to their trip.

• Authentic Cultural Encounters: Visit a typical countryside house and see local ways of life.
• Scenic Nature & Adventure: Ride horses through green landscapes and swim in a pristine river.
• Cultural & Religious Site: Tour the basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higuey.
• Taste the Tropics: Sample seasonal fruits directly from the trees.
• Relax & Dine: Enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch on a private ranch.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for those comfortable with walking, riding, and non-swimmers.

Starting Point and Transport

The tour begins with a pickup in Punta Cana, and from there, you’ll spend roughly 40 minutes on a comfortable coach heading toward Monte Plata Province. The transportation is straightforward and reliable, giving you some initial glimpses of the Dominican landscape. The key here is that the journey is part of the experience—seeing the lush rural scenery as you leave the resort zone helps set the tone for what’s to come.

Traveling in a small group, you’ll find the ride and stops to be well-paced, with enough time to settle in comfortably. We found that having a dedicated guide, like José (a very knowledgeable and friendly guide mentioned in some reviews), made the day more engaging and informative.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Higuey and the Basilica

Your first major stop is the city of Higuey, a vibrant hub and the religious center of the region. The highlight here is the basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a stunning and significant Catholic church that draws many visitors and pilgrims. We loved the contrast this site offers—large, colorful, and full of local faith and tradition.

A guided tour of Higuey provides insights into the importance of this basilica and the city’s role as a cultural hub. Walking through the bustling streets and the municipal market offers a glimpse into daily life and local commerce, which many travelers appreciate as a break from more tourist-oriented activities.

A Journey through the Countryside: Sugar, Coffee & Cocoa

After Higuey, the tour shifts gears into nature and agriculture. You’ll pass plantations of sugar cane, coffee, and cocoa—key crops that have shaped Dominican history and economy. Here, you get to see the process firsthand and even enjoy a sample of freshly brewed coffee and homemade chocolate made right in the mountains.

This part of the tour, as one reviewer noted, offers a “delicious taste of local craftsmanship,” and it’s fascinating to see the traditional methods still in use. It’s a reminder of how intertwined the land and local livelihoods are in this region.

The Ranch: Horseback Riding & River Swim

The real highlight for many is the private ranch, where you’ll saddle up for a horseback ride through the scenic countryside. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, the guides are attentive and ensure safety and fun. Riding through lush fields and alongside rivers, you’ll get a genuine feel for rural life—quiet, green, and peaceful.

The tour then offers a refreshing swim in a crystal-clear river. As one guest put it, “the water was so clear and cool — a perfect way to cool off after riding.” Bring your swimwear, because this is a chance to relax and enjoy nature up close.

Typical Dominican Lunch & Local Crafts

After working up an appetite, you’ll settle in at a private ranch for a delicious Dominican lunch. Expect traditional dishes, hearty and flavorful, with fresh ingredients. It’s a relaxed meal where you can sit back, soak in the countryside views, and chat with fellow travelers.

Following lunch, there’s time to visit a small shop that sells handmade crafts and cigars, offering an authentic touch. Watching a cigar-making demonstration is a delightful peek into local traditions, and many reviewers found it to be a memorable addition.

More Great Tours Nearby

Macao Beach and Leisure

The tour ends with a visit to Macao Beach, one of Punta Cana’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you can swim, relax, or simply enjoy the sun and surf. It’s a fitting conclusion—free time to unwind before heading back to Punta Cana.

The cultural contrasts are striking — from the religious basilica to the bustling market, to the quiet, scenic river. Walking through Higuey gives you a sense of the Dominican spirit, while the countryside rides and river swim add adventure. Many travelers mention how the local people are welcoming and eager to share their traditions, making the trip feel genuine.

The horseback riding is accessible for most, and the guides are attentive to safety, but if you’re pregnant, have back problems, or are a non-swimmer, this tour might not be suitable. The full day of activity also means it’s best for energetic travelers who don’t mind a long, varied itinerary.

The value is noteworthy — for around the listed price, you get a comprehensive mix of sightseeing, cultural exposure, outdoor fun, and a hearty meal. The small group size and professional guides enhance the experience, making it more personal and insightful.

A few guests mentioned that the timing is well-organized but sometimes tight, especially if you want ample time at each stop. Also, bringing comfortable shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and water is essential, as you’ll be outdoors most of the day.

If you’re after an active, culturally enriching day that steps outside the typical beach scene, this tour offers a balanced mix of sights, adventure, and authentic local flavor. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy learning about local life, riding horses, and cooling off in rivers, with enough flexibility to relax and take photos.

While it’s not suited for pregnant women, non-swimmers, or anyone with mobility issues, those who are comfortable with walking, riding, and a full schedule will find this tour both fun and rewarding. It’s especially valuable for those who want to see the real Dominican Republic behind the resorts.

For anyone looking to add a memorable outdoor adventure and cultural insights into their Punta Cana trip, this tour delivers a genuine taste of the island’s heart and soul.

Is transportation provided to and from Punta Cana?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and return to your Punta Cana hotel, making logistics hassle-free.

How long does the entire tour last?
It lasts approximately 6.5 hours, including travel time, stops, and activities.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children who can handle walking, riding, and river swimming. Non-swimmers should be aware there’s a river swim involved.

What should I bring with me?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and water. Dress in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes.

Are there any restrictions I should know?
Yes, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, wheelchair users, or non-swimmers.

What is included in the lunch?
The tour offers a traditional Dominican lunch at a private ranch—expect hearty, flavorful dishes made with fresh local ingredients.

This adventure offers a well-rounded snapshot of Dominican countryside life, nature, and culture, perfect for those eager to explore beyond the beach. With its mix of scenic rides, cultural stops, and relaxed beach time, it’s a solid choice for active travelers wanting authentic experiences in a beautiful setting.