Private Tour
Private Half Day Tour in Dominican Republic with Local Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Get to know the architecture and customs of Higüey with this excursion from Punta Cana. You will also discover how tobacco is grown by visiting an agricultural plantation!
We will first visit a tobacco factory. Do you know how this typical product is made? We will learn about the main techniques in this artisan house that has been making cigars by hand for generations. It will surprise you!
The next stop will be the Basilica-Cathedral of Our Lady of La Altagracia. This modern sanctuary, located in the heart of Higüey, is dedicated to one of the virgins most revered by Dominicans. During the visit to the temple we will appreciate its unique architecture.
We will continue the excursion in the Higüey Market, where we will see the great variety of exotic fruits in its stalls. Then we will go to the San Dionisio Sanctuary. Do you know the link between this temple and the Virgin of La Altagracia? We'll find out!
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Punta Cana
It all starts with pickup at the hotel to head to our first stop.
Our first stop will be the coffee and cocoa plantation where you can see the process of making these products and at the same time you can taste it. Near the plantation we will visit a family where we can see how the locals live in the Dominican countryside.
What‘s Included
See how coffee, cocoa and cigars are made, and you can make your own cigar
Stop at the market to take your memories of Punta Cana.
Vehicle with air conditioning and wifi on board
Visit to de Cafe plantation, Cocoa and cigar factory.
Visit the Basilica of Higüey and the church San Dionisio
Professional Private Guide
Visit a typical Dominican house
tips
Lunch (available with extra price)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Private Half Day Tour in Dominican Republic with Local Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
49 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Really Great Time
hannahlJ8908MF,,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was awesome, this was our favorite part of our trip, if you're thinking about doing this tour, just do it! You won't regret it. It's the best and safest way to get an authentic experience.
Great learning opportunity
Ella D,,Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Johal was super lovely! It was just me and my mom and he gave us such an amazing tour of the city and all the stops. He always explained where we were and what was happening outside our window. The only thing I would’ve liked is if he had water as we ran out otherwise I would 100% recommend. I got to see and learn so much!
Half Day Private tour Punta Cana 7/ 2025
mbspence622,,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Scheduling tour was effortless; convenient and professional. Our tour guide Silverio picked us up at our hotel promptly and our half day tour of Punta Cana was perfect ! Silverio was kind, professional, attentive and knowledgeable!
Great way to see the local community
argyrop892,,Apr 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a half day with our tour guide Silverio and we had a blast! He was very experienced and funny and really showed us and explained to us how the locals live. He went the extra mile by giving us traditional delicacies to try and we had much fun chatting with him on the van. The tour lasted in total ~4,5h and there were a lot of activities included. * the country has a strong tipping culture, so be prepared to spend some extra bucks on tips I would definitely recommend this tour and Silverio in particular.
Our favorite day in Punta Cana!
TwoFriendsTravel,,Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time on this tour. Edwin was a blast to hang out with and we felt safe the entire time. We learned so much about Punta Cana and DR. He also made sure we saw exactly what we wanted to and asked at each stop if we wanted to spend time there or go somewhere else. Highly recommend getting out of the resort for a day and seeing what life is really like on the island. We would not hesitate to book with Summit again.
The BEST family excursion in Punta Cana!
karlrS6594ZF,,Feb 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Half Day Tour in Punta Cana with Summit and everyone of us can't say enough great things about the tour. Our guide Edwin was amazing! He was entertaining, knowledgeable, and so personable. This is probably the 6th time I have done this type of tour here, and it was by far the best. I am so glad my family got to experience this excursion with this group. It was nice to be exposed to the real DR culture, not feel pressured to buy things. Our driver Yerlin was excellent too! His safe driving was greatly appreciated by my wife! He also took so many pictures for us a emailed/texted them all to us. I will be recommending this tour with Summit to any of my friends that go to Punta Cana.
Great insights into Dominican lifestyle.
ulrichbg,,Feb 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an awesome time on our tour. Edmund personalized our tour, spending the time we wanted at each stop, and providing so much interesting background information into the culture and lifestyles of the Dominicans. He provided information throughout the entire four hours as we continued to ask questions; so knowledgeable and personable. Highly recommend this tour.
Exceptional Experience
Nicole T,,Dec 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Summit Punta Cana Tours is exceptional. Edwin our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel safe the entire time. We booked the private Dominican lifestyle tour and was impressed. First we visited a cigar factory where we were greeted with a complimentary cigar to smoke on the premises. Then we went into the factory where we rolled our own small cigar to take home with us. They allowed us to sample the different alcohols they sell along with tasting candies made locally. They had a gift shop with a huge selection of reasonably priced souvenirs, cigars, and alcohol. Next we went to a gorgeous plantation where we saw a home, sampled local coffee, received an education on all the herbs and fruit grown on the plantation. We sampled fresh fruits, cocoa, and coffee. We experienced how the coffee and chocolate are made and were able to purchase goods supporting local business. From there we went to the city of Higuey, busy city life seeing how the locals live day to day. Drove buy local farmers markets and businesses where Edwin explained everything so we had a good understanding of what life is like there. We opted to not go to the Basilica since we have already been and instead had lunch at a local diner. The food was AMAZING and the establishment was clean. After lunch we went to a souvenir shop but we did not purchase anything because it was over priced. My advice is so skip the souvenir shop and buy your souvenirs at the cigar factory. The only thing I wish we did was go in one of the markets in downtown Higuey. If you skip the souvenir shop as to go to the market instead. Edwin spoke English really well and I never had a hard time understanding what he was saying. The experience was great for My husband, two older kids, and myself. Would highly recommend booking this half day trip.
Dominican culture experience
Michelle S,,Oct 25, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic time on our tour! Edwin gave us an amazing insight into life in the Dominican Republic beyond the resorts, sharing his knowledge and passion for the local culture. We especially loved the cigar-making experience, coffee tasting, and visiting the beautiful church in Higuey. Lunch was delicious, and every stop felt authentic and special. Edwin is a true professional! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us laugh and feel comfortable, safe, and happy throughout the entire tour. We would definitely recommend this experience and look forward to booking more tours with him when we return!
Excellent Excursion For My Family
Meander05210888591,,Jun 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an excellent excursion for our family, meeting all our family’s special needs! We were picked up by our kind tour guide Edwin in a minivan with AC. As we drove, he explained a lot about life in the Dominican Republic and answered all our questions well. It was great to get to see so much in a short amount of time and we could go at our own, quick pace, something definitely needed for my children (age 10 & 12). I recommend this tour for anyone looking for a short yet informative intro to life in the DR!
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Operated by SUMMIT PUNTA CANA TOURS AND TRANSFER