Higuey

Travel Guide

La Altagracia Cathedral showing modern architecture
Higuey showing tranquil scenes, animals and a pond
La Altagracia Cathedral featuring a park
Higuey showing animals
La Altagracia Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral and modern architecture
This city, famed mostly for its formidable cathedral, offers an authentic experience of the Dominican Republic away from the beachside resorts.

The tourist-oriented resorts of Punta Cana are only 40 minutes away and many of Higüey's residents make a living in the hotels and golf courses on the eastern coast. Their home city is far less geared towards the island's visitors, with only the famous basilica featuring prominently in any guide books. Divert from the well-trodden path along the coast to explore this undiscovered city.

Reflect and pray in the architectural marvel that is Basílica de Nuestra Señora de la AltagraciaOpens in a new window (La Altagracia Cathedral). Built in 1956 to house a religious icon reputedly left in Higüey by a miraculously appearing apostle, this is said to be the site of many incidents of healing by the Virgin Mary. Admire the parabolic curve of its distinctive spire before heading inside to see the ancient art kept within. Witness the setting sun in the late afternoon as it casts a colorful light through the stained-glass windows that line the far wall.

Learn more about the church in the Museo de la Altagracia, situated behind the basilica, which illuminates the religious history of the nation and features a collection of religious art and jewelry. After your visit to the cathedral, discover more of the city's religious history in Iglesia San Dionisio, a quieter destination for religious observers.

Wander through the multicolored markets of Higuey's bustling streets and take in the sights and smells tables topple with fruit, vegetables and shimmering fish. Get lost in the hustle of everyday life of a real Dominican city and see how farmers live in the acres of sugar cane plantations that surround it.

Higüey functions as a good base to reach other parts of the island. Take a trip to the golden sands of Punta Cana, where everything is geared towards tourists. For a wilder experience, visit Parque Nacional Este (East National Park) or Isla Saona, both south of the city and offering diverse wildlife.

Coach and bus services run to Higüey from major nearby destinations. Many tour operators will schedule in a stop at the basilica, but make sure to explore the rest of the city while you are there.

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
5 out of 5
Playas de Bavaro, Higuey, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is CA $676 per night from Apr. 1 to Apr. 2
CA $676
CA $797 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this 5-star luxury property in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,439 reviews)
"Best resort I've ever stayed at"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2025

Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort Spa & Casino - All Inclusive
Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Cabeza de Toro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is CA $428 per night from Apr. 8 to Apr. 9
CA $428
CA $506 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 8 - Apr 9
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,628 reviews)
"Loved the resort, immaculate scenery! The staff were very accommodating and friendly!"

Reviewed on Mar. 17, 2025

Serenade Punta Cana Beach & Spa Resort - All Inclusive
Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive
Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive
4.5 out of 5
Carretera Bávaro Km. 1, Playa Bávaro, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
The price is CA $638 per night from Mar. 23 to Mar. 24
CA $638
CA $816 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 23 - Mar 24
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury property in Punta Cana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (4,294 reviews)
"El hotel estuvo excelente en todo, sus empleados siempre muy amables y atentos ayudar en lo que uno necesita. El hotel lo mantienen muy bien y limpio.La única recomendación es que me gustaría escuchar mas musica latina y en especial Dominicana en la discoteca. Se enfocan mucho en los Norteamericanos ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2025

Barceló Bávaro Palace - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apartahotel Señorial
Apartahotel Señorial
2 out of 5
La Altagracia, esquina Santome, Higuey, La Altagracia
Stay at this aparthotel in Higuey. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attraction La Altagracia Cathedral is located nearby.
Apartahotel Señorial
Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Playa Palmera Beach Resort
4.5 out of 5
Blvrd Andi Las Vegas Numero 1 Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (268 reviews)
"Very nice hotel and the staff are really nice and treat with lot of hospitality. We had very nice experience stay for 6 nights - 7 days. We recommended in our big circle of friends"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2025

Playa Palmera Beach Resort
Beach Homes Punta Cana
Beach Homes Punta Cana
3 out of 5
7 C. Marcio Maggiolo, Punta Cana, La Altagracia
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Punta Cana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 beach bars. Popular attractions Bavaro Beach and Los Corales Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (27 reviews)
"We used whats app to communicate & they were very responsive. Day 1 Transfer info was not clear. We had a different driver then stated & no specific instructions of where they would be or which company used. We found them after 40 mins. Drive went well except they expected payment which we had already ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 8, 2025

Beach Homes Punta Cana
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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