Punta Cana for 50 USD a day? Yes, that’s possible, but you need to know how, as otherwise you might fall into the trap of being seen as a walking wallet. That’s why I have gathered all my insider tips from living many years in Punta Cana for you to show you how a low-budget holiday in Punta Cana is possible, it doesn’t matter if you call yourself a true backpacker, a individual tourist just looking for the best bang for the buck or if you want to enjoy an all-inclusive resort as cheap as possible. And, to make it even easier for you to plan your travel budget, I have also budgeted a sample vacation for you so that you can see exactly how much money you need when traveling to Punta Cana. Furthermore, you also find a lot of information on organizing your vacation as cheaply as possible, even if you want to stick to an all-inclusive resort. For example, I am shwoing you the best budget hotels and resorts in Punta Cana as well as the coolest excursions in Punta Cana under 50 USD.
Please note: this guide is for all visitors staying in individual accommodations, AirBnBs, hostels or guesthouses (even though you can find a few all-inclusive saving tips in the following articles as well). If you’d like to know how to save money on an all-inclusive vacation in Punta Cana, check out this article.
If you are interested in detailed prices of Punta Cana, please check out this article.
For resorts with the lowest prices, check out the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.
Completely UPDATED by your Punta Cana expert Chris: May 2025
At a glance: Punta Cana on a budget
I always use my first-hand experiences from living many years in Punta Cana and try to pack my articles here on the blog with as much helpful information as possible. Therefore, you have my wholeheartedly recommendation to read the entire article, but in case you don’t have that much time, here are a few links which help you get the most important bits of information:
Preamble: Traveling Punta Cana on a budget and backpacking the area
Before I am talking about the precise tips on how to travel Punta Cana on a budget, let me explain to you why it is not the easiest task – it doesn’t matter if you are backpacking the Dominican Republic or if you are just looking for a cheap beach holiday outside of the all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Punta Cana is made for package tourists arriving with their flight, heading straight to the provided shuttles, enjoying their all-inclusive resort and booking a few excursions. Therefore, the conditions for individual travelers might be a bit difficult at first glance, especially as the entire internet is full of the best tips for your all-inclusive vacation.
However, if you dig a bit deeper, it is absolutely possible to travel Punta Cana on a budget. Particularly in my first years in the Dominican Republic, when I was still living in Santo Domingo, I have done around 30 or 40 trips to Punta Cana, most of them with a limited budget and looking for how to get the best out of this area without spending too much. It just requires some knowledge, which is usually hidden among all those all-inclusive resort reviews and excursion promotions out there. This comprehensive Punta Cana guide about budget-traveling and backpacking the area will help you, with all the personal experiences I’ve had in the last years, including my time living here in Punta Cana!
Arrive: Airport transfers in Punta Cana when traveling on a budget
Even your journey to the Dominican Republic starts with the flight, I won’t talk about this part as I assume you know how to book a cheap flight as a savvy budget traveler. If you need help finding the best flights to Punta Cana, let me know and send me a travel coaching request. You can also check the current flight promotions to Punta Cana here*. If you need some twists and tweaks to find a cheaper flight, you can also watch this video here which shows you my best flight hacks for Punta Cana.
For your transfer from Punta Cana International Airport to the main area of Punta Cana (which is known as Punta Cana but actually called Bavaro), you‘ll have the choice of different transfer options.
Your cheapest bet is to walk out of the airport and take a local guagua (a Dominican minivan) to Verón. Here you can change to buses bound for Bavaro and Cabeza de Toro. As of 2025, the entire journey cost around 3 USD (approx. 160 DOP) which is perfect for any backpacker and one of the cheapest airport transfers you can find in the entire Dominican Republic. However, it might take you a very long time, usually more than 90 minutes – mostly because of the waiting time, several stops along the way and the traffic jams in Veron. Check out my airport transfer guide to find more information about this public transport option.
Please note that public transport from Punta Cana Airport is only possible if you are traveling with light luggage and without suitcases. I would only recommend this option if you’re keen for an uncomfortable journey, speak some Spanish and want to directly immerse into the local culture.
My opinion: the extra time, hassle and uncomfortable conditions (heat, no space, etc.) of the public transport option is usually not worth the tiny savings of just around 5 USD compared to a shared airport shuttle (see next section).
Travel resources
Punta Cana Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*
Santo Domingo Airport Transfers: Info | Book It*
All-Inclusive Resorts: Info | Book It*
Apartments & Villas: Info | Book It*
Excursions: Info | Book It*
Rental Car: Info | Book It*
Road-Trips & Self-Drive Tours: Info | Plan It
BONUS – 10% OFF on tours and transfers: Book It* (use code VIATORAFF10)
I have spent many years in Punta Cana visiting all the beaches, resorts, attractions and hidden gems. Feel free to comment below for any questions I can help you with.
If you don’t have to squeeze every dollar out of your pocket but still want to travel Punta Cana on a budget, my recommendation would be to book a shared airport transfer*. When booking in advance, they are already selling as low as 8-10 USD per person and get you to your destination much quicker and more comfortable than with public transport. You will be greeted by a representative of the booked company right at the arrival area and get accompanied to your shuttle. You might have to wait a bit for other travelers arriving during the same period than you, but in the end, it shouldn’t take you more than 60 minutes from passing customs to your booked accommodation. You can book a shared airport transfer from Punta Cana Airport directly here or check out further information in my airport guide.
My expert tip: shared airport transfers are only worth it if you’re traveling alone. As soon as you are at least 2 people, a private transfer is usually cheaper.
If you are looking for a private transfer from Punta Cana Airport, you should calculate with at least 25 USD per way, which might be more than you’d like to spend as a budget traveler. If interested, you can check out the cheapest options here*.
Last but not least, you can also use Uber for your way from the airport. However, there is an airport surcharge of approx. 7 USD calculated into your Uber fare, which doesn’t make it as affordable as when using Uber in other areas in Punta Cana. You can find all the details of ordering an airport Uber in Punta Cana here my airport transfer guide at Punta Cana Travel Blog.
Stay: Finding the best AirBnBs, guesthouses and budget accommodation in Punta Cana
If traveling on a budget to Punta Cana, you have plenty of options for where to stay. Punta Cana hostels, cheap all-inclusive resorts, cool Airbnbs, or cute guesthouses – Punta Cana (and the Dominican Republic) has it all. Let’s have a closer look at the accommodation options you have in Punta Cana, it doesn’t matter if you’re backpacking the Dominican Republic or simply are looking for a cheap trip to Punta Cana.
A great option to compare different types of accommodation and find super cheap options for Punta Cana is the website CozyCozy*. The cool thing here is that they compare Airbnb’s, Hostels, Vrbo’s, apartments, guesthouses and traditional accommodation and therefore can show you a comprehensive overview of what’s available. With the map view, you can filter for accommodations close to the beach, as the greater Punta Cana area has many accommodations (especially the cheap ones), which are far away from everything.
Affordable hotels & cheap guesthouses
When looking for accommodation for a budget holiday in Punta Cana outside of the big all-inclusive resorts, I highly recommend you to stay in the area of Corales and El Cortecito. Those areas are located right in Bavaro and have the best connection to public transport, supermarkets, bars, restaurants and local life. They also feature the best public beach access to Bavaro Beach.
When looking for a cheap guesthouse or small hotel in Punta Cana, I can recommend to you the following options which are (usually) all below 50-70 USD per night and within walking distance to the beach:
Art Villa Dominicana (check prices* | check reviews*):
A small guesthouse-style hotel in the center of the Corales area with different kinds of rooms for a choice, including small studios with a kitchenette. Approx. 10 minutes walking distance to the beach
Green Coast Beach Hotel (check prices* | check reviews*):
A hotel right at the beach of Cortecito, perfect for some affordable beach vacations in Punta Cana. They have a small and cute beach club with great views as well.
Honky Tonk Punta Cana (check prices* | check reviews*):
Not a super low-budget option, but considering it’s prime location right in Corales, just 2 minutes walking away in the beach, and the super modern rooms (the whole building was only built in 2024) + the occasional promotions you can find on booking.com, it’s definitely worth a look and a particular great recommendation for flashpackers traveling to Punta Cana
Cheaper accommodation (as cheap as 15 USD per night) usually can be found if you stay further away from the beach. However, if you are traveling to Punta Cana for a beach holiday, I would not recommend it as shuttling back and forth each day to get to the beach might be bothersome.
If proximity to the beach is not important for you, the following Punta Cana budget options are recommendable:
Nely y Pietro Guesthouse (check prices* | check reviews*):
A long-time favorite among budget travelers in Punta Cana, this cute little guesthouse offers great value for money and a decent location, especially for taking the public transport of Punta Cana to all parts of the province, as it’s in walking distance to the main bus station in Friusa.
Hostal Johnnier Macao (check prices* | check reviews*):
Located far away from the main Punta Cana area but close to the beautiful Macao Beach, this is a pretty nice guesthouse with cozy rooms, great breakfast and caring hosts, guaranteeing a perfect experience in Punta Cana and at Playa Macao.
Manaya Bed & Breakfast (check prices* | check reviews*):
A lovely B&B outside of the main tourist areas of Punta Cana. It is a hidden gem for budget travelers in Punta Cana if you’d like to explore the local life. Wonderful decoration, personal attention, a little oasis in the middle of busy Verón. If you’re not a beach person and are looking for local interaction, this is a very interesting guesthouse in Punta Cana – but take note that it’s far away from most things to do in Punta Cana.
Still, I would not recommend every single budget hotel in Punta Cana. There are some accommodations out there that have an unfavorable location – far away from everything, inconvenient to reach and partly not 100% safe. Therefore. I’d recommend you to stick with the options above or at least – if you don’t like the guesthouses and hotels listed – with similar locations.
The best Punta Cana hostels
If you are an experienced backpacker, you might look for a genuine hostel in Punta Cana. Unfortunately, that’s not easy to find, especially since Macao Beach Hostel with its original backpacker vibe closed during the pandemic.
Therefore, as of 2025, the following options are the best Punta Cana hostels:
Eco-Hostel Punta Cana (check prices* | check reviews*):
A pretty new place just opened around 2020/2021, which is currently the most authentic typical backpacking hostel in Punta Cana. You have everything characteristic of a hostel, such as dorms, common rooms, a shared kitchen, relaxation areas, people who can give advice and other budget travelers to connect with (with whom you maybe can go on one of the budget adventures mentioned below in this Punta Cana Backpacking guide).
Gava Hostel (check prices* | check reviews*):
This is not a true hostel as you are used to in typical backpacking countries; it is more a cheap place to stay with all the amenities you need, but without the typical backpacker vibe. The location in Bavaro, close to the Corales Beach area, is perfect and you have everything you need within walking distance. It’s also a long-time favorite, serving travelers on a budget in Punta Cana for many years.
Art-Hostel Punta Cana (check prices* | check reviews*):
Art-Hostel is marketed together with Eco-Hostal Punta Cana and shares the same facilities, hence you have common areas, hammocks, a shared kitchen and all the backpacker services as well in this hostel in Punta Cana. What makes it different is that Art-Hostel has private rooms, while Eco-Hostal sells the dorms. Hence, if you are budget traveling as a couple to Punta Cana, check the prices of Art-Hostel instead of Eco-Hostal.
Cheap Airbnbs in Punta Cana
AirBnB is also an extremely popular option in Punta Cana. There are more than 5000 (!!) AirBnB accommodation in Bavaro, Punta Cana and the entire area, which also includes a massive amount of budget options – for as low as 15 USD per night in a double room.
As it is impossible to keep track of all these Airbnbs in Punta Cana and recommend specific ones (as they change very often), I would suggest that you check for yourself on the Airbnb website to find your favourites. Use the filter options to narrow down your search and check on the map for a location not too far away from the beach or from major transit points.
My personal expert tip: the best areas for Airbnbs in Punta Cana are Corales and El Cortecito, as you have the beach, many restaurants and all necessary infrastructure in walking distance.
Punta Cana budget vacations in all-inclusive resorts
The last option to stay on a low budget in Punta Cana is by booking one of the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana. Even though I definitely would not call a resort a backpacking vacation in the Dominican Republic, it might make perfect sense if you don’t travel on an ultra-thin shoestring and are ok to pay a few bucks extra for the super comfort of a nice all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana where you get pampered around the clock.
After all, you also have to consider what you’re paying when you organize your holiday on your own, particularly as restaurants in Punta Cana are not cheap, street food stalls are not too abundant and the resort prices particularly in the low season are super low.
Let’s assume you spend 40 USD per night for a cheap hotel or guesthouse (any accommodation without all-inclusive), 80 USD per day on drinks and meals for 2 persons (as long as you’re not cooking on your own, you can calculate 15 USD for breakfast, 15 USD for lunch, 30 USD for dinner and maybe 20 USD for drinks – all based on a couple traveling on a budget to Punta Cana) and 20 USD for beach chairs, that’s making a total of 140 USD. And you will be surprised to learn that the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana are already available starting at around 150 USD per night per couple (!) (not per person).
You can find further information about the travel budget in Punta Cana in the tables I have prepared for you below.
Therefore, if you’re just planning to enjoy a cheap trip to Punta Canas beaches for a couple of days and don’t want to explore much of the surrounding area, one of the very affordable all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana might come in handy.
If this sounds like an option for you, here are the three most recommended all-inclusive resorts when traveling to Punta Cana on a budget.
Whala Bavaro (check prices* | check reviews*):
Whala Bavaro is a true barebone resort and perfect for budget travelers to Punta Cana. It doesn’t offer much more than a few pools, 2 buffet restaurants, a couple of bars and pretty modern rooms (as the resort was completely renovated in 2018), hence you shouldn’t expect full-day entertainment, haute cuisine or fancy drinks, but it does its job, doesn’t cost more than a regular Bed&Breakfast in the United States (particularly in the low season) and feature a prime beachfront location right at one of the best stretches of Bavaro Beach. The location is also perfect if you want to explore the surrounding bars and restaurants in the Corales area, which is also suitable for some Punta Cana nightlife.
Prices at this budget all-inclusive resort are starting at around 125 USD per couple in the low season and 175 USD per couple in the high season.
Alternatively, you can also check out HM Alma de Bayahibe*, another super cheap budget option, where you also can find an extensive review here.
Grand Bavaro Princess (check prices* | check review):
All Princess Resorts are usually among the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana, but if there is one which is particularly recommendable, it is Grand Bavaro Princess. It is just incredible what you get here for the cheap prices, which are usually below 200 USD per double room per night, especially during the low season. A super large buffet, a huge selection of à-la-carte restaurants, large and beautiful tropical gardens as well as very spacious rooms, which are, in the meantime, all completely renovated and nearly on par with posh boutique hotels from elsewhere in the world. If you’re looking for an affordable all-inclusive vacation in Punta Cana but don’t want a cheapish resort, Grand Bavaro Princess is one of the top picks I can highly recommend. Oh, and they have an amazing beach section as well.
Prices at this budget all-inclusive resort are starting at around 150 USD per couple in the low season and 200 USD per couple in the high season.
Catalonia Punta Cana (check prices* | check review):
Another similar resort suitable for low-budget travelers is Catalonia Punta Cana. It is usually priced similarly to Grand Bavaro Princess and definitely can compete in terms of buffets, food quality, the beauty of their gardens, the nice beach, as well as the overall quality. Just the rooms are much older (book a Privilege room if you want a modern room) and there a not as many à-la-carte options like at Grand Bavaro Princess, but usually 5 or 6 à-la-carte options are still enough for a regular holiday.
Prices at this all-inclusive resort used to start at around 150 USD per couple in the low season and 200 USD per couple in the high season.
In case you are considering a resort or need further accommodation options, check out these three articles for the cheapest Punta Cana vacation:
– the cheapest all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana
– the best affordable resorts in Punta Cana
– how to save on an all-inclusive vacation in Punta Cana
Eat: Cheap eats in Punta Cana
When visiting Punta Cana, you’ll find a lot of fancy and recommendable restaurants. But most of them are quite expensive, compared to other areas in the Dominican Republic. A lunch or dinner plate at a regular restaurant easily sets you back at 10 USD + tip + drinks + appetizer etc.. That’s at least what I don’t consider budget traveling when being in Latin America.
However, if you know where to go, you can also fill up your tummy for much less. You can find typical Dominican meals for around 5 USD in a “Comedor”, which are Dominican eateries. They are all around Bavaro and are usually open for lunch. A typical fare is rice, beans, salad and meat for 250-300 DOP. Vegetarian options are not always available (well, besides just eating rice, beans and salad).
If 1 or 2 dollars more are not stretching your travel budget for Punta Cana too much, I am highly recommending you Delicias de Bavaro (probably the best local place to eat in Punta Cana) or the several food trucks in the area, such as those at Friusa or the park south of Corales. Here you can sit in a comfortable surrounding and eat delicious local dishes for around 6-8 USD.
Furthermore, Punta Cana has also plenty of big supermarkets (Jumbo, Sirena, Lama, Nacional, Iberia), where you can buy groceries for local prices. In this article you get a good overview about all the prices in Punta Cana.
Connect: Where to meet other budget travelers and backpackers
Connecting with other like-minded travelers might be the most difficult part when traveling to Punta Cana on a budget. There are just not that many backpackers. Furthermore, as there are no hostels, typical do-it-yourself adventures or other hangout spots for individual travelers, it needs a bit of creativity to connect. Most foreign people you are going to meet are probably either expats living in Punta Cana or all-inclusive tourists roaming outside their resort. However, if you check the spots above, especially in Corales and Cortecito (particularly accommodation and places to eat), you might be able to find and connect to other travelers in Punta Cana on a budget.
Get your free e-book now – “16 amazing things-to-do for free in Punta Cana”!
Get Around: Public transport in Punta Cana
When you are visiting Punta Cana on a budget, you also want to move around. The cheapest option is to use public transport, which just costs a bit more than 1 USD (75-85 DOP) for all journeys within Bavaro, Verón and Punta Cana. However, public transport in Punta Cana takes its time, especially as connections are not pretty good. Sometimes you have to spend around 2 hours to cover just 20 kilometers. Before using it, please read my comprehensive guide about public transport in Punta Cana and make sure there is a connection to the place where you want to go.
Another option, while not particularly cheap, is to rent a car, as it will save you a lot of time and makes planning your trip much easier. Especially if you’d like to venture out and see the hidden gems of Punta Cana and beyond (check here for the 13 best day trips from Punta Cana), a car is nearly essential. Check out this article for more information on renting a car in Punta Cana.
If a rental car doesn’t fit your travel budget for Punta Cana, don’t worry. Public transport will bring you to most places, even you might have to bring a lot of time and patience.
Experience: Backpacking adventures when traveling Punta Cana on a budget
A vacation in Punta Cana doesn’t have to be expensive. There are a lot of things you can do when traveling on a budget or backpacking Punta Cana. Your first resource for budget-friendly activities is my guide with 16 amazing things you can do for free in Punta Cana.
Best DIY adventures when backpacking Punta Cana
If you want to explore Punta Cana on your own, you need to know that it sometimes might be difficult, particularly due to public transport limitations. It is certainly possible, especially if you’re flexible, speak a bit of Spanish and don’t mind getting up early, but it needs time and patience. Therefore – even if you are traveling to Punta Cana on a budget – it might be smarter to rent a car in Punta Cana, as this makes it much easier to visit most of the following places. Still, it is partly possible with public transport as well.
| DIY Adventure for backpackers | Description | Budget needed + Further information |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfalls in Punta Cana | Waterfalls in Punta Cana are a great adventure for intrepid travelers. Salto de la Jalda is certainly the best waterfall adventure you can have in the east of the Dominican Republic, but you need a rental car to make this trip possible in one day – with public transport it would be a two-day trip. Salto de Anamuya is easier to reach via public transport. | Just the costs for the rental car and/or public transport, the waterfalls are free.
Further information: |
| Hiking in Punta Cana | There are some pretty cool hikes in Punta Cana. Only attempt them if you are experienced in walking with a GPS tracker and finding trails. Take plenty of water and snacks and don’t underestimate the jungle & the climate. If you prefer a guide, you can book this guided hiking tour*. | Just the costs for the rental car and/or public transport, the waterfalls are free.
Further information: |
| Explore pristine beaches in Punta Cana | While you have the most beautiful beaches right in Punta Cana listed here, you can also visit the different pristine beaches of the area, such as Playa Limón, Playa La Vacama or Playa Esmeralda. All of the latter ones are best visited with your own rental car. | Just the costs for the rental car and/or public transport, beaches in Punta Cana and the Dominican Republic are free.
Further information: |
| Montana Redonda | Montaña Redonda is a great day trip from Punta Cana. It is reachable by public transport and instead of taking a truck up, you can hike up by just paying a minimal entrance fee of around 4-5 USD. You will be rewarded with amazing photo opportunities as the views are super scenic and unique. | 4-5 USD entrance fee + public transport costs
Further information: |
| Higuey | Higuey is the capital of the province La Altagracia and home to the most important basilica of the Dominican Republic. You can also see the bustling life of a local city by visiting the market and eating at the various food stalls. Don’t get overwhelmed by the chaotic surrounding with its multiple influences. Higuey can be easily reached by public transport. | approx. 6 USD for public transport |
Get 10% OFF all excursions and airport transfers when booking through Viator here* and use promo code VIATORAFF10 upon checkout
(Book until the 9th of May, travel date now until 2026).
TOP 12 Punta Cana Excursions
Isla Saona: Saona Info | Book it*
Private Saona Island Tour: Private Tour Info | Book it*
Dune buggy and ATV excursion: Buggy Info | Book it*
Punta Cana Ziplining: Zipline Info | Book it*
Party boat & booze cruise: Party Boat Info | Book it*
Best Nightlife Show: Coco Bongo Info | Book it*
Scape Park Cap Cana & Blue Lagoon: Blue Lagoon Info | Book it*
Los Haitises National Park: Los Haitises Info | Book it*
Santo Domingo: Santo Domingo Info | Book it*
Samaná (Salto El Limón & Cayo Levantado): Samaná Info | Book it*
Helicopter & airplane tours: Helicopter Info | Book it*
Whale watching (Jan-Mar only): Whale watching Info | Book it*
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the 40+ best Punta Cana tours!
Best cheap excursions (under 50 USD) when traveling to Punta Cana on a budget
Of course, you can also book one of the several excursions in Punta Cana which would be a straight-forward option to experience some unique things in the Dominican Republic. Some of the cheapest excursions, such as Buggys, Booze Cruises or Horseback Riding, already start at 40 USD per person. Check out the best prices here*.
The widget below shows you some of the coolest and cheapest excursions in Punta Cana under 50 USD – perfect when looking for cheap trips and excursions on a budget.
| Excursion | Description | Further Information |
|---|---|---|
| Dune buggy excursion | Dune buggy excursions in Punta Cana are the epitome of cheap day trips in Punta Cana. They start for as low as 35 USD and are great fun, especially if you’re around with friends. You get to know some parts of the countryside around Punta Cana and visit a fantastic beach, Macao Beach. While driving and speeding around, you’ll have a blast and for sure get super dirty. | Further information: If you’re looking for your experience to be a bit more personal than just a cheap budget tour, you can also check out this article about the best buggy excursions in Punta Cana.
Cheap tour recommendation: check this well-rated and affordable buggy tour here* There is even an ATV adventure here* which you can get for close to 50 USD. ATVs are usually much better vehicles than the old and rickety dune buggies. |
| Party Boat | Hop on a boat which cruises through the turquoise Caribbean Sea, while listening to Latin sounds and party music and drinking a few alcoholic drinks – all together with an animated and happy crowd. That’s exactly what’s expecting you on a party boat in Punta Cana. | Further information: overview of the best catamaran and party boat trips in Punta Cana
Cheap tour recommendation: this one here is an affordable party boat with good reviews* |
| Higuey City Tour | Higuey is the capital of the province La Altagracia and a very bustling city. While you can go here on your own, a guided tour has the big advantage that you’ll have a guide with you, who can explain to you everything about local traditions, daily life and hidden gems of the Dominican Republic. He can also take you to places where you usually won’t go on your own. | Cheap tour recommendation: check out this great and low-budget Higuey tour* |
| Chocolate Workshop | The Dominican Republic is famous for its cacao production, a lot of organic chocolate bars are coming from here. If you want to learn more about this unique product and would like to produce your own chocolate bar, this interactive workshop is a perfect choice for you, particularly as it is so cheap. | Cheap tour recommendation: affordable chocolate workshop* |
| Rum Tasting | Another famous local produce is sugar cane, which is processed into world-renowned rum. If you want to learn more about it, try some of the best local rums (much better and much more exclusive than in any all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana) and have a great time in a really cool tasting bar, this Punta Cana rum tasting is for you. | Cheap tour recommendation: professional and exclusive rum tasting for a low price* |
Travel Budgets for Punta Cana: backpacker, low-budget couple and affordable resort holiday
Ultra low-budget backpacker (single person)
Using public transport & cooking on your own – traveling on a shoestring
- Accommodation: 1 week at Hostal Eco Punta Cana* in a dormitory room, 25 USD per night = 175 USD
- Food: Local grocery shopping and self-catering for breakfast and dinner for 1 week (50 USD per person) + eating local lunch (“menu of the day”) at local Dominican eateries (6 USD per plate = 42 USD) = 92 USD
- 1 large beer or 1 fresh juice per day on the street (also perfect to connect with locals) = 200 DOP = 3.50 USD x 7 days = 24.50 USD
- Airport transfer: pre-booking a shared shuttle here* for 8 USD each way = 16 USD
- Local transport: several minibus rides for shopping, sightseeing and more, 1.25 USD per ride x 2 rides per day on average x 7 days = 17.50 USD
- Local SIM Card with internet for a week = 350 DOP = 6 USD
- Activities: enjoying the beaches, visiting the things to do for free in Punta Cana and getting to know the locals: 0 USD
- Extra money for small souvenirs, unforeseen circumstances, a little bit of splurging or other incidentals: 30 USD
TOTAL for 1 week: 361 USD
Budget per day per person (if traveling alone): 51.50 USD
Individual traveler (adventurous couple)
Staying local and doing 1 or 2 cheap excursions, enjoying things for free + eating out a few meals in decently-priced restaurants
- Accommodation: 1 week at a centrally located and recommendable studio, room or apartment, for example Villa Florencia* or HonkeyTonk* (HonkeyTonk without a kitchen): 50-60 USD per night, approx. 400 USD in total for a week = 200 USD per person
- Food: 3 dinners out in low-key restaurants or food trucks (10 USD per person per dinner), 4 home-cooked dinners and home-made breakfast (50 USD grocery shopping per person) + 6 local lunches (“menu of the day”) at local Dominican eateries (6 USD per plate = 36 USD per person) = 116 USD per person
- 1 large beer or 1 fresh juice per day on the street (also perfect to connect with locals) = 200 DOP = 3.50 USD x 7 days = 24.50 USD per person
- 1 cocktail night out = 20 USD per person
- Airport transfer: pre-booking a private airport transfer here* for approx. 30 USD each way = 30 USD per person for both ways
- Local transport: several Uber rides for shopping, local sights and more, 5-10 USD per ride x 1 ride per day on average (on days with excursions or airport transfers, for example, no rides are needed) x 7 days = 50 USD = 25 USD per person
- Local SIM Card with internet for a week = 350 DOP = 6 USD = 3 USD per person
- 2 excursions: 1 cheap buggy adventure tour for approx. 40 USD (for example, this one here*) and 1 full-day Saona excursion incl. lunch for approx. 65 USD (for example, this one here*) = 105 USD per person
- Further activities: enjoying the beaches, visiting the things to do for free in Punta Cana and getting to know the locals: 0 USD
- Extra money for small souvenirs, unforeseen circumstances, a little bit of splurging or other incidentals: 30 USD per person
TOTAL for 1 week: 553.50 USD
Budget per day per person (if traveling as a couple): 79 USD
Editor’s Choice: the best experiences 2025
Most unique experience in a small group: Authentic rum tasting* (rating 4.81/5)
Best Rated Punta Cana excursion: Isla Saona Premium in small groups* (rating 4.95/5)
Most booked through Punta Cana Travel Blog: Small-Group Snorkeling* (rating 4.92/5)
Best off-the-beaten-track excursion: Montana Redonda & Costa Esmeralda* (rating 4.77/5)
Best excursion for family fun: Jungle Buggies + Zipline Combo* (rating 4.89/5)
New and trending for 2025: Mimosa Cruise*
Not the right tour for you?
Check out the 45 best Punta Cana excursions here at Punta Cana Travel Blog!
For all tours above + all other excursions and airport transfers, get 10% OFF the lowest available price when booking through Viator here* and using promo code VIATORAFF10 upon checkout
(Book until the 9th of May, travel date now until 2026).
Family looking for a resort with a limited budget
Choosing a cheap resort in low season (outside of the school holidays, as long as kids are not in school yet) and going on some affordable excursions
- Accommodation: affordable family resort, for example Catalonia Punta Cana, currently available for 2 adults and 2 children below 6 years for a price of 1702 USD incl. taxes for 1 week, all-inclusive meal plan
- Food: everything included
- Airport transfer: pre-booking a private airport transfer here* for approx. 30 USD each way = 60 USD or both ways
- If you’re on a budget, local transport, excursions and other activities are not really needed. The resort offers a lot of activities and usually kids are the happiest in the pool or the ocean anyway.
- Extra money for small souvenirs, unforeseen circumstances, a little bit of splurging or other incidentals: 100 USD
TOTAL for 1 week: 1862 USD
Budget per day per person (if traveling as a family of 4): 66.50 USD per person (x4) or 133 USD per adult
Get Out: Traveling the Dominican Republic on a budget and backpacking the country
Once you have seen the most important highlights of Punta Cana, you might want to see other parts of the Dominican Republic – especially because those areas are more suitable for backpacking and individual travelers, as they offer much better conditions for traveling on a budget.
A must-see is Santo Domingo, which features the most beautiful old town in the entire Caribbean, with plenty of historic buildings dating back to the 17th century. It is a true pleasure to stroll through the Colonial Zone and experience this kind of history. A comfortable air-conditioned direct bus is running between Punta Cana and Santo Domingo more than 10 times a day, so it is very easy to get there and suitable for any budget. Continue reading here for the departure times and further options on how to get from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo.
Once in Santo Domingo, you have the full choice of exploring the Dominican Republic, which offers so much more than most people think. Direct busses are heading in all directions and it is easy to reach the North Coast, Samaná or the Central mountain area. There you will find perfect conditions for all budgets and plenty of things-to-do. It is the perfect contrast once you have explored Punta Cana and allows you to explore the Dominican Republic in all its facets.
Contrary to Punta Cana, you can also find some great backpacking hostels in the Dominican Republic, perfect to meet like-minded travelers and explore this underrated country. The best hostels in the Dominican Republic for backpacking are:
Island Life, Santo Domingo*: the only true backpacking hostel in Santo Domingo, created from travelers for travelers in the Dominican Republic
Hostel 23, Las Terrenas*: Dominican hospitality at its best, thanks to the welcoming owner and the huge common terrace. Still the only real and recommendable hostel in Las Terrenas.
La Ballena Backpacker, Las Galeras*: if you look for a quieter village on the Samaná peninsula than Las Terrenas, this hostel in Las Galeras is your best bet.
Laguna Park (El Castillo), Cabarete*: the No. 1 backpacking hostel in Dominican Republic’s surf capital. Even though the hostel does not have a surfer vibe and its quality might be erratic, it’s great for all kind of backpackers.
Are you looking for further information to determine your travel budget? Check out the following articles:
– How to save money when booking an all-inclusive vacation … in case you decide for a resort in Punta Cana instead of Airbnb (+ a list of the best cheap all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana)
– Is Punta Cana expensive? A guide about all the prices in Punta Cana …
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CHRIS
Author, Travel Coach & Industry Professional (Bachelor’s degree in tourism)
Hey, I am Chris, a born and raised German, travel-addictive and Caribbean soul, who has been living in the Dominican Republic for 6 years. I’d love to be your Punta Cana expert, as I have stayed at more than 45 all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana and the country, visited more than 70 beaches, explored more than 40 waterfalls and have seen basically all the attractions Punta Cana has to offer. I have also studied tourism for 3 years and worked in the tourism industry my entire life, which is why I am not only giving you recommendations and tips as a traveler but also the best secrets and travel hacks as an industry professional.
Do you need more information? Read more at my About Me Page, send me a travel coaching request or Contact Me here.
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