Private Punta Cana: Made In Higuey Shopping Tour
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
From USD 136.00
Office phone number: +1 809 770 8953 & +1 829 2857733
Private Punta Cana: Made In Higuey Shopping Tour
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic





Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
There is so much more to the Dominican Republic than sun and beaches. Learn about the island’s fascinating culture and heritage through its most popular exports on a unique and lively shopping tour of Higuey. Visit hidden factories, workshops, markets and shops with a local guide who will help you to buy the best souvenirs ever! Along the way we’ll stop to admire some of the city’s most impressive architecture, learn more about the lifestyle of a typical Dominican and enjoy a traditional lunch at the home of a local family. Did we mention that we’ve negotiated factory prices for you? This is definitely the best way to shop for original handicrafts and souvenirs in Higuey and get a proper introduction to the island, too!
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Highlights
- Visit a local art gallery, a cigar factory, a handicrafts gallery and a horse saddle workshop
- Shop till you drop while your local guide helps you negotiate the best prices
- Browse the lively markets and discover the diverse fruits and vegetables that make up the typical Dominican diet
- Enjoy a delicious Dominican lunch in the home of a super-friendly local family.
- Stop to admire Higuey’s historic and cultural highlights, including its unusual 1970s basilica
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Schedule details
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pickup location:
Pick-up at centrally located hotels in Punta Cana.
- Pickup time: 9.00 AM
- Drop off location:
Your hotel
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transport in a private vehicle, lunch in a local home consisting of traditional Dominican food.
Exclusions: Additional food or drinks, items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide.
After a short ride in a comfortable, private vehicle from Punta Cana to Higuey, your tour will begin with an introduction to the history and culture of the island, outside the impressive Basilica de Higuey Cathedral. The cathedral is home to the La Altagracia Virgin, and we’ll stop to admire the modern architecture and hear the old colonial legend about how the celebrated painting of the Virgin first appeared. There will also be an opportunity to look at and purchase religious-themed art and gifts before we move on to take a look around San Dionicio’s Sanctuary.
After a short stroll to get to know the neighbourhood, we’ll arrive at a traditional saddlery to see how the famous Higueyan horse saddle is made. You’ll watch local artisans painstakingly stitching the leather together as you find out what makes these particular saddles so special.
Then we’ll lead you to a handmade cigar factory, where you will see how Dominican cigars are produced and find out why they are considered some of the best in the world. You can try one if you wish and buy cigars at a special factory price.
Next up, we are going to delight you with a visit to one of our favourite galleries to peruse the colourful artworks on offer. Watch the talented artists at work in the workshop and discover African, Haitian and Aboriginal-inspired works of art. We’ll give you plenty of time to browse and shop for a piece to take home with you.
A further walk through the buzzing streets of the city will take us to a very special artisanal shop that boasts an excellent selection of wooden handicrafts and musical instruments, as well as fine jewellery. Find out more about the Dominican Republic’s precious stones, such as amber and larimar, the latter of which is particularly special as it can only be found here on the island.
Our next stop will be the vibrant fruit and vegetable market, which boasts an extraordinary variety of food and flavours to taste. Your guide will talk to you about the most popular spices used on the island before taking you to visit another market known for its traditional medicines and potions.
Our walk will then take us to the home of a local family home where you will try some traditional Dominican food and get refreshed with an ice cold beer.
After lunch, we’ll make one last stop to pick up dessert at a local bakery famous for their sweet delicacies, including delicious rice and milk treats and coconut and banana bread.
Our shopping tour ends here. Don’t forget to ask your guide for tips on which restaurants to visit and secret local spots to call into. We are also very happy to help you find the best way back to your accommodation.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, transport in a private vehicle, lunch in a local home consisting of traditional Dominican food.
Exclusions: Additional food or drinks, items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide.
Dress standard: We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes for walking, and sunscreen and sunglasses are usually advisable.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pickup hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours.
Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +1 809 770 8953 & +1 829 2857733
Email address: info@puntacanaurbanadventures.com
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