Security in Punta Cana versus Cancun Both Punta Cana and Cancun are completely safe for tourists and have tourist security divisions within their police forces. Theft of valuables is the most common type of crime in Punta Cana. Be careful with your belongings, as you would in any tourist city. When it comes to dream getaways and honeymoon vacations, Cancun and Punta Cana should be two destinations at the top of your list.
These two cozy beach paradises can offer incredible experiences, fantastic all-inclusive resorts and that tropical experience of sun, sea and sand. However, choosing between visiting Cancun or Punta Cana for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation can be exceptionally difficult. However, the difficulty is understandable, since both Cancun and Punta Cana can offer you extraordinary experiences: dream beaches, incredible nightlife, historic monuments, adventures and much more. However, the reality is that these destinations are actually very different from each other.
Cancun is energetic, bustling, loud and developed. The beaches and water are beautiful, and the shopping and nightlife scene is famous for a reason. The atmosphere in Cancun is quite “American”, but that's because it has been built as the best easy tourist destination. On the other hand, Punta Cana is more like a tropical paradise and has a more authentic atmosphere than Cancun.
Arguably, the beaches in Punta Cana are more beautiful than those in Cancun, are less developed and, in general, are also less crowded. As we know both very well, we compare Cancun with Punta Cana below and show you what each one has to offer and how they differ. We show you how the beaches and the environment compare, which one is cheaper, better for families, what activities you can do and much more. Both Cancun and Punta Cana have stunning beaches and that perfect white sand coastline, but there are definite differences you should know.
While you can expect a dream vacation in the Caribbean Sea in either place, the water is probably a little clearer in Cancun, but Punta Cana's palm-lined beaches give it a more tropical vibe. We have also discovered that the sand in Punta Cana is softer and finer than in Cancun, and there is less coral on the coast. However, there isn't a big difference between the two destinations. However, one of the big differences we've found in terms of coastline is that Cancun's beautiful stretches of sand tend to be very developed and very crowded.
By contrast, Punta Cana's beaches tend to be less built-up and less crowded, so it's easier to find your own, more private spot. That also makes Punta Cana's beaches, in our opinion, more picturesque. However, for tourists who choose Cancun, the entire development has an advantage. Because Cancun is home to many all-inclusive resorts and high-rise hotels on the coast, there are plenty of hotel rooms with views of the beach.
Whereas in Punta Cana, many all-inclusive hotels and resorts are farther from the beach. The result is that there are far fewer hotel rooms with that important ocean view. That's definitely something to consider when making a decision. In fact, because Cancun is so tourist-oriented, service at hotels, all-inclusive resorts and restaurants is often excellent, and tends to be better than what is offered at all-inclusive resorts and hotels in Punta Cana.
Although that doesn't mean that the service in Punta Cana is bad, it's quite the opposite. There is also a great deal of shopping in Cancun, a wide variety of restaurants and the nightlife is lively and noisy, with numerous bars and nightclubs. That means you can leave your hotel or resort in Cancun and easily find things to do. However, all this has meant that this destination has been “Americanized” with chain restaurants, hotels and skyscrapers.
Punta Cana, on the other hand, has a much more authentic atmosphere, and you'll undoubtedly feel like you're on vacation in a tropical country. The landscape is also drastically different from that of Cancun, with the stunning beaches of Punta Cana giving way to a lush mountainous interior. So, if you're adventurous and willing to explore the outskirts of Punta Cana, there are plenty of opportunities to do more than just sunbathe, go shopping and party. Such as hiking, swimming in waterfalls and culture-based activities.
So if you're looking for a vacation that includes cultural activities and nature trips away from the beach and all-inclusive resorts, then Punta Cana may be better for you than Cancun. As for the cost, all-inclusive resorts and hotels in Punta Cana tend to be cheaper than in Cancun. This is one of the reasons why the Dominican Republic is included in our list of the cheapest Caribbean islands to visit. In terms of safety, both Cancun and Punta Cana are safe.
But you should still take precautions, of course. Avoid unlit areas at night and clashes with locals. However, non-touristic areas in the Dominican Republic have notable crime rates. Below, we look at some of the things you can see and do in Cancun and Punta Cana in more detail.
This is to give you an idea of the possible excursions and how different these destinations really are. However, it's worth noting that most of Cancun's beaches are short, only a few kilometers long, compared to the much longer beaches in Punta Cana. Cancun's beaches also have huge resorts right next door. So if you like rugged, undeveloped beaches, then Cancun may not be the best option for you.
In fact, the Dolphins and Caracol beaches (we'll talk about both later) may be the quietest of all Cancun beaches, but they're certainly not the most authentic and underdeveloped beaches in the world. If you like busy and active beaches, Chac Mool Beach and Gaviota Azul Beach (also known as Playa Forum) are a good option. They are part of the Hotel Zone, the area where all the world-class all-inclusive resorts, hotels and restaurants are grouped together. Gaviota Azul is ideal for surfing and other water sports.
But their specialty is beach parties and nightlife. It offers a wide selection of bars that tend to attract young people. If you're more interested in enjoying quality food than going out partying, book a table at one of the many restaurants that border Gaviota Azul and delight your taste buds while admiring the aquamarine blue sea. Shopping malls and convenience stores also surround Chac Mool and Gaviota Azul.
This is not the case with Delfines Beach, which is located in a peripheral area of the Hotel Zone. The lack of shops on this beach means fewer crowds, which is a plus. But you'll have to take your food and basic items with you. As the name suggests, Dolphins, which means “dolphins” in English, are common to see dolphins from the coast.
You can often see them playfully jumping and diving in the ocean while sitting on the sand. And if you feel like taking a 15-minute walk from this beach, you can visit the archaeological site of San Miguelito. It is the most important archaeological zone in Cancun, so it is a must see for anyone who visits Dolphins. Once there, you'll find imposing stone ruins from the 13th and 14th centuries and various objects from the colonial era.
Continuing with its quiet beaches, Caracol Beach offers an intimate and quiet atmosphere despite being in the center of the Hotel Zone. Enjoy stunning ocean views from the wooden pier or visit the surrounding craft stores, cafés and restaurants. Everything is calm on this beach, including the sea. The ocean in Caracol tends to be shallow and without waves, so it's perfect for relaxing swimming and is also very safe for children.
Playa Mujeres (not to be confused with Isla Mujeres) is also one of the few places where you can find preserved beaches. The coast represents what Cancun was like before it gained current popularity. In a nutshell, there's a wide range of beaches to enjoy in Cancun, from party spots to beaches perfect for dolphin watching. However, don't expect to feel that “deserted tropical island” feeling anywhere in Cancun.
This is one of the most developed (and busiest) beach vacation spots in the world. The Dominican Republic is increasingly being promoted as a beach destination, with the Punta Cana region as its crown. Without a doubt, it seems more “authentic” than Cancun and, since it is less developed, it could be said that the beaches are also more beautiful and tropical in appearance. The coast of Punta Cana also meets the tastes and needs of everyone, from sun-seekers to adventure lovers.
And unlike Cancun, the beaches of Punta Cana are perfect for long walks, and some are even connected to each other through hiking trails. This destination in the Dominican Republic has an enormous variety of landscapes and nature activities just around the corner; it's not just beach after beach. That is not the case in Cancun. In fact, having easy access to hiking trails, jungles, lagoons and waterfalls is one of the most important things that differentiates Punta Cana from Cancun.
More on that in the next section. Back to the beaches, and if you're looking for an exclusive getaway, Playa Juanello is your place. It is home to the Cap Cana Marina, a leisure port that has many restaurants, casinos and shops. Not only that, but it is also among the most beautiful beaches in Punta Cana.
However, Playa Bávaro is the most famous beach in the region and many tourists who visit Punta Cana consider it the best of all. It has plenty of space to relax and the sea is usually quite quiet. However, Bávaro's fame draws crowds (although not as much as the beaches of Cancun), so it can be very crowded. It's also a little difficult to access it if you're not staying at one of the resorts that are located directly on the coast of Bávaro.
Macau and Cabeza de Toro are good alternatives if you're looking for less crowded beaches. Instead of exclusive stores, there are a few craft stores there. These beaches have a pleasant, relaxed and authentic atmosphere, and attract fewer tourists. Cabeza de Toro is full of vegetation, while Macau has impressive cliffs with trees and shrubs at the top.
If you're looking for a beach destination that has all the amenities you'd want to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, but one that doesn't seem like an overflowing tourist mecca, Punta Cana is probably more suitable for you than Cancun. When you're in Cancun, you'll always find something to do, and arguably there are a lot more things to do in Cancun than in Punta Cana. Whether it's enjoying water sports, diving, shopping, or exploring historic sites, it's impossible to get bored in this city. It's no wonder that Cancun was created with tourists in mind.
Cancun's most famous excursion is a visit to the ruins of Chichen Itza. This iconic pyramid is one of the many Mayan archaeological discoveries in Mexico and is quite a spectacle. While it's quite far from Cancun, that shouldn't be a problem. Simply book a guided tour and a bus or van will pick you up at your hotel and take you back once the tour is over.
This way, you don't have to worry about transportation. Speaking of the surreal, have you ever heard of a pink beach? The salt in Las Coloradas, near Cancun, has changed the color of the sand from white to bright pink due to chemical processes in the water. The result is an impressive pink lake, one of the few in the world. While in Isla Mujeres, you can also watch the sunset in Playa Norte and the sunrise in Isla Blanca, the second being the less crowded of the two beaches.
Extreme and adventure sports are also a possibility in Cancun. Visit Xcaret Park for swimming in underground rivers and parasailing, or Playa Tortugas for bungee jumping and water skiing. Between activities, historical sights, shops, bars and restaurants, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun. So if you're looking for a destination where you can easily book tours, eat in fancy restaurants and do a lot of shopping, Cancun might be a better option than Punta Cana.
Punta Cana and Cancun are quite similar in terms of the variety of activities offered. However, while Cancun has more archaeological sites and shops, arguably Punta Cana has more natural wonders to enjoy. So if you're a lover of outdoor activities, Punta Cana will probably suit you better. The Ojos Indígenas Ecological Reserve in Playa Juanello is one of the main attractions in Punta Cana.
Twelve lagoons interconnected by hiking trails and surrounded by jungle have created a place similar to a fairytale. The water shines like no other there, and it's almost unbelievable how blue the lakes look. Swimming is allowed in three lagoons, where you will find turtles and different types of fish. You can also observe the marine fauna that inhabits the Punta Cana coral reef barrier.
Not all beaches are suitable for snorkeling due to the rough sea, but hotels offer diving sessions preceded by safety talks and lessons given by experts. As you can see, activities in Punta Cana are largely focused on nature, which isn't always the case in Cancun. As if stunning beaches and activities weren't enough, Cancun also has an excellent nightlife. Which makes sense considering that it attracts the spring break crowd.
In fact, we have no doubt that Cancun's nightlife is livelier and louder than in Punta Cana, which can be positive or negative depending on the type of person you are. However, if you want to meet some locals or get an idea of what an authentic Mexican party is like, you'll have to leave the Hotel Zone and head to the city center (downtown Cancun). Everyone is hungry after a night out, and what better food to satisfy your cravings than street tacos? They are authentic Mexican food and delicious, don't hesitate to try them!. You'll find plenty of options in the center.
However, if you prefer to stay in the tourist area, Coco Bongo is in the Hotel Zone. In this club you can enjoy exciting live shows, including acrobatics that vary depending on the theme of the night. Not everyone likes to see live shows, so if you just want to dance the night away, visit Mandala. It's a nightclub full of energy where you'll enjoy the best Latin rhythms for a lower price than Coco Bongo.
Compared to Cancun, Punta Cana's nightlife isn't as loud, but that doesn't mean it's not fun. In fact, despite having fewer places than Cancun, Punta Cana is considered to have one of the best nights in the Dominican Republic. These clubs close their doors around 4 in the morning, earlier than in Cancun. Dancing in dark nightclubs isn't the only option in Punta Cana.
There are beach bars all along the coast, especially on Los Corales beach. The Flamingo Bar is one of them, and it's perfect if you want to enjoy a quiet night with a magnificent view of the sea. The Hotel Zone (or Hotel Zone in English) is the main accommodation area in Cancun. You'll discover that all hotels or resorts are all-inclusive, and they'll also have direct access to the beach and wonderful sea views.
The city center, also known by tourists as Downtown Cancun, offers hotels that usually have pools and include breakfast, such as Nomads Hotel & Rooftop Pool Cancun and Four Points by Sheraton Cancun Centro. The price range in the city center is wide and not all of them are all-inclusive, so you're sure to find a place that fits your budget. However, remember that, although they are cheaper than in the Hotel Zone, the hotels in the center do not have direct access to the beach. Playa Mujeres and Puerto Juárez have good accommodation options as well as beautiful beaches.
These areas are less crowded than the Hotel Zone, but in Playa Mujeres, many of the hotels are also all-inclusive, such as the Riu Palace Costa Mujeres. The difference with the Hotel Zone is that tourist complexes are not built directly on the beach, so they don't completely block it, and there is more space, vegetation and dunes. On the other hand, Puerto Juárez offers less expensive and more authentic alternatives, such as the Hotel del Sol. As we mentioned before, apart from the tourist area, Punta Cana is not as developed.
You won't find as many resorts directly on the beach as in Cancun, but that also means that the beaches aren't a concrete jungle. However, that means that finding a beachside room in Punta Cana can be more difficult than in Cancun, as there are fewer rooms available. Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, Dreams Macao Beach and The Reserve at Paradisus Palma are just a few of the best resorts. Prices often play an important role when choosing a destination.
The difference in costs between Punta Cana and Cancun is not significant, but it does exist. As for activities, most tours in Cancun last all day, as Cancun is far from many tourist attractions. On the other hand, Punta Cana offers more half-day trips, which are cheaper. Nightlife is also key when it comes to pricing.
If you choose Cancun as your destination, you'll probably go out to eat, party, or go shopping. This is not always the case in Punta Cana, since, as we have already mentioned, there are fewer things to do when the sun sets. So what does this mean? Well, even if you decide to travel to Cancun and save money on accommodation, perhaps by choosing a regular hotel instead of an all-inclusive one, you may have to spend more on activities and nightlife. With this in mind, it can be safely said that a trip to Cancun is a little more expensive than one to Punta Cana.
Compared to global standards, Mexico is safer than the Dominican Republic, as the latter has a higher crime rate. However, Punta Cana and Cancun are the regions that attract the most tourists in both countries. That being the case, they have the necessary resources to protect and care for travelers, and both areas are very safe. But if you were to leave Punta Cana or Cancun to explore the less crowded parts of the Dominican Republic or Mexico, keep in mind that you won't be as protected as in those tourist areas.
Although it's highly unlikely that you'll encounter petty crimes, such as wallet theft, they can happen. To stay safe, take general safety measures, such as keeping your valuables out of sight and avoiding isolated or dangerous areas. Cancun and Punta Cana have been popular destinations for years. But which one is better to enjoy with the family? As we have already mentioned, Cancun is an energetic city.
It has a nightlife similar to that of Las Vegas, a wide variety of full-day activities and busy beaches. On the other hand, Punta Cana is a quieter place. It has fun activities, but the overall atmosphere is quieter. The beaches are less crowded, making them safer for children and more relaxing for the whole family.
The activities in Punta Cana are just as adventurous as in Cancun, but they tend to be shorter and require only half a day, so they will be more bearable for children who get bored easily. So, overall, Punta Cana may be better than Cancun for a family trip. However, if your family likes cities and action, or if your children are older, Cancun may be right for you as well. In this case, the choice between Punta Cana and Cancun depends entirely on the type of couple you and your spouse are.
If you both like to party until your feet hurt, buy internationally renowned brands and go on long tours, you'll have an incredible honeymoon in Cancun. By contrast, Punta Cana is better for newlyweds who want a more relaxing getaway. Living the life of a resort, swimming quietly in the cenotes and walking hand in hand on the warm white sand are some of the many romantic and intimate experiences that Punta Cana can offer to both of you. An important aspect when planning your honeymoon is your accommodation.
Many couples want to avoid hotels full of families and children. If this is your situation, you might want to look for adults-only hotels. Some of the amenities they offer include hydrotherapy spas, numerous pools with pool bars, aromatherapy sessions, and fantastic restaurants. As you can see, romance, privacy and comfort characterize this type of hotel.
Both vacation destinations will provide unforgettable memories, but for very different reasons. The atmosphere is quite “American”, but that's because Cancun has been built as the best easy tourist destination. So if you're looking for a lively vacation that combines sunbathing, easy access to tourist activities, excellent service and parties until late at night, then Cancun may be the better option than Punta Cana. With a green and lush environment, Punta Cana feels more like a tropical paradise and has a more authentic atmosphere than Cancun.
There is also great nightlife in Punta Cana, while all-inclusive resorts and hotels are also usually cheaper than in Cancun. Plus, if you're adventurous, there are some wonderful trips away from the tourist spots. So if you're looking for a vacation that encompasses sun, sea and beach, but in a unique location that also has a lot to offer far from the coast, then Punta Cana could be a better option than Cancun. By continuing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
View recent posts by Lilly LeClair When it comes to beaches and landscapes, both places won't disappoint you. Located on the corner of Yucatán, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico, Cancun has warm, clear, turquoise waters, the kind that people often fantasize about when planning a tropical vacation. The coast of the Hotel Zone offers plenty of white sand and pleasant waters, allowing you to practice water sports, sunbathe, swim and take long walks along the coast. It is likely that the sand will also be maintained (that is,.
Free of seaweed), and you'll probably be close to a bar and bathroom. The best place for snorkeling in the Hotel Zone is at the southern end. Noisy groups of spring tourists tend to stay at the pools (and at the pool bars). Like Cancun, Punta Cana, which is full of white sand, coconut trees, crystal clear waters and lush coral reefs, offers ample opportunities for kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling and other non-motorized sports, depending on the all-inclusive resort.
If algae remains accumulate during the night, many resorts also have rakes that clean them in the morning to keep the environment pristine. However, the coastline varies depending on location, some areas of the sea are more rough than others, and some resorts have a narrower strip of sand that, as a result, can seem crowded. The latter resorts are also often in a hurry in the morning to book one of the slightly shabby plastic chairs. Other properties, such as the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel, have large, secluded strips of sand free of crowds dotted with shady palapas.
Packed with sun-seekers, party goers and the like, Bávaro Beach is the most famous of the beaches in the Punta Cana area. The soft white sand, the imposing palm trees and the endless views of the ocean attract attention, although keep in mind that the waves here are harder than those you'll find in the D, R. The prices of the Iberostar Grand Bavaro Cancun, which was part of the ancient Mayan civilization, are considered the gateway to El Mundo Maya (the Mayan world), so there are many day trip options that can be arranged with tour groups. The most popular day trips include Isla Mujeres (located eight miles from the coast), Cozumel (an hour's drive plus a ferry ride) and the sacred Chichen Itza (located two hours to the west).
There is also a small collection of Mayan buildings in downtown Cancun. Cancun also has much better shopping options with exclusive malls such as La Isla and Luxury Avenue. Two hours south of Cancun is modern Tulum, where centuries-old temples are built along the coast. The Caribbean Sea offers coral reefs for snorkeling and diving, including the island of Cozumel and the cenotes, a large sinkhole full of fresh water and fish.
Children can play with spider monkeys at The Jungle Place sanctuary. For more inspiration on what to do in and around the area, check out our stories about the best excursions in Cancun, as well as the most unexpected day trips from Cancun. Both Cancun and Punta Cana are largely comprised of all-inclusive environments. In Cancun, many all-inclusive resorts include breakfast and lunch buffets, so most local restaurants serve lunch starting at 2 p.m.
And keep your doors open until midnight for dinner. For those who like to venture out, various types of cuisine can be found in and around the Hotel Zone, but there are only a few beachfront restaurants. On the other hand, those who want to enjoy their meals next to a breathtaking view can dine at the beachfront restaurants facing the Nichupté Lagoon, which also offer beautiful sunsets. Downtown Cancun is a taxi ride away and offers a variety of Mexican restaurants, fresh seafood and international cuisine.
And when it comes to nightlife, many might imagine people having beers, foam parties, and wet t-shirt contests; after all, this is and has been a popular spring break destination. If thinking about this makes you shiver, it might be wise not to visit the destination during March and April. However, the most popular party spots have a constant crowd throughout the year, ranging in age from 18 (legal drinking age in Mexico) to mid-50s or older. In addition, nightclubs usually sell open-bar bracelets, which allow you to pay a price to come in and drink all night; sometimes bottle service is also recommended.
Cancun also offers bar-to-bar tours, which reach several nightclubs in one night. For a full list of the best places to go out at night, check out our story about the best clubs and bars in Cancun, in which we highlight places like Coco Bongo, Mandala, Senor Frogs and more. Is Cancun safe? Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, has a Level 2 warning from the U.S. UU.
This means that travelers should act more cautiously. The warning states that “while most of these homicides appeared to be selective, the killings of criminal organizations and turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by the United States. Citizens. Cancun's growth began to explode in the late 1960s, when the Mexican government realized the city's potential and revealed its tourism development plans.
The Hotel Zone (with more than 100 hotels, is where most people stay) is a 14-mile long stretch of sand shaped like the number seven. It has a lagoon on one side and the sea on the other. The prices here are usually mid-range, although it won't be difficult for you to find everything from cheap hostels, such as Hostal Mayapan, to expensive luxury resorts, such as Le Blanc Spa Resort. Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa Prices The 260-room luxury Le Blanc Spa Resort is the best (and most expensive) all-inclusive adults only in the city.
It stands out for its magnificent white sand beach in the heart of the hotel zone, its magnificent spa (guests have free access to the hydrotherapy area), its impressive swimming pools (two with pool bars) and, above all, its pampering service, from the butlers who will unpack your clothes to the pool attendants who will provide you with cold towels for your eyes. It has a modern and beautiful aesthetic throughout the property, in immaculate white, and the modern and bright rooms have hot tubs for two people; most have views of the sea or the lagoon. Prices of Le Blanc Spa Resort Cancun. The oldest of the four complexes that make up the Grand Palladium mega-resort with more than 2000 rooms in Bávaro, the exclusive Palladium Punta Cana, with 537 rooms, is also the most affordable and attracts an active young audience ready to party.
mostly North American adults. Every room has a large hot tub, and the main attractions are the clean white sand beach, access to four free-form pools, and eight unreserved restaurants. All products are independently selected by our writers and publishers. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.
Both Cancun and Punta Cana are known for their stunning white sand beaches and turquoise Caribbean waters. However, Punta Cana is often considered the better of the two beaches. It is less touristy and quieter than Cancun, and the beaches are well preserved with lush natural vegetation that creates a relaxing tropical atmosphere. The magnificent climate offered by Cancun and Punta Cana is one of the many reasons why travelers flock to these areas during the fall and winter.
There's no doubt that Cancun and Punta Cana are two of the most popular destinations for an all-inclusive vacation. While Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has its own unique and beautiful culture, travelers staying at resorts are unlikely to experience authentic local life. When choosing between Cancun or Punta Cana, it's important to know which beaches best suit your travel style. Those looking for a more intimate boutique property can stay at Tortuga Bay, a 30-room hotel that was designed by Oscar de la Renta and that offers incredible service, including preferential treatment at Punta Cana International Airport.
Punta Cana is located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, along the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Punta Cana and Cancun are popular destinations for affordable and relaxing vacations for Canadians and Americans. .
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