Spend a half day exploring Higüey: walk through tobacco and sugarcane fields, visit the modern basilica dedicated to the Virgin of Altagracia, shop the local market, and cool off at Macao Beach. This compact cultural tour pairs agriculture and coastal scenery with easy logistics from Punta Cana.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive from the coastal lowlands and the road opens onto wide cane fields and the concrete silhouette of Higüey’s basilica rising against a blue Caribbean sky.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5–6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers; involves short, flat walks and a few stairs in the basilica
Wildlife
History
The basilica is dedicated to Our Lady of Altagracia, the Dominican Republic’s patroness, and the area’s cane and tobacco economy has shaped local communities since colonial times.
Conservation
Support local vendors and avoid single-use plastics at the beach; stay on marked paths through plantations to minimize soil compaction.
Reserve your spot on the Higuey Basilica with Tobacco and Sugarcane Plantation Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Sun protection for plantations and beach
Wide-open fields and Macao Beach offer little shade—bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Bring small bills
Local markets and roadside vendors often prefer cash for crafts and snacks—carry Dominican pesos or small USD notes.
Dress respectfully for the basilica
Shoulders and knees covered are recommended inside the cathedral out of cultural respect.
Footwear for farm tracks
Wear closed-toe or sturdy walking shoes for uneven paths at plantations and the market.
Sun hat
Shields you from strong sun across plantations and the beach.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important in the Caribbean heat on this half-day outing.
Comfortable walking shoes
Useful for uneven farm tracks, the market, and walking around the basilica.
Lightweight cover-up or scarf
Quickly conforms to basilica dress expectations and protects from sun.