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Cultural Tour Higüey History, Local Life and Dominican Gastronomy

Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Great choice
10+ bookings last month.
  • 5 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Kristy_F ·
Mar 2026
Ariel was wonderful and I recommend this turn to everyone!!! It was super fun! This was super great! I love it
· Jennifer_L ·
Jan 2026
Good way to see more of the countryside. Small towns and what it looks like outside the big hotels. Our driver, Francisco, was very good and told us about where we were and answered all our questions. He was awesome!

Overview

Get out to Higuey from Punta Cana on this half-day small-group tour where you can shop in the market, ride horses, visit a farm with local produce, and more. Your guide will organize all of the logistics, so you and your group just need to relax and experience Dominican culture, and enjoy an included lunch along the Anamuya River.
  • Hotel pickup and drop off provided for ease
  • Keep costs down with this small-group tour
  • Enjoy a provided lunch along the river
  • Tour for around 5 hours, then the rest of the day is free

What's Included

  • Pick up at all hotels.
  • Visit the town of Higuey.
  • Local market and farmers.
  • Visit the Anamuya River waterfall.
  • Dominican restaurant with typical fresh produce from the region.
  • Agricultural farm producing coffee and cocoa.
  • Visit Altezanales stores at a more affordable price than the tourist sector.
  • Visit a beach where the locals live and share their culture and traditions.
  • Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

Traveler pickup is offered. We collect in all hotels in Bávaro Punta Cana, Cap. Cana and Uvero Alto.

Operating hours
.7:30 am

Itinerary

1

Higuey

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

2

Higuey

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

3

Higuey

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

4

Anamuya

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

5

Higuey

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8
based on 194 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Highlight of our week!

Stacy_N, Apr 2026
Lots of adventure and sights to see. Broke up our week at a resort with this tour. Not for the faint of heart or someone looking for a luxury option. But you get amazing people (guide and driver) who make you feel safe and enjoy the beauty of the country. Robinson was our tour guide and made you feel like family. The lunch we had on this tour was authentic and probably the best food we had on our entire trip. If you are looking to experience something you won’t forget, I encourage you to give this a try.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you so much for your beautiful review! 💙🌴✨ We’re truly honored to hear that our tour was the highlight of your week 🙌😊. It means a lot to us that you chose to step outside the resort and experience the real beauty, culture, and people of the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴. We’re especially happy to know that Robinson made you feel like family — that’s exactly the kind of connection we aim to create with every guest 🤝💙. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with him! It’s also wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the authentic lunch 🍽️✨ and the overall adventure. As you mentioned, this experience is designed for those who want something real, meaningful, and unforgettable. Thank you again for your recommendation and for trusting us with your experience 💙. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another amazing adventure! Warm regards, Jhoraji Tours 🌟

Ariel is the best and super fun!!! This was the greatest experience ever. The food was great so good and everything was

Kristy_F, Mar 2026
Ariel was wonderful and I recommend this turn to everyone!!! It was super fun! This was super great! I love it

Don’t pay for this.

Larry_W, Feb 2026
I booked, reserved, paid for and the tour company did not show. And NO REFUND?? Viator was not helpful either.

Cultural authentic experience

Luis_E, Jan 2026
This was a great tour because you got to experience different things from the fresh food market, cigar making, coffee/cocoa tour, horseback riding, and to Macao beach! Our primary guide was amazing, informative and very patient. The included lunch was amazing and fresh! We were able to experience a lot of this island with just this one tour! Justo Veloz, thank you for spending your morning with us and sharing your knowledge about your beautiful island!

Good way to see more of...

Jennifer_L, Jan 2026
Good way to see more of the countryside. Small towns and what it looks like outside the big hotels. Our driver, Francisco, was very good and told us about where we were and answered all our questions. He was awesome!

Great way to see a tiny bit of the DR

Heather_B, Jan 2026
Great way to see many things in one trip - we got to cover a lot in the 5 hours and it did not feel rushed. Western was a great guide - full of interesting info and so very service oriented. He went out of his way to buy avocados (which were GORGEOUS) and prepare them for our group. He was courteous and enthusiastic and energetic. The horse riding was scenic (a bit short as others have noted), the lunch delicious, we didnt swim as the river looked abit cold. We bought coffee and vanilla at the family farm - a bit more expensive than at the cigar stop but we were ok to support the family. The cigar stop was interesting to see - more of a tourist stop. Visit to Macao beach was brief but beautiful. Thank you Western for going above and beyond for us.

Very cultural experience

Karen_C, Jan 2026
Amazing experience. Your guide was excellent. Really got to experience the cultural side of the country. Planning on going back!

Very interactive and...

Quadrat_T, Jan 2026
Very interactive and informative tour. You get to experience the city as a local. Franklin and Sandy are so professional yet warm and friendly.

The Opposite of Antiseptic Tourism!

Kendra_S, Oct 2025
Our guide, Robinson, said this tour is "No Mickey Mouse, no blah, blah, blah," and he was right. We rode in close quarters in a full van from Punta Cana through various small communities and on into Higuey. Robinson kept us informed about what we were seeing and where we were going. The horseback ride was short and fun. The cathedral was beautiful. The shop for buying souvenirs and the tour of the local marketplace were good. Lunch was tasty Dominican fare. The time spent at the traditional Dominican home on the mountain was very interesting. Visiting the cigar factory was fun - and a good place to buy cigars at a reasonable price. There was rain when we got to Macao Beach, so we didn't stay long. Overall, a great experience full of local flavor, and so much bank for the buck.

An amazing experience with a little bit of everything, especially full of Dominican Culture. .

Francisco_O, Aug 2025
An amazing experience overall. The tour went very smoothly from pick up to drop off at our hotel. Our driver Sandy and guide Robinson were extremely professional, caring and attentive to all guests. They really went out of their way to make sure all guests were taken cared off. In our group we had Spanish and English guests and Robinson did a great job translating everything and explaining everything, especially the process of making coffee and chocolate in the typical Dominican house and farm. The first stop was at the horse ranch where you get to ride your own horse with great care from the staff. Then we went to see the Basilica de la Virgen Madre Altagracia in Higuey. A must see. Next stop was a souvenir market along with the local food Mercado. A very nice experience to indulge yourself in the typical Dominican culture and see how the people live. Next we stopped for lunch at a nice restaurant set up that is in the mountain right by a river.i was able to walk down to the river and go for a quick swim. Food was a typical delicious Dominican buffet. Next, we stopped by the coffee and cacao demonstration before heading to the cigar factory where you get to see the cigar making process first hand and even roll your own cigar. This stop was very nice and it even has a pool. My kids took a quick swim in the pool while we had a quick drink. Food and souvenirs are also available here for purchase. The day was capped off with an amazing stop at Macao Beach which was an excellent way to end this wonderful experience. I would definitely recommend this tour for everyone, especially if you want to see how our beautiful people live outside of the tourist areas.

NY x3 Meets Punta Cana

Margarita_R, Aug 2025
A family unforgettable experience with the Jhoraji Cultural Excursion in the Dominican Republic! Sandy, Franklin, and David went above and beyond to make the day educational, fun, and full of authentic culture. Their warmth, knowledge, and hospitality made us feel like family. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to truly connect with the heart and soul of the Dominican Republic. We also had a wonderful time with the fellow guest from Argentina, North Carolina and Virginia this made for a great day!

Robison our tour guy was...

Amalia_R, Jun 2025
Robison our tour guy was great and very informative. He makes you feel welcomed and she very friendly.

New Year

Wendy_M, Jan 2025
Great experience! Webster was our guide, he was very kind and friendly. We had the opportunity to roll our own cigar.

Very accomodating with a baby on board, or for a teacher desiring cultural knowledge for students.

Jennifer_V, Aug 2024
Robinson not only made my family and I's experience great, he made memorable experiences for my students with all the culture I learned as a Spanish teacher. He was knowledgable with people of his country to help share about the culture and daily life of the locals. He went above and beyond and made sure my family and I with a baby were comfortable, and he made accomodations when needed.

Cultural tour

Micheline_F, Aug 2024
The trip was longer than originally planned. It was supposed to end around 1 pm but I didn’t get back to my hotel until almost 4 pm. Transport was a little late and you are in an open bus without air conditioning. I enjoyed seeing the presentation of the coffee and cocoa plant. I did not enjoy the tobacco farm as I don’t smoke. The beach was nice but no chairs unless you pay for them and our time was cut short because we were late. Lunch was good. The tour guides were very nice

Don’t Do It

Stephanie_H, Aug 2024
Was a 4 hour tour that lasted 10 hours and was on the truck more then doing the activities we were suppose to do.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thanks

Fun interactive tour!

Rosa_P, Aug 2024
I don’t know what the previous reviews were all about we had one of the sweetest drivers (Sandy) and the best funniest tour guide (Franklin). We had such a wonderful time getting to know the culture and the country side of punta cana. 10/10 recommend! I encourage you to book and enjoy a nice day!

10/10 experience

Laisha_R, Jul 2024
Western was our tour operator and we had the most amazing time. We got to visit many beautiful places such as hoyo azul where we got to swim, a horse ranch were we did some horse back riding and we also got to do zip lining as well as ride boogies. We finished off at playa Macao which was one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve ever seen. Western was a great tour guide throughout going above and beyond making sure we had water and were not just having fun but also learning a bit of the history. He treated us like we were family. Muchas gracias por todo western! -la cibaena

Enriching and immersive experiences

Mary_Y, Jun 2024
The tour was an absolute delight, largely thanks to our incredible tour guide, Darwin. He was not only knowledgeable but also passionate about sharing the local culture and history, making every story come alive. The tour offered a refreshing glimpse into life outside the resort, taking us through vibrant local markets, historic sites, and charming villages. Although each stop was relatively brief, Darwin ensured we maximized our time, providing enriching and immersive experiences at every turn. Whether it was tasting local delicacies, witnessing traditional crafts, or engaging with the friendly locals, each moment was a treasure. This tour was a perfect blend of education and adventure, and Darwin’s exceptional guidance made it truly unforgettable. Bring some cash for tips!

We had a wonderful...

Tabitha_S, Jun 2024
We had a wonderful experience with our tour guide Darwin. He was punctual, courteous, and very knowledgeable. He made sure we were on schedule and had the full experience at each stop. Our favorite experience was the horse riding.

Waste of time

Byron_O, Jun 2024
The driver didn’t know where to go so we missed out. We got up at 5am and waited outside for an hour just to get left. Do yourself a favor and book excursions through your resort, not this terrible website.

Sublime experience with Robinson tour guide and Sandy the driver!

Garofina_M, May 2024
This tour is highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore the local heart of the Dominican Republic people and culture. Our guide Robinson and our driver Sandy were absolutely fabulous, they couldn't do enough for us. From the start to finish they were very polite and attentive and gave us full information every step of the way, very knowledgeable both of them and very helpful. I will do this tour every time I comeback to Punta Cana because Robinson and Sandy were amazing. As a travel agent I highly recommend this tour and if you are blessed with Robinson and Sandy as a guide and driver, you are guaranteed a superb time. Thank you both for such an extraordinary experience, the highlight was us all singing while touring and having a wonderful time, highly recommended! With many thanks and appreciation Garofina from London 🙏🏼♥️

Worth the money.

Brian_G, May 2024
Really good trip and experience. Our guide Jhorajl was great to work with and his team did a good job. I would make note that the experience can take longer than advertised depending on a variety of factors but you will enjoy it.

Best way to experience local culture

Alisa_F, May 2024
Two was amazing he was super accommodating. He gave us great information about the area and you get to experience so many things for a great price. The food was amazing! Make sure you have cash to buy cocoa and coffee from the local farm! Seriously one of my best tours!

Well worth it!

Homecia_S, May 2024
This trip was such a good value for the money. I learned an incredible amount from the tour guides. Mike and Robiso were fantastic. Definitely got my money’s worth. However, this is not a 5 hour excursion. It’s more like 8 hours but it was really good.

Must book!!

Daquan_R, Apr 2024
Darwin, our tour guide, was absolutely amazing! I enjoyed every bit of this tour, and did not want it to end! Food was absolutely AMAZING!! He even treated us to local food off the street. Made great memories here.

Great, just needs 2 small changes

Asha_L, Apr 2024
The experience was wonderful. Our tour guide Alex was very informative and friendly. We would have liked for the horse ride to be longer. It was only about 5 minutes long. It should have been about 20 minutes long. We also would have liked to have freedom to shop in the market area at any store on the street near the market and go all over the market where we wanted. We should be able to have a meeting time and go where we want in that small area.

Take the Tour !!

Stefanie_S, Mar 2024
Robinson was the BEST.. he gave an authentic very detailed tour! We were able to experience the actual Dominican Culture and see things you won’t see stuck on the resort! We were picked up outside the lobby, from there we rode thru town and we went horseback riding, we went to Basilica, had a chance to walk thru before service started, after that we went to the market and a souvenir shop, grabbed lunch.. which was amazing! Took a tour of an actual Dominican home and we ended at the beach! Overall 10 out of 10! Would definitely recommend!!!!!!!

Worth the money

David_M, Mar 2024
Very nice Trip, Mike was a great guide. You actually get to visit lots of different places and get some of the tests of real Dominican culture.

Very informative

Randy_L, Feb 2024
Enjoyed or guides. All the stops were interesting, and educational. Would definitely do it again. Great guide and driver.

From $60.00

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 20 days in advance.

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