If you are planning to travel to Punta Cana, you should know that it is one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean. Its 32 kilometers of stunning beaches, excellent luxury hotels, and wide range of leisure activities make it a top choice for those seeking a tropical paradise experience. You will likely want to buy some souvenirs as a reminder, but do you know what to buy in Punta Cana?
What can you buy in Punta Cana?
Taking advantage of your trip to the Dominican Republic to purchase quality items to bring home or gift to your friends is a great idea. With these recommendations, it will be easy to find souvenirs from Punta Cana that represent all the emotions of your vacation.
Amber
This island is among the few places in the world where amber deposits can be found. This resin comes in a wide range of colors, from very light yellow to deep red. It is also one of the most transparent in the world. Bracelets, necklaces, or rings made from amber have a unique beauty.
On the other hand, in the deposits of Santo Domingo, it is very common to find pieces that contain inclusions, meaning parts of plants such as flowers or seeds, insects, or even vertebrates. This characteristic significantly increases their value.
Larimar
This is a semiprecious stone that comes from mines located in the area of the city of Barahona. They were discovered at the beginning of the last century, and from a geological point of view, it is a sodium and calcium silicate called pectolite, of igneous origin. In 2011, it was declared the national stone because it is a symbol of Dominican identity and heritage.
The colors of this mineral form beautiful veins that range from white to blue or green and may sometimes present reddish tones. The most valuable shade, reserved for fine jewelry, is volcanic blue, an intense turquoise-like color that indicates its high quality.
Dominican paintings
The main Dominican visual artists have captured the colors and light of the Caribbean in their paintings. They reflect the country’s culture, rural life, traditions, and customs, although you can also find abstract art creations.
One of the themes that inspire these artists is the Taínos, the indigenous people who once inhabited the island. The contrast of vibrant colors is frequently used to create the naïve and costumbrista style that predominates in this art.
Dominican handicrafts
Traditional handmade objects have reached high levels of originality and quality. They are creations made from clay, wood, or stone, and reflect the cultural mix of the country. Mahogany carvings and carnival masks made from papier-mâché are among the most recommended.
Limé dolls, slender and elegant, are one of the most interesting and beautiful popular expressions. They are modeled in clay in three different poses: carrying water jars, selling flowers, or holding fruit. Their dresses are brightly colored and they have no facial features, which is why they are called “faceless dolls.”
Aromatic Dominican coffee
What can you buy in Punta Cana? The answer is: excellent coffee. The different varieties grown provide distinct nuances of flavor and aroma. Buying a couple of kilos is a great option to take home or give as a gift.
The Cibao type has chocolate notes, just like Barahona. Cibao Altura and Valdesia will taste like nuts, while Central Mountain Range coffee has citrus tones. Nothing will remind you of your trip better than a cup of aromatic Dominican coffee.
World-famous cocoa
The cultivation and fermentation processes of Dominican cocoa have gained worldwide recognition. According to the International Cocoa Organization, 40% of Dominican production can be classified as fine cocoa.
It is also part of an exclusive group: the 15 countries in the world recognized for their gourmet cocoa. There are two varieties: fermented, called Hispania and preferred by European markets, and non-fermented, known as Sánchez.
Mamajuana, a legendary Dominican drink
Rum is the quintessential drink of the Caribbean and Punta Cana thanks to its flavor and aroma, which evoke the era of pirates and hidden treasures. The extensive sugarcane plantations provide the raw material used to produce high-quality rums. Among the most famous are El Brugal Extra Viejo, Presidente Martí, and Ron Relicario, which also make excellent gifts.
What should you buy in the Dominican Republic? You cannot miss Mamajuana, a drink made with rum that you will find in bottles decorated with striking colors. It is made with rum, honey, and red wine, which must be macerated with tree bark and medicinal herbs until it acquires a red color and a flavor similar to port wine. It is a very popular drink, to which, in addition to healing properties, an aphrodisiac effect is attributed.
What souvenirs should you NOT buy?
Responsible tourism encourages us to respect the natural environments we visit. One of the greatest treasures of the Dominican Republic is its coral reefs, known for their beauty and biodiversity. For this reason, you should avoid buying souvenirs that come from these fragile ecosystems.
Among the items you should not buy are those made from turtle shells, whose commercialization is prohibited because these animals are protected. Corals, starfish, and items made from conch shells should also not be part of your vacation souvenirs.
To expand this information and learn in detail which items are restricted, we recommend consulting our article on prohibited souvenirs in Punta Cana, where you will find everything you need to consider before making your purchases.
How to visit Punta Cana?
Now that you know what to buy in Punta Cana, if you want to visit the Dominican Republic and discover the wonderful beaches of Punta Cana, at Lopesan Group we offer the best accommodation packages to ensure your stay is perfect. You will stay at Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino, where you can enjoy beauty and wellness treatments as well as vibrant Dominican nights.
