Where is Punta Cana

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Where is Punta Cana


About Where is Punta Cana Located

Explore the map to locate Punta Cana on world map. Punta Cana is a popular tourist destination located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, which is a country situated on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean.

Facts about Punta Cana

Category Specific Fact Details / Value
Official Name / StatusResort Town / DistrictVerón–Punta Cana Touristic Municipal District (within Higüey municipality, La Altagracia Province)
CountryDominican RepublicEasternmost region; most visited Caribbean destination
Etymology / Name OriginPunta CanaFrom abundant "palma de cana" (coconut palms) used for roofs and beach umbrellas
Founded / DevelopedModern resort era1969–1980s by Frank Rainieri & Theodore Kheel (Puntacana Resort & Club origins)
PronunciationApproximate"Poontah Caanaa"
Coordinates (approx. central)Geographic position18°32′N 68°21′W
Total Area (District)Verón–Punta Cana475.3 km² (183.5 sq mi)
Core Resort AreaBeachfront zone~39–50 km² (varies by source)
Beach CoastlineWhite-sand beaches48 km (30+ miles) total, facing Atlantic & Caribbean
Location DescriptionRegionEastern tip of Hispaniola island; borders Bávaro, Uvero Alto, Cap Cana
Time ZoneStandardUTC−4 (Atlantic Standard Time, no DST)
Climate TypeKöppen classificationTropical savanna / wet & dry (Aw); hot, humid, consistent
Average Annual TemperatureYear-round~26°C (79°F)
Hot/Humid SeasonMay–OctoberDaytime up to 35°C (95°F); high humidity
Cooler PeriodNovember–MarchEvenings ~20°C (68°F); pleasant trade winds
Annual RainfallAverageModerate; wetter in summer/fall (hurricane season June–November)
Population (2022 Census, District)Verón–Punta Cana138,919
Population (2025–2026 Est.)Current projections~145,000–150,000+ (rapid growth due to tourism/jobs)
Population (Core Resort Town Est.)Alternative figures~100,000–100,023 (urban/resort area)
Annual Growth RateRecent6–11% (historically high due to migration/jobs)
Median Age2025 est.~27.6 years
Major Immigrant GroupSignificantHaitian (predominant in service sector)
Primary Employment SectorMain industryTourism & hospitality (vast majority of jobs)
Tourism RankingRegional/Global#1 Caribbean destination by visitors; #2 in Latin America
Annual Visitors (Recent)Airport arrivalsMillions annually; DR total ~11–12M (Punta Cana ~60–70% of air arrivals)
Hotel Rooms (2021–2025)Capacity50,000+ (growing; over 100 resorts/hotels)
Beach / Resort FocusKey attractionsAll-inclusive resorts, golf (10+ courses), spas (incl. Six Senses), marinas, watersports
Economic ImpactDR tourism contributionMajor driver (~15–20% national GDP; billions in revenue)
Main AirportPunta Cana International (PUJ / MDPC)Privately owned; busiest in DR; ~64% of national flights; second-busiest in Caribbean
Airport LocationRelative to town~3 km inland from resorts
ConnectionsDirect flightsFrom 26+ countries; millions of passengers/year
Safety for TouristsGeneral perceptionVery safe in resort/tourist zones (CESTUR tourist police); common sense advised
Drinking AgeLegal18 years
Official LanguagePrimarySpanish; English widely spoken in tourist areas
CurrencyUsedDominican Peso (DOP); USD widely accepted in resorts
Key DevelopmentsRecent/ongoingBlueMall Punta Cana, luxury condos, expanding urban areas beyond resorts
Hurricane SeasonRisk periodJune–November (peak Aug–Oct); resorts well-prepared