Punta Cana, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic

PUNTA CANA : Overview

OVERVIEW

Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic, on the eastern tip of the island. Punta Cana is known for its all inclusive resorts and picturesque sandy white beaches. For the physically challenged traveler, a vacation in Punta Cana is possible with planning.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican peso. We used the U.S. dollars on our trip and had no issues.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

PUNTA CANA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

The Punta Cana International Airport is a newer facility, but does not have a jet bridge. When we landed, the ground crew was very helpful in assisting my husband with his transfer from his seat into an aisle chair. They then carried him down the flight of stairs used for boarding/deplaning. It’s very helpful if one can speak Spanish to assist them with the transfer. Once on the tarmac, my husband was able to transfer into his electric chair, which was waiting for him.

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SHUTTLE

Amstar: Amstar provided an accessible van equipped with a ramp to transport our group roundtrip between the Punta Cana International Airport and our resort. The Amstar driver was waiting outside the airport terminal for us, holding up a sign with our name. The Amstar driver was very professional and the large van was clean and operated well. Most importantly, they were on time for our scheduled pick ups. To contact Amstar, email: stgops@amstardmc.com

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RENTAL CAR (Wheelchair Van)

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BUS

The government run buses are NOT equipped to accommodate the disabled.

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PUNTA CANA : Accommodations

HOTELS

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LUXURY RESORTS

There are many all inclusive resorts in Punta Cana.

Melia Caribe Tropical: We stayed at the Melia Caribe Tropical, and the accessible accommodations at this hotel were very good. Our room had a roll in shower, and was spacious enough to easily maneuver around. All the restaurants, bars, and nightclubs were accessible. The only drawback is that the entire resort is paved with cobblestone pathways, and while getting around is possible, it is a bumpy ride if you are in a scooter or wheelchair. We were very happy with the beach situation; there was a place on the beach where my husband could drive his electric wheelchair on the sand without getting stuck, and he was able to relax in the shade and had a great view. Likewise, the pool lounge area had a large amount of shady spots to escape the hot tropic weather as well.

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PUNTA CANA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Cocotal Golf and Country Club: The golf course is a player friendly course, challenging low handicapped golfers and newbies trying to improve their game. The course also allows spectators on the course, for a small fee. The course doesn’t have extreme inclinations, just rolling hills designed to contour the natural terrain. The course is paved with cement for carts which makes it easy for wheelchairs. The course is also walkable from the Melia Caribe Tropical Resort.

Note that the entire Club is not wheelchair accessible. There are stairs leading up to the Pro Shop.

“While my wife and friends played a round of golf, I was able to trek along with them in my electric wheelchair and enjoy the beauty of the course.” The people who work at the course had no problem with me joining them, like some other courses do.” Christopher 7/28/09

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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PUNTA CANA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Centro Medico Bavaro: Av. España. Bávaro. R. Dominicana.
Phone: 809-552-1030

Centro Medico Punta Cana: Av. España. Bávaro. R. Dominicana.
Phone: 809-552-1506
Fax: 809-552-1974

Hospiten Bavaro: Carretera Higüey – Punta Cana
Bávaro. Dominican Republic:
Phone: 809-686-1414
Fax: 809-455- 1121
Email:bavaro@hospiten.com

Hospiten Bavaro is approximately a 15 minute car ride from the Punta Cana airport.

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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PUNTA CANA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Plan your trip carefully, as there are not a lot of wheelchair accessible transportation options available. The airport is also hot inside, as they use ceiling fans to cool the palm-frond covered structure.