Cap Cana: The Jewel of Punta Cana

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-en-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah vehr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la Policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es demasiado caro
  [ehs-toh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kahr-oh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-har ehl pree-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh o-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dee-ah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [diez]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area now known as Cap Cana was home to the Taino people, an indigenous group that thrived in the Caribbean. The Tainos lived in harmonious relation with the land, utilizing its resources for fishing, agriculture, and trade. Their legacy is still reflected in local culture, language, and traditions, with numerous archaeological sites around Punta Cana highlighting their settlements.

In the late 15th century, following Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas, the Spanish Crown began to establish settlements throughout the Caribbean. In the 16th century, Cap Cana's coastal area was granted to Spanish settlers, who utilized the fertile land for sugarcane plantations. This led to the importation of enslaved Africans, significantly shaping the demographic and cultural landscape of the region.

In the early 2000s, Cap Cana underwent a significant transformation with the vision of becoming a premier luxury resort destination. The development was spearheaded by investors who aimed to create a high-end community focusing on sustainable tourism. This included the construction of luxury hotels, golf courses, and residential properties, positioning Cap Cana as a key player in the Dominican Republic's tourism industry.

With the rapid development of Cap Cana, there has been a conscious effort to balance tourism with environmental preservation. The area encompasses stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forests. Various initiatives have been launched to protect these ecosystems, emphasizing sustainable practices that preserve the biodiversity of Punta Cana while promoting tourism.

Cap Cana is a melting pot of cultures, influenced by its indigenous roots, colonial history, and modern tourism. The local gastronomy reflects this blend, featuring traditional Dominican dishes alongside international cuisine. Cultural events, music, and art festivals are integral to the community, showcasing the vibrant heritage of the Dominican Republic while appealing to the diverse tourist population.

Cap Cana is located approximately 15 kilometers from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), making it easily accessible for travelers. From the airport, you can take a taxi, which typically costs between $20 to $30 and takes about 15-20 minutes. If you're staying in other neighborhoods in Punta Cana, such as Bavaro or Macao, taxis are readily available, and the journey to Cap Cana usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Cap Cana is a relatively small area, and most of its attractions are best accessed by car. Taxis are available, but it’s advisable to negotiate fares beforehand. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle for a more eco-friendly way to explore the area. Note that public transport options like buses are limited, so private transportation is the most efficient way to get around.

Cap Cana is considered a safe neighborhood for tourists, with a lower crime rate compared to other areas in the Dominican Republic. However, it is always wise to remain vigilant, particularly in less populated areas or at night. Avoid walking alone late at night and keep your belongings secure. While Cap Cana is generally safe, tourists should be cautious in nearby neighborhoods like Bavaro, where petty crimes can occur.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance services. The nearest hospital is Punta Cana International Medical Center, located about 20 minutes away by car. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies can provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress appropriately for the beach; however, cover up when entering local shops or restaurants. Don't wear overly revealing clothing outside of beach areas. Religion: Do respect local customs; if visiting religious sites, dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful when using any form of transportation. Don't assume public transport is a common option in Cap Cana. Greetings: Do greet with a smile; a friendly 'Hola' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and drinks; Dominican cuisine is rich and flavorful. Don't waste food or be rude to local customs regarding dining.

To experience Cap Cana like a local, visit the local markets and try to engage with residents about their daily lives and traditions. Explore the beautiful beaches, such as Juanillo Beach, which is often less crowded than others. Consider participating in local events or festivals if your visit coincides with them. For an authentic experience, sample local rum and fresh seafood dishes at beachfront shacks rather than only dining in upscale restaurants.