*BREAKING NEWS* (Monday April 16 2012) Last night a massive fire affected the kitchen and restaurant of the Majestic Colonial Hotel. More than 1,500 guests were relocated amongst other hotels in the area. The fire chief of the Veron Punta Cana area stated that approximately 60% of the kitchen and staff areas were destroyed by the fire.

*UPDATE* (Wednesday April 18 2012) Before, during and after pictures of the fire that affected parts of the Majestic Colonial. Courtesy of Ricky T.

Fire affected areas marked on the Majestic Colonial map

 Steak house/bathroom/towel shed before fire

Steak house before the fire (view from the beach)

Majestic Colonial Spa before the fire

Steak house fire (first fire)

Spa fire begining

Spa fire

Bathroom/towel hut fire

West bar fire

West bar and steak house after the fire

Steak house after the fire (side view)

Steak house after the fire (from the beach)

Inside the steak house after the fire

West bar after fire 

Steak house/bathrooms/towel hut after the fire (from the rooftop)

Spa after the fire

Spa/pool area after the fire

Side of the spa after the fire

Front of the spa after the fire

Fire and aftermath videos (courtesy of Ricky T). You can find the original videos on: http://www.youtube.com/user/ricotipedo

If you’re planning a trip to Punta Cana, chances are you’re going there for the beautiful beaches and a little rest and relaxation. While you’re there, you may decide you want to do some shopping. Fortunately, Punta Cana has a variety of fantastic places to go shopping. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it’s American-style shopping malls or authentic Dominican markets, you’re sure to find it while shopping in Punta Cana. It’s also important to note that in Punta Cana, many places are cash only. Even places that accept credit cards will likely give you a discount of some kind if you’re willing to pay in cash. When you’re ready to go shopping, give these places a try.

Plaza Bávaro

Plaza Bávaro can be a great place to go, but only if you’re willing to haggle. Many of the prices at this shopping plaza are over-inflated, and if you purchase what’s on the price tag, you’re probably overpaying. The nice thing about Plaza Bávaro is that there are a lot of locals that shop here, so you can get a sense of where everyday Dominicans do their shopping. The downside is that many visitors to Punta Cana feel that the vendors and store owners at Plaza Bávaro can be too pushy in trying to convince you to buy something, but if you’re prepared for that, and you’re ready to haggle, it can be a great place to go shopping in Punta Cana.

Palma Real Shopping Village

The Palma Real Shopping Village is one of the best places to go if you’re looking to do some serious shopping. Many people prefer this shopping center to Plaza Bávaro, as some feel that Plaza Bávaro is too intense and that the vendors are too pushy. Most resorts offer a free shuttle bus to Palma Real, so a rental car isn’t necessary. Besides the variety of different shops, Palma Real also offers several restaurants to choose from, including U.S.-based chains such as the Hard Rock Cafe and Tony Roma’s. Basically, this is a good place to go shopping in Punta Cana if you’re looking for something a little more upscale and a little closer to the kind of shopping experiences you can have in the U.S.

Caribbean Street

Caribbean Street is a fantastic place to go shopping in Punta Cana. With its adorable, brightly colored shops and palm trees lining the street, it has a very authentic Caribbean vibe. There are a variety of stores to choose from as well. Besides practical stores, such as a pharmacy and a gym, Caribbean Street has a number of gift shops and boutiques selling one-of-a-kind clothing. There’s also a Harrison’s Jewelers, which makes some of the finest jewelry in the Caribbean. If you’re up for a splurge, it’s a great way to get something unique so you’ll always remember your trip to Punta Cana.

Average Visitor Rating 

If you really want to see the Dominican Republic in its entire splendor, you’ll have to get a little bit off of the beaten path. There is no better way to see the country than in an 8×8 Monster Truck, like the kind used in the Dominican Republic Monster Truck Safari.

The trip is an unforgettable experience, to say the least. The beauty of the Dominican Republic will surround you as you journey through the turns of rural roads, through tall fields of sugar cane, and over rippling rivers and streams.

Get a grasp of what it is like to live as a local as you wind through culturally rich villages. See the homes of the Dominican people and even visit a school for Dominican children. Those who love coffee will also love this trip, as famous Dominican coffee is brewed along the route.

The excursion includes a riverside lunch with drinks (alcoholic or non-). This stop also allows for a chance to swim in the river’s refreshing waters before heading back to your hotel for the evening. A one-of-a-kind experience, the safari cannot be missed!

Visitor’s video

Pricing Information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Departure time and location

Riders are picked up from Punta Cana, Puerto Plata, and Playa Dorada hotels at 7:00 AM.

Duration and return details

The trip is long, taking from nine to ten hours. Riders are returned to their place of original departure at around 6:30 PM to the Puerto Plata location and 7:30 PM at the Punta Cana location.

What does it include

The cost of the trip includes a guided Monster Truck tour, a riverside lunch, pickup and drop off, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

What it does NOT include

Tips/gratuities are optional, and not included in the ticket price.

Why book ahead?

• Save time & money. You won’t find it cheaper online or anywhere else!
• Don’t be disappointed. When you book ahead, you are guaranteed not to miss out on popular tours & activities.
• Travel with confidence. We’ve partnered with Viator and our providers are hand-picked, safe and reliable, so you always get what you pay for.

Take a look

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