Budget-Friendly Caribbean Beach Escape from Chicago: 7-Day Trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Day 1: Travel & Arrival

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Flight from Chicago to Punta Cana

Catch an affordable non-stop or one-stop budget airline flight to Punta Cana, taking roughly 5 hours, with good deals when booked early or on budget carriers.

USD180 per person, 5h0m

2:00pm

Arrival and Check-in

Check into a budget-friendly hostel or guesthouse near Bavaro Beach offering good value and beachfront access, perfect for young travelers.

USD25 per night, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Bavaro Beach

Spend the afternoon on one of the Caribbean’s most famous and beautiful free-access beaches, known for its calm turquoise waters and white sand.

Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Captain Cook Restaurant

Enjoy inexpensive local Dominican dishes and fresh seafood in a casual beachfront setting a short walk from Bavaro Beach.

USD10 per person, 1h0m

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Day 2: Beach & Culture

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on June 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Punta Cana

Start with an economical breakfast serving fresh fruit, eggs, and coffee in a cozy café open from 7am.

USD5 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park

Explore this ecological reserve with trails and freshwater lagoons, open 8am-5pm, for a peaceful nature experience near the beach.

USD10 per person, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at La Cueva del Mar

Get affordable yet tasty seafood dishes typical of the Dominican coast at this local favorite restaurant.

USD12 per person, 1h0m

2:30pm

Afternoon at Playa Macao

Enjoy a less touristy, beautiful public beach perfect for swimming and local vibe, free to access and open all day.

Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jellyfish Beach Restaurant

Affordable dinner on the beach serving Dominican and international food with a stunning ocean view.

USD15 per person, 1h0m

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Day 3: Island Day Trip

Saona Island, Dominican Republic on June 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Have a quick and budget-friendly breakfast provided by your guesthouse or from a nearby bakery.

USD5 per person, 1h0m

8:30am

Full-day tour to Saona Island

Join an affordable group boat excursion to Saona Island, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear lagoons; usually includes lunch, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.

USD60 per person, 8h0m

5:30pm

Return and rest

Arrive back at Punta Cana, take time to freshen up and rest after a full day of fun.

Included in tour, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Food Truck Park

Try local street food from various inexpensive vendors offering Dominican snacks and casual eats.

USD7 per person, 1h0m

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Day 4: Local Exploration

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on June 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at El Buen Cafe

Enjoy a cheap breakfast with coffee and Dominican pastries in this popular local café, open early.

USD5 per person, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Higuey

Take a short bus ride to the nearby city of Higuey to visit the iconic Basilica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia and experience local culture and markets.

USD3 bus fare, 4h0m