For us we like to go to Punta Cana as a couple to relax and take it easy. But we prefer going to Cancun when traveling with the little ones because there seems to be more activities to do overall. Both places are amazing to experience and enjoy.
Yes we want to!!! I’m not sure if we will be able to get there this year but some of the members of our Facebook group have been there!!! Facebook group - m.facebook.com/groups/572572378298675/?ref=share&mibextid=SDPelY
been to Secrets Playa Mujeres & Secrets Royal beach. Both GREAT. Playa has NO activity after the evening entertainment. similar other than that. Playa swim out suite pools seemed heated. NOTHING @ Royal beach is heated. shocking how chilly the water is. just get in & you will be fine in a minute. I will say: since the AMR purchase by Hyatt, AM resort prices have risen a lot. could be pandemic timing, too.
I think Punta Cana is a great destination, but the I think Cancun and Riviera Maya have a lot more to offer; more beaches, the pyramids and archeological sites, to the colonial cities, the thousands of cenotes to explore, the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, the longest underground river system in the world, the super fun and amazing theme parks of Xcaret and its hotels, the islands of isla mujeres, cozumel, holbox, contoy, and the incredible Lagoon of Bacalar.
I agree with you about the CANCUN & RM but I have seen so much of DR and you would be blown away how beautiful it is but I am talking more about the whole Island versus PC only. Both are great destinations. 🌴
Punta cana vs Cancún. It is not the rest if it is colonial Santo Domingo was the first city in America with the first cathedral university. convent first all. Everything you are mentioning is in the Dominican Republic, except that it is the real Caribbean, it is not sold as the Caribbean without being it
Cancun is less expensive (especially flights) but the beaches are generally better in punta cana. Otherwise the same companies run the same resorts in both places. We used to go the the rivera Maya because it was easier (more fights etc.) but since we went to Punta Cana that has become our go to destination for beach vacations.
I'm a total rookie, in his early fifties from Canada. I'd like to go for a couple of weeks in April of next year. I work hard so I want to relax for the most part but I'd like the option of meeting people and having fun when I feel like it, maybe go off resort once in a while. My budget is five grand. Do I have any options?
Have you tried La Romana? Im looking at La Romana since the resort we are trying to book in PC has no availability. We are also looking to arrive in santo domingo since it's much cheaper than la romana or punta cana airports.
As for beaches, in general the beaches in all of Punta Cana area are good to excellent. Generally the closer to the airport the better the beach, the whiter the sand and the calmer the water but with a few exceptions the whole stretch is quite nice much like Varadero. Mayan Riviera on the other hand you really need to research the specific area to see what the beach is like. Some areas such as Cancun itself, Playacar/Playa Del Carmen and Maroma are pristine sand like Punta Cana but many areas are very rocky and somewhat unusable and it can be very different from resort to resort even in the same general area so do your research. Maroma is a spectacular beach much like Bavaro in Punta Cana
I feel like Cancun the Hotels are big building vs Punta Cana are at most 4 floor structures, but other than that, they are very similar. My self as Dominican, i prefer Punta Cana
Great video, thank you! I was surprised you didn't mention the beaches; which ones do you enjoy more? I'm wondering for general swimming and for snorkeling. We were in Cabo and the water is pretty much off limits. Also, you mentioned hurricane season; is Cancun less affected by them because of their location, is the rainy season about the same? Thanks again!
Thank you for watching. After I finished the video I was like omg I forgot to talk about the beaches 🤦🏼♀️. So in both places general swimming depends on what area you stay in! Same with snorkeling. They both have well known spots to snorkel. Some resorts in Cancun like Moon Palace have terrible beaches bc of seaweed and brown water. I haven’t seen that yet in DR but both get a lot of seaweed in the summer. Both can be very affected by hurricane season and I avoid both destinations during this time. Thank you so much for bringing this up.
The ocean is more beautiful and typical turquoise blue that everyone loves compared to Cabo for sure. In both places and maybe a little more in PC. When Sargasso occurs a lot parts look terrible. But you can follow the currents and there are certain beaches protected by islands or coral reefs that limit it. I am more knowledgeable about the Mayan Riviera on that part as PC doesn’t have islands protecting that coast.
Can you recommend your Top 3 resorts in each location for a family of 4, plus friends of the kids (16 and 18)? First time visitors and want an all inclusive resort. Thanks!
Where would you recommend to stay with parents (40s) and teens/young adults? We want some place fun and high quality but not a wild place or a couple/singles focused place that would be awkward for a family together.
El cielo definitely!!! Here’s the one we took! www.viator.com/tours/Cozumel/Catamaran-Snorkel-to-El-Cielo-and-Tortugas-Beach-Club/d632-120878P12?pid=P00070138&mcid=42383&medium=link. Also going to a cenote and Chichen Itza if you have time.
Tequila or rum? 🤔 If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, check out the full video where we go over more similarities and differences between Cancun and Punta Cana! ▶️ th-cam.com/video/0YgRCZv5ixs/w-d-xo.html
Safety in Mexico was fine when I was there. They both have their own unique safety issues but if you travel smart you’ll have no issues. They both get Sargassum but I think in general DR tends to have better beaches although I love hotel zone Cancun beaches. Thanks for watching!!
Hi! We’ve done both but have gone back to just booking directly with the resort and airlines. I feel we are able to rectify any problems more easily that way
Most of the discussion here seems to lump Cancun and the rest of the Mayan Riviera together but they can be very different experiences. Cancun itself tends to be small properties with high rise style hotels close to town and busier and noisier but close to shopping, bars, restaurants etc. The majority of Mayan Riviera resorts are large spread out properties with low rise style buildings but quieter and less busy areas yet further from shopping. restaurants etc unless you are close to Playa Del Carmen. I think the food/drinks/service levels as you say are more dependent on the quality of the resort more so than whether its Punta Cana or Cancun although I think in general the quality of food in Mexico is better than in DR for equivalent price resorts.
Having gone to both and enjoyed both, I prefer Cancun, ultimately for the quality of the service I received. Not only quicker, but the staff generally is more experienced and prepared. For example, in PC I ordered a Tom Collins in one of the à la carte restaurants in my hotel and they brought me water with lemon juice. 🤷🏻♂ And in other restaurant I ordered vanilla ice cream for dessert, and the waiter decided on his own to bring me rum raisin because they ran out of vanilla. 🤷🏻 A second criteria could be the activities that you can do in both places. In this regard the Riviera Maya also wins. In both places you'll find great beaches, annoying street vendors, and the classic scam of timeshare, either at the airport or in your hotel.
smoking- DR allows smoking everywhere-to the point where a non-smoker is often chased away from an area that wouldn't be an issue in Mexico. We watched 6 groups move away from a group of 2 smoking cigars during one evening entertainment in DR. win for Mexico there!
Great video, but please don't recommend your viewers go to downtown Cancun. Downtown Cancun is super dangerous and a place where tourists get kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint. You went to the hotel zone which is the thin strip of land dedicated to tourism, and super safe. Downtown Cancun is 20 minutes drive from the hotel zone, on the mainland. I lived in Cancun and now currently live in punta Cana and, like yourself, feel that punta Cana and the hotel zone of Cancun are equally safe 🙂
Thank you so much. Great point! I know that they are two totally different places but sometimes I forget to correct the verbiage!! I appreciate the great input and reminders!!
For me, if I am looking for a trip to the Caribbean, I go to Punta Cana because I am in the Caribbean, the Caribbean culture, the history of pirates, etc., the real Caribbean. already in the rest sun Silver sand. they are similar. but I prefer Punta Cana
@@3Days3Noches like you have been about 12 times, I like the Hyatt ziva and zilara and Grand Coral beach. I just wanted to see that you thought , thank you
You should definitely tip.... just check their minimum wage, share the wealth with others, we have to do it everyday with our governments with taxes and have no say. (also Riviera Maya for us)
Cancun resort food are by far better than Punta Cana.. been to both 2x its just the truth.. love Punta Cana but the all inclusive resorts do not serve real Dominican Food… and liquor is bottom shelf except for the Brugal.. !!
Guanacaste Costa Rica is way better than Cancun or Punta Cana.....it has 1000 beautiful beaches Free! all for you! A Blue Zone where people live longer compare to the rest of the world, mountains, volcanos,Forest and they protect the beach in Cancun or Punta Cana the Hotels are built right on the Beach !!😢😢😢🤢🤮🤮. The cenotes are contaminante with defecate waters the Mayan treen is destroying the jungle the crime is going up fast, Cancun is not what it usted to be....
I prefer Punta Cana because the Mexican cartels operate in Cancun and at any moment you could end up very badly. I don't need to risk my life like that
I was thinking about this two destinations and I have to say, you have solved my confusion. Thank you so much dear.
Yay. Ty for watching!!!
For us we like to go to Punta Cana as a couple to relax and take it easy. But we prefer going to Cancun when traveling with the little ones because there seems to be more activities to do overall. Both places are amazing to experience and enjoy.
I love that!!! Thank you for watching!!!
What Abt the temp of.pools around Dec?
It’s cooler but some resorts have heated pools
I went Cancun in March and July I going to punta cana this year ❤
Yayyy! Love it!! Thanks for watching!!
It’s gonna be hottttttt
True lol
Cancun is very beautiful! Hopefully I get to visit the DR this year. 😊
Could you review some of the Secrets resorts? I’d love to see some of their options like Maroma Beach, etc.!
Yes we want to!!! I’m not sure if we will be able to get there this year but some of the members of our Facebook group have been there!!!
Facebook group - m.facebook.com/groups/572572378298675/?ref=share&mibextid=SDPelY
been to Secrets Playa Mujeres & Secrets Royal beach. Both GREAT. Playa has NO activity after the evening entertainment. similar other than that. Playa swim out suite pools seemed heated. NOTHING @ Royal beach is heated. shocking how chilly the water is. just get in & you will be fine in a minute. I will say: since the AMR purchase by Hyatt, AM resort prices have risen a lot. could be pandemic timing, too.
Yes everyone’s prices are going up for sure. Thank you so much for the input!!!
Just went to Secrets maroma beach and we had a great stay !
We definitely want to try!!!
I think Punta Cana is a great destination, but the I think Cancun and Riviera Maya have a lot more to offer; more beaches, the pyramids and archeological sites, to the colonial cities, the thousands of cenotes to explore, the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, the longest underground river system in the world, the super fun and amazing theme parks of Xcaret and its hotels, the islands of isla mujeres, cozumel, holbox, contoy, and the incredible Lagoon of Bacalar.
Yes so much to explore!!! Thank you!!
I agree with you about the CANCUN & RM but I have seen so much of DR and you would be blown away how beautiful it is but I am talking more about the whole Island versus PC only. Both are great destinations. 🌴
Yesssss agreeee
Punta cana vs Cancún. It is not the rest if it is colonial Santo Domingo was the first city in America with the first cathedral university. convent first all. Everything you are mentioning is in the Dominican Republic, except that it is the real Caribbean, it is not sold as the Caribbean without being it
Very true! Awesome input. Thank you!!
Great job all around on your channel. I can’t believe I just found it. Well done!!! 👍🌴
Thank you for watching our videos 🥹
Cancun is less expensive (especially flights) but the beaches are generally better in punta cana. Otherwise the same companies run the same resorts in both places. We used to go the the rivera Maya because it was easier (more fights etc.) but since we went to Punta Cana that has become our go to destination for beach vacations.
Great point!!!
Where do you stay?
I have used Nacho Tours in Cancun. 👌 excellent, honest service!
Yayyy
I'm a total rookie, in his early fifties from Canada. I'd like to go for a couple of weeks in April of next year. I work hard so I want to relax for the most part but I'd like the option of meeting people and having fun when I feel like it, maybe go off resort once in a while. My budget is five grand. Do I have any options?
Definitely! You can email us at 3days3noches@gmail.com and Chrissy can help you plan if you want
Wow what a quick response! How unexpected and delightful. Thank you :)
@denmorin of course. My subscribers mean a lot to me!!
Have you tried La Romana? Im looking at La Romana since the resort we are trying to book in PC has no availability. We are also looking to arrive in santo domingo since it's much cheaper than la romana or punta cana airports.
Not yet! I heard it’s just okay there
Thanks a lot for this video. Great point about the geography of both places 5:32
Thanks for watching!!!
I love your B roll 😍
Ty!!
Great video, thanks! How about health issues? We're planning a babymoon and worried about the Zika / Malaria viruses in Central America
Thanks!! I personally wouldn’t go anywhere with Zika etc while pregnant
Very nice video, greetings from Argentina🙋🏻♂️
Thank you so much. Holaaaaaa 👋🏻
As for beaches, in general the beaches in all of Punta Cana area are good to excellent. Generally the closer to the airport the better the beach, the whiter the sand and the calmer the water but with a few exceptions the whole stretch is quite nice much like Varadero. Mayan Riviera on the other hand you really need to research the specific area to see what the beach is like. Some areas such as Cancun itself, Playacar/Playa Del Carmen and Maroma are pristine sand like Punta Cana but many areas are very rocky and somewhat unusable and it can be very different from resort to resort even in the same general area so do your research. Maroma is a spectacular beach much like Bavaro in Punta Cana
Very true!!!
I feel like Cancun the Hotels are big building vs Punta Cana are at most 4 floor structures, but other than that, they are very similar. My self as Dominican, i prefer Punta Cana
That’s a great point!! Thanks for the comment primo!
@@3Days3Noches 😊
🌞🌞🌞
Great video, thank you! I was surprised you didn't mention the beaches; which ones do you enjoy more? I'm wondering for general swimming and for snorkeling. We were in Cabo and the water is pretty much off limits. Also, you mentioned hurricane season; is Cancun less affected by them because of their location, is the rainy season about the same? Thanks again!
Thank you for watching. After I finished the video I was like omg I forgot to talk about the beaches 🤦🏼♀️. So in both places general swimming depends on what area you stay in! Same with snorkeling. They both have well known spots to snorkel. Some resorts in Cancun like Moon Palace have terrible beaches bc of seaweed and brown water. I haven’t seen that yet in DR but both get a lot of seaweed in the summer. Both can be very affected by hurricane season and I avoid both destinations during this time. Thank you so much for bringing this up.
The ocean is more beautiful and typical turquoise blue that everyone loves compared to Cabo for sure. In both places and maybe a little more in PC. When Sargasso occurs a lot parts look terrible. But you can follow the currents and there are certain beaches protected by islands or coral reefs that limit it. I am more knowledgeable about the Mayan Riviera on that part as PC doesn’t have islands protecting that coast.
Thank you so much. Great input!!!
Right on point,the service depends on the class of hotel you decide to estay.
Yes that’s so true usually! Sometimes though you get great service at the lower level resorts
Can you recommend your Top 3 resorts in each location for a family of 4, plus friends of the kids (16 and 18)? First time visitors and want an all inclusive resort. Thanks!
You can email us at 3days3noches@gmail.com
Email sent.
Where would you recommend to stay with parents (40s) and teens/young adults? We want some place fun and high quality but not a wild place or a couple/singles focused place that would be awkward for a family together.
Hyatt Ziva is supposed to be great or Xcaret
What would be your top 3 excursion recommendations for the Cancun area?
El cielo definitely!!! Here’s the one we took! www.viator.com/tours/Cozumel/Catamaran-Snorkel-to-El-Cielo-and-Tortugas-Beach-Club/d632-120878P12?pid=P00070138&mcid=42383&medium=link. Also going to a cenote and Chichen Itza if you have time.
Great , informative video!
Ty!!!! For watching
Viva México y República Dominicana Dios los bendiga...
🥰🥰
Which resort do u like best in Cancun? Looking to go over holiday and how are the swimming pools warm?
It’s so hard to pick!! It totally depends on what you like! What’s your biggest priority - beach, pools, food, adults only
@@3Days3Noches what's your recommendation for a resort in cancun for 20year olds? Thanks
I’m hotel zone? Or Riviera Maya/ Playa del Carmen
@@3Days3Noches in the hotel zone. Thanks again
Depends on budget! But a few options would be RIU, Breathless, Wyndham. RIU is great because it’s right next to the nightlife in hotel zone.
Good video. You provide lots of valuable information.
Thanks for watching!!!!
Tequila or rum? 🤔 If you’re having trouble narrowing it down, check out the full video where we go over more similarities and differences between Cancun and Punta Cana!
▶️ th-cam.com/video/0YgRCZv5ixs/w-d-xo.html
I see that in Cancun they sell Dominican cigars and they do the pirate show like in Punta Cana...
🤣🤣
I Love Cancún.!
Where can you buy fresh seasonal tropical fruits in Cancun and Punta Cana?
All over. Just depends where you are staying etc.
what about tours? parks, etc.
For which one
@@3Days3Noches in Dominican do they have something like scaret, xotchimilco , xelha
They have Scape Park in Cap Cana but nothing like Xcaret
When is considered hurricane season in Cancun or Punta Cana?
Late august through November
How was the safety in Mexico and which has better beaches with clearer water
Safety in Mexico was fine when I was there. They both have their own unique safety issues but if you travel smart you’ll have no issues. They both get Sargassum but I think in general DR tends to have better beaches although I love hotel zone Cancun beaches. Thanks for watching!!
I’ve been to both. Hard to decide!!!
It truly is!!!
I love Punta Cana
😍😍
When I price it out flying from Toronto it's much cheaper to do DR, at least if im looking at adults only
Yes it depends where you depart from
I've never been more bored than I was in DR! Much more to do in Mexico.
Same, their downtown area was literally a small shopping mall and a cocobongo that is expensive to go to.
Funny you talked about the airports. The one thing we loved was how modern and easy it was to get thru the Punta Cana airport. Hmm on your comment??
Yes compared to Turks and Caicos. Sooooo much better. But compared to Cancun they are a little behind but still not too bad
oh my, so agree with DR more humid and damp!!!
It really is. But I still love it
punta cana is lit 🔥
Yes it is!!!
I just would like to know how much cancun hotels community paid you?
I wish lol. I only get paid by TH-cam
Do you use a third party to book or do you book straight through the resort and airlines?
Hi! We’ve done both but have gone back to just booking directly with the resort and airlines. I feel we are able to rectify any problems more easily that way
@@3Days3Noches is booking through Expedia worth it?
I’ve been booking through the resort directly. If Expedia is offering you a better deal you can see if they will honor it
Most of the discussion here seems to lump Cancun and the rest of the Mayan Riviera together but they can be very different experiences. Cancun itself tends to be small properties with high rise style hotels close to town and busier and noisier but close to shopping, bars, restaurants etc. The majority of Mayan Riviera resorts are large spread out properties with low rise style buildings but quieter and less busy areas yet further from shopping. restaurants etc unless you are close to Playa Del Carmen. I think the food/drinks/service levels as you say are more dependent on the quality of the resort more so than whether its Punta Cana or Cancun although I think in general the quality of food in Mexico is better than in DR for equivalent price resorts.
True!!
Punta cana 👍
😎😎
I prefer punta cana ❤
🌞🌞🌞
Punta cana ❤
Having gone to both and enjoyed both, I prefer Cancun, ultimately for the quality of the service I received. Not only quicker, but the staff generally is more experienced and prepared. For example, in PC I ordered a Tom Collins in one of the à la carte restaurants in my hotel and they brought me water with lemon juice. 🤷🏻♂ And in other restaurant I ordered vanilla ice cream for dessert, and the waiter decided on his own to bring me rum raisin because they ran out of vanilla. 🤷🏻
A second criteria could be the activities that you can do in both places. In this regard the Riviera Maya also wins.
In both places you'll find great beaches, annoying street vendors, and the classic scam of timeshare, either at the airport or in your hotel.
Great points. Thank you so much.
smoking- DR allows smoking everywhere-to the point where a non-smoker is often chased away from an area that wouldn't be an issue in Mexico. We watched 6 groups move away from a group of 2 smoking cigars during one evening entertainment in DR. win for Mexico there!
Great point!!!
Thank you! This would definitely bother me.
Great video, but please don't recommend your viewers go to downtown Cancun. Downtown Cancun is super dangerous and a place where tourists get kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint. You went to the hotel zone which is the thin strip of land dedicated to tourism, and super safe. Downtown Cancun is 20 minutes drive from the hotel zone, on the mainland. I lived in Cancun and now currently live in punta Cana and, like yourself, feel that punta Cana and the hotel zone of Cancun are equally safe 🙂
Thank you so much. Great point! I know that they are two totally different places but sometimes I forget to correct the verbiage!! I appreciate the great input and reminders!!
I went to downtown Cancun in 2004 and had a blast. I’m sure things changed but everyone has to be vigilant anywhere they go.
@@abdragonfly go there at night in 2024. You’ll definitely have a blast! 💥🔫 😅
To be safe it’s just best to stay at the resort especially Cancun!!
I actually felt less safe in Punta Cana, because I felt like there was less security and I also had someone steal my chain and run off in Punta Cana.
Omg! Bummer :(
Great video. Cancun offers more cultural experiences and excursion.
Thank you for watching! Dominicans might disagree ha ha but Cancun def has a lot to do :)
I like punta cana better the beaches are more calm
For me, if I am looking for a trip to the Caribbean, I go to Punta Cana because I am in the Caribbean, the Caribbean culture, the history of pirates, etc., the real Caribbean. already in the rest sun Silver sand. they are similar. but I prefer Punta Cana
Love this!!!
Best resort in Cancun ?
So hard to say! Totally depends on what you like! Le Blanc is supposedly number one! Been there. Very nice but a bit boring.
@@3Days3Noches like you have been about 12 times, I like the Hyatt ziva and zilara and Grand Coral beach. I just wanted to see that you thought , thank you
@mresteamable I can’t wait to try them. Once my done graduates next year I’ll be traveling non stop!!
I like the food better in Punta Cana
Really?? Most people prefer Mexico for food
Wow I think Cancun has more better places to go then punta cana I prefer cancun ❤❤
Yes! They get compared so much but really they are 2 totally different places!!!
You should definitely tip.... just check their minimum wage, share the wealth with others, we have to do it everyday with our governments with taxes and have no say. (also Riviera Maya for us)
Good
Ty! 😎
#7 is right on
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Cancun resort food are by far better than Punta Cana.. been to both 2x its just the truth.. love Punta Cana but the all inclusive resorts do not serve real Dominican Food… and liquor is bottom shelf except for the Brugal.. !!
Yes that tends to be true!
i prefer punta cana
🌞🌞🌞
Shopping and experiences off resort are better in Cancun.
Yes!! Def true
This is an incredible video with great information, and you look so beautiful and sexy. Thank you so much❤
@Blanche, here is another fan😂
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤷♀️🤦🏼♀️
Guanacaste Costa Rica is way better than Cancun or Punta Cana.....it has 1000 beautiful beaches Free! all for you! A Blue Zone where people live longer compare to the rest of the world, mountains, volcanos,Forest and they protect the beach in Cancun or Punta Cana the Hotels are built right on the Beach !!😢😢😢🤢🤮🤮. The cenotes are contaminante with defecate waters the Mayan treen is destroying the jungle the crime is going up fast, Cancun is not what it usted to be....
I prefer Punta Cana because the Mexican cartels operate in Cancun and at any moment you could end up very badly. I don't need to risk my life like that
🌞🌞🌞
You are so funny
And you are so full of shit my friend
Oh...and if you want to immerse yourself into a culture...its not going to happen at an all inclusive.
No but you can go off the resort and experience it some
Keep up the great work!!
@uhtreadunholy thank you so much 🥹