Punta Cana vs. Ixtapa-which one should I chose?
 

I'm considering an all-inclusive in Punta Cana vs. an air/hotel package to Ixtapa. The prices are fairly similar and I'll be flying from Chicago. I've heard mixed reviews on Punta Cana and have heard that it is far removed from any cities, however, I like to snorkel and Punta would probably be better for that. I'm torn as to which way to go. Experiences appreciated here.

Punta Cana has nicer beaches and better water for swimming, so I would go with that. Both Ixtapa and P C are planned resort areas. P C is far removed from any large "real" towns; however, Ixtapa is likewise except for Zihuatenejo, which is geared towards towurism, but is more of a "real" place.

Zijuatenejo IS a normal Mexican town, a fishing village that's been around for awhile, and only a few miles with local bus and taxi connection from Ixtapa, where the resorts have been built up.<BR><BR>Punta Cana area was built as high-end resorts (there was nothing like that there when I visited the DR back in the 70/80's. But the snorkeling would definitely be better than Pacific coast Mexico.

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Hi Chris: We just got back from Occidental FLamenco Punta Cana last Sat.. It is a wonderful BEACH vacation area, lots of watersports. We found the snorkling to be a bit disappointing since we have snorkled in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, St John ect, there were lots of fish but the coral was not very nice. We took two excursions off the resort. The Bavaro Runners trip which included horseback riding, visiting a village, schoolect and a secluded beach. WE also went on the Saona Island/ Altos Chavron tour which was fabulous. We took a bus through towns and countryside. We ended up taking a speed boat to a deserted island for lunch and swimming and then a catamaran ride back to a fishing village. We stopped for shopping. Saona Island is spectacular. We have visited alot of Caribbean Islands and we kept saying WHY did we not visit Punta Cana earlier, it was that beautiful and very reasonable. I now know why people return over and over. Karen