Visiting DR soon? If you're staying in Punta Cana and looking to escape the crowds, Miches offers a calm, picturesque vibe that feels like your own secret beach resort, just about an hour's drive away.
This guide bundles my experience in Miches, Dominican Republic, to help you make the most of your time, whether you're staying for a day or longer.
And if you enjoy this post, you'll love my Dominican Republic vacation itinerary, too!
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Miches Mini-Vlog
Where is Miches + Travel Basics
Miches (pronunciation is MEE-ches) is in the province of El Seibo, east of Punta Cana. The drive is scenic and easy, on one main road, and takes about an hour. Wondering how far is Miches from Punta Cana? Just under 40 miles (about 60 kilometers) but a world away from the crowded commercialism of a resort development.
Getting There: I picked up a car rental at the start of my trip, but you can also get there via shuttle or private tour with pick-up. The closest airport to Miches is Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). Uber is not widely available in the area, so plan ahead!
Check out the best rental car options in Punta Cana!
Weather: The weather in Miches is warm year-round, but the best time to visit tends to be during the dry season (between November/December and April) when there's less rain and the temperatures range from the upper 60s to the mid-80s.
I visited in October, with highs in the 90s and lows in the low 70s, and found it to be perfect beach weather; however, I'm from Houston, Texas, so do with that what you will!
Health & Safety: Miches is generally considered to be safe for travelers, and I did not have any issues as a woman traveling solo. Take the same precautions you would anywhere.
The population is around 30,000 people, which gives it a small-town feel vs Punta Cana's busy resort strip. Miches is more residential, so the pace is slower. Literally. The speed limit is much lower here, and I found myself sharing the road with livestock instead of the thick traffic of Santo Domingo!
Use my Dominican Republic women's packing checklist to make sure you don't forget anything!
Things to Do in Miches
Montaña Redonda
For 360-degree views of the town, beaches in the area, the lagoon, and the lush landscape. The panoramic effect is truly breathtaking. I recommend doing the on-site photo experience as the staff is awesome and the photos are incredible.
Even if you don't try any of the other activities, like paragliding and ziplining, taking in the views and relaxing in a hammock makes for a solid afternoon. I booked a guided experience in advance, but it's honestly not necessary. You can buy a ticket upon arrival.
guided Montaña Redonda excursions...
Read my guide to visiting Montaña Redonda before you go!
Playa Costa Esmeralda (Esmeralda Beach)
Playa Costa Esmeralda almost feels like a deserted Dominican beach. There are no amenities, but that also means no trash, crowds, or salespeople. No seaweed either! GPS directions are spotty, so you'll need to follow the road signs to get to Playa Costa Esmeralda.
Early morning is the best time to visit this unspoiled, undeveloped beach, althought some parts of it were under construction for a resort at the time of my visit. Still, I was able to spend the morning in warm water and solitude, for which I'm grateful.
Miches is thought to have some of the best beaches in the Dominican Republic, so don't limit your shore time to one spot! Check out Emerald Bay Beach, too.
Eat Local Food
Authentic Dominican food is harder to come by at the resorts, so I really enjoyed dining at Miches' roadside paradors. I recommend Parador Felicia for a freshly fried fish lunch and multiple cups of their ice-cold passion fruit juice (jugo maracuya). I tried to drink passion fruit juice every day of my DR trip, and it tasted the best at Parador Felicia, no question!
And load up on fresh fruit. Especially if you visit the Dominican Republic during mango season! There's a souvenir shop and fruit stand at the bottom of Montaña Redonda, where I bought juicy star fruit, mangos, and limoncillos (also called quenepa or guinep).
Traveling solo? Read my guide to dining alone all over the world!
Whale Watching Excursions
If you visit Miches between January and March, consider detouring to Samaná (two-hour ferry ride) to join seasonal whale watching excursions from Samaná Bay. Humpback whales migrate here each year, and you can book a tour through a local operator or a resort.
guided whale + dolphin watching options...
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
From Samaná Bay, you'll also be close to Media Luna, a natural pool filled with coral reefs. Other popular diving spots include Playa Rincón and Playa Magallanes.
more ways to see Miches...
Where to Stay
Since I did a day trip, I don't have firsthand experience with Miches' accommodations; however, the following options come highly recommended from fellow travelers:
$$$ Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa (Adults Only + All-Inclusive): This new hotel was actually under construction when I visited. It's known for peace and pampering with excellent reviews and modern amenities.
$$ Viva Miches by Wyndham (All-Inclusive): A more affordable stay with solid amenities at a lower price point.
$$$ Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda: One of the most famous resorts in the area, and part of the Club Med brand. This property gives eco-chic luxury vibes.
Get the best prices on Miches hotels and resorts!
Nightlife
Miches is not a nightlife hotspot. And the people who live here appreciate and deserve the peace and quiet, so I hope it doesn't become overdeveloped!
Some of the resorts and hotels in Miches host evening entertainment, from live music to cultural shows. If you want true party energy, head to Santo Domingo or back to Punta Cana.
I hope this travel guide to the Miches area of Dominican Republic helps you get out of the Punta Cana bubble on your next trip. And sharing is caring, so be sure to pin this post for later and follow me over on Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
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