Why I Love Scape Park in Punta Cana
If you're heading to Punta Cana and want something fun, adventurous, and totally unique to add to your trip, let me introduce you to one of my absolute favorite places: Scape Park in Punta Cana.
I've been there twice now, and honestly, I would go back again in a heartbeat. It's just that good. Whether you're traveling with kids, teens, or a group of adults looking for some excitement, Scape Park has something for everyone.
While I love Scape Park, it's definitely NOT because of their gluten-free food options. Find out why I love this park and how to prepare if you are a gluten-free traveler.
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So, What Is Scape Park?
Scape Park is this amazing eco-adventure park tucked away in Cap Cana, which is a gorgeous and upscale area in Punta Cana. The park is huge—think jungle trails, hidden cenotes (natural freshwater pools), ziplines, caves, and even animal encounters.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend the day doing as much—or as little—as you want. Want to zipline through the trees? Go for it. Prefer to chill in a hammock over the water or swim in a magical cenote? That’s an option too. You get to set the pace and create your own perfect day.
Great for Families & Adventure Lovers
What I love most about Scape Park is its versatility. When I visited for the first time with my kids, there were so many activities they could safely enjoy—like swimming near the waterfall, trying out the lower hammock ziplines, and exploring the scenic trails.
The second time, I went with a friend, and we leaned into the more adventurous stuff—ziplining, cave exploration, and hiking to the Blue Hole. It’s a place where everyone can find something that fits their vibe for the day.
What to Wear to Scape Park
Trust me—what you wear to Scape Park can make a BIG difference in how comfortable you are throughout the day. Since you'll be hiking, climbing, ziplining, swimming, and probably getting splashed more than once, the key is comfort and quick-drying clothes.
You’ll be wearing a harness for the zipline, so the more coverage you have, the better—it helps prevent any rubbing or chafing.
Based on my visits, here’s what I recommend:
For women and girls: A full-coverage swimsuit paired with quick-dry, waterproof shorts.
For men and boys: Swim trunks and a rash guard or quick-dry athletic shirt.
Water shoes: Waterproof shoes that are also sturdy enough for walking and light hiking. Think closed-toe water shoes or sandals with good grip. These water shoes are my favorite.
Whatever you do, leave your flip-flops at the resort—they’re not great for ziplining or walking on paths.
What to Bring to Scape Park
A lock - There are lockers at the entrance that I recommend using to store all valuables. If you don’t have a lock, they sell them for $5.
A towel – Lightweight and compact is best. If you are staying at a resort, you can take one from there, but always remember to return it.
A change of clothes – Especially if you're heading back to your resort in the shuttle and don’t want to sit in wet clothes.
Sunscreen and bug spray – Always bring more than you think you’ll need.
A waterproof phone case – This is a must to get some great pictures! I recommend one that you can wear around your neck and also fit a credit card or cash in for snacks or drinks. This waterproof phone case is my favorite.
Getting to Scape Park
Whether you’re staying at a nearby resort or a bit farther away, there are several convenient transportation options to choose from.
Included Shuttle
One of the things I really love about Scape Park is how easy it is to get there. When you purchase your tickets, round-trip transportation from most Punta Cana resorts is included. A shuttle will pick you up in the morning and drop you off after your adventure-filled day—super convenient, and no need to stress about logistics. Note, the shuttle does stop at other resorts on the way, which can add to your transfer time.
Taxis
That said, if you're staying in Cap Cana, I actually recommend skipping the included shuttle and taking a quick taxi instead. Most Cap Cana resorts are just a few minutes from Scape Park, and a taxi typically costs around $4 plus a tip. Just ask the bellman at your resort to call one for you. This gives you way more flexibility—you can arrive and leave when you want instead of waiting on the group transfer.
When you’re ready to head back, just stop by the info desk inside the park’s main store and they’ll call a taxi for you. I don’t recommend hopping in one of the taxis waiting outside—better safe than sorry.
Private Transfers
If you're staying outside the main resort areas or just prefer to handle your own transportation, there are also plenty of private transfer options available. Your concierge can easily help you book one.
All in all, getting to and from Scape Park is a breeze, no matter where you're staying—so you can focus on the fun, not the commute!
Pro Tip - Arrive early! When the shuttle buses get there, lines can form at the entrance. Consider taking a taxi or private transfer and arriving 15–20 minutes before the park opens to beat the crowd.
My Favorite Areas at Scape Park
Here are a few of my favorite spots in the park—but be sure to check out the park map for a full list of activities!
Saltos Azules
This area is basically a water playground with a waterfall, zipline jump, and hammock ziplines (great for younger kids!).
Hoyo Azul (aka the Blue Hole)
This is hands-down one of the most beautiful swimming spots. It’s a crystal-clear, bright turquoise cenote tucked beneath a cliff. The water is cold (which feels amazing on a hot day), and the whole hike to get there is just gorgeous.
Pro Tip: The hike along the wooded trails takes about 15–20 minutes, so be sure to wear comfortable water shoes. Keep in mind, the distance of this hike might be a bit much for younger children.
Ziplining Through the Jungle
This isn’t your typical zipline course! If you're craving a bit of adrenaline on your vacation, this experience won't disappoint. Choose from several exciting options, like the Eco Splash that sends you zipping through water or the Super Ride, where you soar headfirst in a flat-flying position.
Pro Tips:
Determine ending location - The ziplines wind through the jungle, with some returning to the starting point and others ending in different areas of the park. If you're with a group and some members aren't ziplining, be sure to ask the staff where they should meet you afterward.
Don’t plan on pictures - Since most of the ziplines run through or above the trees rather than over walking paths, it's difficult—if not impossible—for others to get photos of you while you're ziplining.
Do the Super Ride last - This zipline begins near the waterfall at the back of the park and ends up front by the lockers. If you choose to do it mid-visit, just keep in mind you'll need to walk all the way back through the park to return to other areas.
Animal Encounters
We got to see monkeys, parrots, and iguanas—my kids loved this part. It’s a great break between the bigger adventure stuff.
Cultural Route & Cave Swim
On this nature walk, you’ll get to check out real-life replicas of homes once lived in by the Taino Indians, Spanish conquistadors, African slaves, and Dominican peasants. After that, take a dip in a hidden cave spring and experience the refreshing water that ancient natives once used for sacred rituals. It’s a great way to connect with nature and soak up some culture at the same time.
Gluten-free at Scape Park
As someone who eats gluten-free and helps others do the same while traveling, I always go into day trips like this with a little bit of a plan.
The downside? Scape Park does have a restaurant and snack areas, but there’s VERY limited information about allergens and cross-contact precautions. Therefore, I do NOT recommend eating any of the prepared foods at the snack stands (pizza) or at the restaurant (burgers, fries, etc.). You’ll find packaged snacks like drinks, candy, and chips available for purchase.
The upside? You can enjoy a day at Scape Park while staying gluten-free—it just takes a little preparation.
So if you have celiac disease or are sensitive to gluten (like me), I’d recommend bringing your own food for the day.
Here’s what worked well for me on both of my visits:
I ate a big breakfast at the resort before heading out, and then planned to return in the early afternoon for a late lunch back at the resort. I love this park because you really can go for a half day without feeling rushed.
I packed my own gluten-free snacks like granola bars, beef jerky, and candy for quick energy throughout the day.
I bought drinks at their snack stand (they had Gatorade, soda, and bottled water—plenty of safe options there).
If you're going to stay all day and need more than snacks, you could easily pack a gluten-free lunch in a small cooler bag. Many resorts will prepare a to-go meal if you request one through room service or the concierge.
Now technically... snacks from outside aren't allowed in the park, but I’ve never had an issue. I recommend bringing a gluten-free translation card in Spanish just in case you need to show it to a staff member.
So if you're looking to add a little adventure to your Punta Cana vacation, Scape Park is a must. From ziplining through the jungle and swimming in crystal-clear cenotes to exploring cultural trails and spotting wildlife, this park really does have something for everyone. It’s fun, flexible, and packed with unique experiences you won’t find at your resort.
And if you’re gluten-free like me, with a little planning, you can still enjoy the day without stress. Whether you're traveling with kids, friends, or just looking for something different to do, Scape Park is absolutely worth the trip—I can’t wait to go back again!
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Blog by: Ellen Nestorick
Travel Advisor
Ellen specializes in travel to the Caribbean, Mexico, Disney, and cruises for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
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