When visiting Punta Cana in 2026, the primary rule for staying healthy is to strictly avoid drinking tap water, as it is not treated for consumption and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. This includes using tap water for brushing your teeth or swallowing water while showering. You should only drink commercially sealed bottled water or water from purified dispensers provided by reputable resorts. Be cautious with ice unless you are certain it was made from purified water; high-end resorts typically use safe ice, but smaller local vendors may not. Regarding food, the classic traveler's advice "boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it" still applies. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish, rare meats, and unpasteurized dairy products. Be wary of salads or fruits that may have been washed in local tap water; stick to fruits you can peel yourself, like bananas or mangoes. While resort buffets are generally safe, avoid "room temperature" food that has been sitting out for long periods. Finally, avoid purchasing food from unauthorized beach vendors, as they often lack the refrigeration and hygiene standards necessary to prevent food poisoning in the tropical Caribbean heat.