Preparation
Planning your next vacation, but not sure where to go? We made a list of what we wanted: beautiful beaches, a different culture, some travel but without constantly changing accommodations, and a bit of adventure. After browsing through blogs and Pinterest, our interest fell on the Dominican Republic. A quick dive into more research confirmed it: this would be our destination. I even joined a Facebook group called “Info Dominican Republic” to gather insights, though the sheer volume of information was overwhelming. Now that we’ve enjoyed Piña Coladas on white-sand beaches, we’re excited to share our travel tips and experiences with you.
Our Itinerary
We began our trip in Punta Cana and traveled through Miches, then to Las Terrenas, followed by Puerto Plata, Bayahibe, and back to Punta Cana. We ended with a visit to Isla Saona. We intentionally avoided the Haitian border due to unrest in the area.
Getting Around
There’s a lot of advice online and in the Facebook group about driving in the Dominican Republic, ranging from warnings to horror stories. However, as experienced and confident drivers, we decided to give it a go.
Our experience:
- Main roads are quite manageable, but off-road conditions vary greatly. The road from Miches to Las Terrenas, for example, was full of potholes – think Mario Kart level chaos! It’s doable, but it requires focus and energy.
- City traffic is total chaos, with cars coming from all directions, and traffic rules are more of a suggestion. The main rule? Be bold and confident when driving.
- Scooters and other vehicles may pass you from all sides – be cautious, especially at roundabouts, where traffic flows without clear rules.
Pro tip: One person should focus on driving while the other watches for traffic surprises. If you have driving experience and courage, renting a car is worth it. It allows you to access more remote places and beautiful locations.
Important:
- Always rent a car with full insurance. The country can be quite corrupt, especially toward tourists. Don’t take risks with basic insurance.
- Don’t let the fuel prices scare you. Gas is sold in gallons, not liters (1 gallon = 3.785 liters). As of October 2024, a gallon costs 272.50 pesos, which makes refueling a bit more budget-friendly.
Tips for Your Stay
Cash: Bring some cash (either dollars or pesos) – around $100 should cover initial expenses like tolls, food, and drinks.
Language barrier: English is rarely spoken, so we highly recommend buying an eSIM for mobile data and using Google Translate. Although it was supposed to be available at the airport, we couldn’t find it there. Instead, head to a nearby shopping center for the eSIM.
Directions from the airport: Go right, pass two roundabouts, then turn left at the traffic lights (which are located on the far side of the road). The mall will be on your left. We paid 23 euros for an eSIM with 25GB (+20GB bonus). Beware of spam texts about your data balance – you can check your real balance with #100#.
Health Tips
Exploring new places is exciting, and vacations are a joy. But it’s also smart to plan for less fun scenarios, like getting sick. We ended up with a bout of stomach troubles that lasted until we returned home, thanks to water and food our bodies weren’t used to. Bring along plenty of oral rehydration salts (ORS) and anti-diarrhea medication – it’s worth it.
Highlights of Our Trip
Where to start? This country is pure beauty: lush green landscapes, beaches with sands whiter than you’ve ever seen, crystal-clear blue seas, and more. Here are our personal highlights, including prices (from September/October 2024), that we recommend you consider adding to your own itinerary:
Montana Redonda: Absolutely worth the visit. It’s easy to find via Google Maps, and there’s a parking area where trucks transport visitors up the mountain. Entry costs $10 per person, with transportation priced at $20 for 1-4 people, or $5 each if you’re in a larger group.
Las Terrenas: A lively, charming town with gorgeous beaches. Our top picks were Playa Bonita and Playa Coson. Las Terrenas is warm, even at night, so bring something cool to wear! For a truly memorable experience, try zip-lining through the valley and jungle here. The cost is $65 per person. The location is marked on Google Maps, and the last stretch is a bit off-road but manageable. You’ll park along the road and hike up steep terrain for about 20 minutes to reach the first platform.
Playa Rincon: Known as one of the most beautiful beaches, it is indeed stunning but also quite touristy. Several resorts have beach beds set up here. It’s easily accessible by car. The right side is much quieter, with lovely spots to relax. The left side has a river flowing into the sea, making it a great place to cool off in fresh, salt-free water.
Treehouse Lodging: Fascinated or frightened by treehouses? For us, it was an unforgettable experience! Rancho Romana Retreat has five treehouses, making for an intimate setting. The hosts are incredibly welcoming and even cook for guests. It’s also a 30-minute walk from the stunning El Limón waterfall.
El Limón Waterfall: Go on your own for the full experience! The hike offers beautiful mini-waterfalls along the way. If you set out from the main road, the walk will take around 45-60 minutes. You can also ride a horse up, but we saw so many it felt overly crowded. Hiking takes a bit more effort, but we spent a lovely afternoon, swimming along the way and soaking in the scenery.
Los Haitises National Park and Bacardi Island: This was one of our favorite experiences. Bacardi Island’s beach is simply paradise. Enjoy a fresh Piña Colada (300 pesos) – you may never have a cocktail this good again!
Puerto Plata: A bustling city, especially if you pass through Sosua and Cabarete, which can add 20 minutes to your travel time. It’s not a major inconvenience, but keep it in mind to help manage your energy.
Damajagua Waterfalls (27 Waterfalls): This is a popular attraction on many travel blogs. However, not all waterfalls are open at once – typically, only 7 to 12 are accessible. The last stretch is off-road, leading to a massive parking lot. This spot is crowded with large groups, and you might feel rushed through with minimal time to enjoy the falls. Booking is easy online (via 27waterfalls.org) and costs $16.99 per person, but keep your expectations in check.
Isla Saona (Saona Island): This is the tropical paradise you’ve dreamed of! With pristine beaches reminiscent of an island escape show, it’s a popular destination. Our tip? Stay a night here. Airbnb offers listings with transportation included. We arrived at 10 a.m. and left at 2:30 p.m. the following day, spending a night in a cozy beach hut. Prices are similar to a day tour, and staying overnight means enjoying the beach with hardly anyone else around. Here’s a cost breakdown for two:
- Accommodation: €87 (1 night, 2 people)
- Dinner and breakfast on the beach: $20
- Round-trip boat ride: $66 (4000 pesos; locals pay 700 pesos per person per leg)
- National park fee: $4 (250 pesos) per person
Important: The island has a lot of mosquitoes, so bring long sleeves and bug spray. Together, we ended up with over 200 bites – not great for photos! If weather permits, take in the sunset with a drink.
Conclusion!
Thinking of going?
Do it!
Let yourself be surprised by this beautiful country and its culture.
Francis Keijzer – Guestblogger
