Roadside Attractions

Art Vandelay, hunh.
Are you into export-import or do you just import?

Don't miss Altos de Chavon at Casa de Campo. You don't have to stay there to see the artist colony part. Interesting medieval Spanish architecture in a 20th century sort of way.

lol

The name George on "Seinfeld" always referred himself to in attempting to pick up women. Mr. Vandelay's occupation is always an architect.
"My name is Art Vandelay, I am an architect."

Perhaps.



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For a "secret swimming hole", I recommend Laguna DuDu, which is on the left on your way from Las Terrenas to Puerto Plata. It's after Nagua and a couple of miles before Cabrera. The main reason I would describe it as secret is that the sign outside is practically invisible, so there's a good chance you'll miss it!

Is this the one in a cave or is this Blu Lac?

Art Vandelay said:

Hola,
I'm planning a road trip in mid January. We'll start in La Romana, drive up to Las Terrenas, over to Puerto Plata and finally down to Santo Domingo.
All the typical touristy things to see and do are well documented. My wife and i are hoping to sample a bit of real Dominican culture. Eg. an especially fun and friendly colmado, or a secret swimming hole.
We're 50 year old Canadians in good shape who like a little adventure.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Gracias in advance.

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If you plan on taking the Santo Domingo/Samana highway to get to the Samana Peninsula consider taking the old mountain road, rather than the new highway extension, to Las Terrenas. You stay on Rt.5 and go past the town of Sanchez, about 1/4 of mile past the Texaco Station on the left you make a left you begin going up the hill. The road has been repaved and it winds it's way and through the countryside and small villages. There are many switchbacks and slow going but worth trying at least on one to Las Terrenas. It is about 14kms over the mountain. In the LT area go to Playa Bonita and walk to the end where the land curves towards Playa Coson. Great place to walk or swim and usually not a person there. In Playa Coson go have lunch at Luis's Restaurant. It is very informal right on the beach. They service grilled chicken or seafood with sides of rice and beans, salad and papa fritas. You can also get a Pina Colada in your own hollowed out pineapple. You can swim while you wait for your lunch. They are not open for dinner. Outside of LT, towards Samana City, in El Limon, you have Limon Falls. It is very touristy but fun to ride horses into the mountains to the falls. Wear a swimsuit and you can swim in a large natural pool at the base of the falls. In Samana City you can walk the footbridges that connect the small islands in the bay or go whale watching between the middle of Jan. to middle of March. Leave Samana City heading towards Galeras, go up the winding hill from the Malecon and when you get to the top of the hill look for a small sign on your left that says Playa Valle. Take that road and you can drive to a hidden beach that is surrounded by high mountains. There are also restaurants for a fish dinner. On the way to Playa Valle you will find a zip line tour that is worth checking out. I believe they have a least 12 zip line stations that work there way down the mountain. There is also a natural pool to swim in after the zip lining. Check out the Samana Peninsula tourist guide at the top of the northeast thread. It will give you all the info you need. Good luck and good travels

Art Vandelay said:

Wow thanks Steve, exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. How about the Puerto Plata area ?

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Sorry I am not that familiar with the Puerta Plata area. If you google it you will find a lot of info. I know there is a beautiful falls you can visit somewhere between POP and Caberate. Hopefully others will give you directions. There is also Casinos and a cable car that goes up the mountain. I believe there is also an Amber Museum. Good luck and good travels.

Caves in Cabarete. Sosua Beach for a lunch. Cabarete Beach for dinner. Cable Car ride in POP and check out the Malecon in POP for another lunch.