Riu Merengue: Close to what?

Hi Heading to POP and the Riu Merengue the end of Jan for 2 weeks. Just wondering what's in the area of this resort? Is there a little village one can walk to or is it basically just the 3 resorts located in this area. We've been to Punta Cana the last 2 years and enjoyed walking along the beaches and into the little village near Natura Park.

Not much in the vicinity, more like the Punta Cana set up. But you could rent a car and travel to La Isabela National Park, where the first publicized European landing in the New World was made. They have an interesting museum there, and you can visit Luperon beach.

Basically the Riu Merengue is a secluded hotel. But again, taking a car you can visit Puerto Plata and then go east to visit Sosua, Cabarete and even Playa Grande beach areas with lots of stores and places to eat.

If you are adventerous, read on

1) You can get into Puerto Plata and Sosua... even Cabarete
2) You can go over to Santiago-only about 45 minutes over a good road, except for a few spots still being constructed. Buses out of POP are cheap and very comfortable.
3) Really adventerous. Go right out of the entrance on the highway and go a few hundreds of meters until you get to Johan's. it is a fish place. You tel them how many fish you want and go sit down. It is not 5* by any means, but it is great eating if you like fish, plantains and cold beer....And dirt cheap...

HB

If you are very adventurous....

The eco excursion to which I give the highest marks is that which takes one up a small mountain and then you make your way down from the 21 Damajagua falls. Go to the Damajagua exit near Imbert road and ask for Roberto, the guide (he's about 17 years old). Where clothes that can get wet and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you jump down cascades and natural toboggans. Bring good hiking shoes that can get wet. The excursion takes all day and should only be done with an experienced guide.

We went to La Isabela. It was nice to look out at the bay and imagine Columbus' ships on the ocean. It was nice to imagine the different buildings and what might have gone on in them.
There is an admission fee.
And, there are some local artisans who live there. One teacher showed us the works of his students. They make wooden statues like the 'caritas' and the more they study, the more complicated the work is. We bought a few.
Before we left, the man in the next studio showed us some of his work. He also had polished wooden statues with primitive features like you might see on the caritas. And, he had some beautiful paintings. We bought a really nice turtle made from the heart of the wood. Very highly polished, and decorative. If they are still there, and you make the trip, check it out.
We went over to an old church too! It was re-dedicated not too long ago. And if you look real hard (from the loft) you can see the outline of the original church built in Columbus' day.
There was a homeless guy sleeping there. He had chickens and food in and around the baptismal font. He was kind of embarrased that we found him there. Being the local that he is, he told us about the bricks in the floor. Otherwise we'd have missed the outline. Just sorry we didn't take pictures of the cows on the road as we returned to Sosua. They didn't have a vaquero, but moved over to the side of the road to let us pass. Thanks Bennie, it was a great day.

Re: Have a meal at Camp David Ranch or Caffetto

Go towards Santiago and catch Carretera Luperon km 7, Gurabo and drive up the curvy, hilly road towards this Hotel-restaurant way up there about 3600 ft. above sea level and have a meal at their balcony area overlooking the Cibao Valley and the city of Santiago. The big monument looks like a tiny bottle from up there. As beautiful a view as any. If you have company(wife, girlfriend) it would be a good impression on her. Their phone # is 223-0666. Seafood and steaks. Collection of old Trujillo cars and vehicles.

Then head to Caffeto,578-7058 in Moca is another favorite of mine. Super view. Have a few drinks there to enjoy the mountains.