I am planning on going in late November for 4 days - quick weekend trip. I have rented a car in Santo Domingo and wondering if going southeast for wildlife and scenery is doable.... simple economy car - can I cut across to the north and perhaps see some waterfalls and beaches there? Any recommendations, must dos? I read the LNP book but so many options and concerned about the timing to get from point A to point B.
Any recommendations would be highly appreciated
Could you do Switzerland appropriately in four days? No. The Dominican Republic is the same size. Same as you can't do Switzerland in four days, you can't do the Dominican Republic in four days. You will be spending half of your time on the road.
If you have four days...
Since you are arriving to Santo Domingo, consider overnighting either the first night or the last night to take in the sights of the Colonial City. That would require at least 24 hours. If you are an adventurer, look into staying in Bayahibe or Dominicus. There are small hotels in addition to the resorts. From there you can drive to their Sendero Padre Nuestro, for an easy yet interesting hike. Ask for the public beach entrance at Dominicus and enjoy that beach. You could also visit take a boat trip to Saona Island. The road to La Romana takes two hours.
Option 2 is the same about the overnight in Santo Domingo, but do so on the first night and then instead head to the north. Problem is that it will take you four hours to get to the north. Once there, book a hotel in Cofresi or Puerto Plata for the first night and visit the Damajagua Falls. You need hiking + water scandals plus clothes that can get wet, and a purse that can protect your valuables when you plunge. May I recommend Khombu that are sturdy but allow water in and out. You can also go hiking up to the Isabel de Torres Mountain botanical gardens and then take the skylift down. You should visit the Gregorio Luperon museum in town. Visit the Brugal Rum factory and take a tour. Then head east to visit Sosua and Cabarete beaches, have lunch on the beach in Cabarete. You can then drive along the north coast road (many beaches on the way, including Playa Grande and Playa Preciosa) to the crossing with the Samana toll road. There you take this road south. Keep to the road speed indications of 80 and 50 (on curves) for safe driving. This road puts you 15 minutes or less from Las Americas International Airport, assuming you are arriving via Las Americas (Santo Domingo).
Option 3... Spend the first night in Santo Domingo (Colonial City) then head east to the toll road to Samana. Toll road is expensive... Figure around US$50 in tolls. Samana has hiking, waterfalls and beaches. As above, plan on returning on the toll road straight to take your flight out at Las Americas International. This road is about 2 hour drive but you need to drive following the road limit signs -- no speeding.
In the DR make sure to not drive at night. If you use Waze you should not have major problems getting around.
Let us know what you decide and your choices, and we can give you our opinions.
Here are some DR1 Guides to help you get around...
http://dr1.com/travel/samanaguide.pdf
The Taino Park is closed.
http://dr1.com/travel/laromanaguide.pdf
http://dr1.com/travel/santodomingoguide.pdf