Santo Domingo to Las Galeras

roads

"1. Which roads would I take to drive from Santo Domingo to Las Galeras?"

The best and possibly fastest (i'm gonna skip the route via Piedra Blanca and Cotui) is to take Autopista 1, which begins as Kennedy in Santo Domingo, north. Once past Bonao, approx 10-15 minutes, pay attention for exit signs for San Fransisco de Macoris. Follow this 2-lane road through San Fransisco (you will enter the city) and continue onwards to Nagua. Along the way to nagua you will pass through Castillo. Once in Nagua you will be see signs (or ask for assistance if you miss them as they are easily overlooked) for Semana towards the right and Cabrera/Rio San Juan towards the left. It is autopista 5. Go right.

"2. Anything I should plan to stop and see along the way?"

This depends if you plan to stay overnight or intend to make it to Las Galeras in the same day. The drive directly from SD to Las Galeras will take 4-5 hours. A detour off autopista 1 to Jarabacoa is nice but will take lots of time. There's lots to do, depending upon your availability.

"3. How long will it take to do the drive?"

See above.

My opinion is that there is enough in Samana to keep you busy the whole time. As you mention, you can take a flight from Herrera International Airport in Santo Domingo and back), that is if you are flying into Las Americas International. Spend two days in Santo Domingo -- enjoy the colonial city, the night life there. Then take the flight to Samana. Samana: Las Terrenas (Cozon, Playa Bonita), El Limon cascade, Las Galeras (Playa Rincon), and Samana (Cayo Levantado). All those different beaches will keep you busy. Once in Samana, rent the 4 wheel vehicle.

If you decide on renting a car from Santo Domingo, I would recommend you go via San Francisco de Macoris because the roads are better. Always go that way. For car rental, see http://www.dr1.com/national

My opinion is that there is enough in Samana to keep you busy the whole time. As you mention, you can take a flight from Herrera International Airport in Santo Domingo and back), that is if you are flying into Las Americas International. Spend two days in Santo Domingo -- enjoy the colonial city, the night life there. Then take the flight to Samana. Samana: Las Terrenas (Cozon, Playa Bonita), El Limon cascade, Las Galeras (Playa Rincon), and Samana (Cayo Levantado). All those different beaches will keep you busy. Once in Samana, rent the 4 wheel vehicle. See http://dr1.com/travel/samana/

If you decide on renting a car from Santo Domingo, I would recommend you go via San Francisco de Macoris because the roads are better. Always go that way. For car rental, see http://www.dr1.com/national

drdick said:

[ One more thing....I was reading on the net that one can fly to samana on some local airline and rent a four wheel drive jeep. Can't seem to find a flight schedule or fares from Santo Domingo. If we stay in Samana the whole trip this might be an option for us...

What do you think?

Thanks again

Click to expand...

You can find the flight information for Aerodomca at http://www.aerodomca.com/English/english.html. The airport is actually in Portilla which is a few miles west of Samana on the road to Las Terrenas. The bus, either Carribe Tours or Metro, is actually a very comfortable, inexpensive [the trip in March cost me approx. $6 USD], and a scenic way to make to the trip, but, it's a four hour ride compared to the half hour, $60USD flight, on Aerodomca. The bus stops abut half way through the journey in San Francisco de Marcosis to allow the passengers to get something eat and use the restrooms, and that really does help to break up the trip. Either way you go, you are going to love it! Have a great time on your vacation and remember to tell us all about it when you return.

Most hotel lodgings you can find on samana.net www.samana.net