Driving directions from STI to POP

I've visited the DR several times and have found driving ok there. I mainly drove between POP airport, POP and Sosua. This trip, at the end of the month, I am driving from STI airport to POP and want good directions.

I have read many of the threads and it looks like there are two ways to go: over the mountains and the main highway. I would prefer the main highway and I have plenty of time to make the drive both ways.

I will be landing in STI on a Monday afternoon and flying out on a Thursday afternoon.

Can someone please provide the easiest fastest directions from STI airport into to POP and back.

Thanks

Thanks!!! I will let you know how it goes.

Hillbilly,

Thanks for your simple directions. I was able to get from Santiago to Puerto Plata in about 2 hours after getting a little turned around in Santiago. The drive back to Santiago from Puerto Plata was fine...I made it to the city limits in the morning rain in 1 hour, but got lost in Santiago again and had to hail a motoconcho to take me to the airport.

All in all it is something that I would do again. Basically you take the 1 to the 5. My next trip I will be flying directly into to Puerto Plata, so I won't have to worry about doing this again, but actually getting a little lost in Santiago afforded me some views of this beautiful city.

Thanks for your help.

Juan

Hillbilly,

Your directions were very good. I got out of Santiago into Puerto Plata by specifically following your directions. After spending a lot of time driving in the DR I can follow directions like "follow your nose" much better than take the 1 to the 5 when the signage is not very good.

Thank you very much!!!

Juan