Constanza

[mountainannie]

Ah be still my heart! I just discovered it.... like the mountains of North Carolina, with temperatures 20 degrees less than the Capital.... fresh mountain air, open balconies (Hotel Mi Cabana) to a wide open sky. ---- GREAT drive from the Capital.. but I did not have a 4x4 so missed the waterfall and the Taino cave....

but I will return....

 

[tjmurray]

Ah be still my heart! I just discovered it.... like the mountains of North Carolina, with temperatures 20 degrees less than the Capital.... fresh mountain air, open balconies (Hotel Mi Cabana) to a wide open sky. ---- GREAT drive from the Capital.. but I did not have a 4x4 so missed the waterfall and the Taino cave....

but I will return....

Too bad you missed the Aquas Blancas Waterfall. It is quite the sight and the water is freeezing. I got there just fine in a 2x2 Toyota Rav 4 and saw no real need for a 4x4, but I'm sure it can't hurt.

 

[mountainannie]

4x4

Too bad you missed the Aquas Blancas Waterfall. It is quite the sight and the water is freeezing. I got there just fine in a 2x2 Toyota Rav 4 and saw no real need for a 4x4, but I'm sure it can't hurt.

You can see my car saga under the Eurocar posting but also both the Lonely Panet guide and Guide Routard say to have a 4X4 -- good to know that you did not need it.. But the Rav 4- even a 2x2 is gonna have much higher clearance than a Misubishi Lancer or whatever-- would that make a difference on that road?

 

[mountainannie]

The road from the capital

The better half and I did the trip from Constanza to Jarabacoa on road 28, which really isn't a road, but a "camino" a few years ago.

Shortly before we arrived in Jarabacoa, we were nervously driving along, looking down on one side what seemed to be easily a thousand feet drop, with the river Jimanoa at the base.

It was absolutely spectacular. I still have the pics somewhere with the car on the trail that was about a two feet wider than the car. lol

The road from the Capital is paved all the way, even though there are some hold ups for road works. It has to rank as one of the GREAT drives I have ever been on!. I would imagine that going up or coming down on Sunday, when there is little or no truck traffic (I am just assuming here) would be a great pleasure.

It was a TONIC to be in the high mountains for a few days. Does anyone know about public transport from Sto DGo to Constanza? (Next time I will rent a local 4x4)

 

[cobraboy]

The better half and I did the trip from Constanza to Jarabacoa on road 28, which really isn't a road, but a "camino" a few years ago.

Shortly before we arrived in Jarabacoa, we were nervously driving along, looking down on one side what seemed to be easily a thousand feet drop, with the river Jimanoa at the base.

It was absolutely spectacular. I still have the pics somewhere with the car on the trail that was about a two feet wider than the car. lol

Imagine doing that road on a dual-purpose adventure motorcycle. That is part of what we do on our www.motocaribe.com motorcycle tours. It's a spectacular road (when the weather is right).

 

[bob saunders]

Most of the road to Agua Blanca is passable in a regular car/truck but there are parts that require more clearance and to feel comfortable and secure I would use a 4 wheel drive. Note that I have driven on Logging roads throughout British Columbia and Alaska and have a pretty good idea of easy roads and hard road. The road from Constanza to Jarabacoa is a piece of cake unless it's been raining for a few days.

 

[George Holmes]

Guaguas run the route between Jarabacoa and Constanza (two a day I think). The road is fine - I used to do it all the time on my concho. It runs through some really nice villages. Of course, like any unpaved road, things are different when wet, but it is no problem at all
(I personally don't think that whoever wrote Lonely Planet went anywhere near Constanza, as it talks complete tripe)

 

[George Holmes]

Oh, and for public transport you need to get a bus or guagua to Abanico,near Bonao, which is a guagua stop at the bottom of the very scary road up to Constanza. A second guagua will take you all the way to Constanza. The road is almost completely paved, but is still rather scary and winding.

Don't get in the minibus guaguas, get in the pickups, as they are far safer and more confortable. Try and get a good view as the forest is stunning all the way up.

 

[Mariposazul]

Can you describe the best hotels in Constanza for me? I need a good trip advisor.

 

[Mariposazul]

No opinions? I'm sure somebody has experience going to Constanza!!!

 

[cobraboy]

No opinions? I'm sure somebody has experience going to Constanza!!!

Constanza is not exactly a big tourist town.

It's nice, clean, pretty and well organized, but there isn't a whole lot there besides agriculture.

There are a couple of hotels scattered around. I recall Rancho Guaraguao has rooms.

You can go without reservations and be OK.

 

[Mariposazul]

Thanks Cobra. I realize there isn't much there but cool temps and beautiful views. That's all I want!!! Just when prices for hotels are about the same...it is difficult to choose which location is best!

 

[bienamor]

Used to be a Swiss restaurant and hotel up above the town kind of a chalet type.

Anybody know if its still there and open?

 

[mountainannie]

was last year

Used to be a Swiss restaurant and hotel up above the town kind of a chalet type.

Anybody know if its still there and open?

alta cero, i think

open last year

fills up on weekends in the summer