Punta Rucia/Monte Cristi

ju10prd

On Vacation!
Nov 19, 2014
4,210
0
36
Accountkiller
The North West of the island is one part I have yet to explore and will start exploring next week starting in Punta Rucia.

I would be grateful for any suggestions of where to visit along this section of coastline with Cordillera Septentrional backdrop.
 

dv8

Gold
Sep 27, 2006
31,266
363
0
i recommend parque nacional de los manatíes de estero hondo. beautiful.

[video=youtube;VN41aWnyjPQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VN41aWnyjPQ[/video]
 

AlterEgo

Administrator
Staff member
Jan 9, 2009
23,097
6,247
113
South Coast
If Elsa is still in business in Punta Rucia, good food on the beach.  I wish I could remember the name of the hotel where we stayed in Montecristi, we liked it a lot
 

Abuela

Bronze
May 13, 2006
1,952
288
83
In Montecristi be sure to check out Playa El Morro. Look carefully at the limestone cliffs and you'll see burrowing owls peeking out. The chivo picante served in this arid region almost tastes like lamb thanks to the goats feeding on high bush oregano, self marinating !
 

ju10prd

On Vacation!
Nov 19, 2014
4,210
0
36
Accountkiller
In Montecristi be sure to check out Playa El Morro. Look carefully at the limestone cliffs and you'll see burrowing owls peeking out. The chivo picante served in this arid region almost tastes like lamb thanks to the goats feeding on high bush oregano, self marinating !

On cue! Thanks.

I looked at the hotel there and whilst the location seemed good not quite sure of the value on offer. So a day trip....likely
 

dv8

Gold
Sep 27, 2006
31,266
363
0
albondingas de pescado in coco mar restaurant. dominican ware but decently made. be warned that the portions are ginormous.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUse...Monte_Cristi_Province_Dominican_Republic.html

also, stop by the salt pools. there is a museum (patchy opening times so i never got to see it) and if there is anyone working there you can ask them how the salt is made and they will be happy to show and tell. take a small container if you want to buy some freshly made salt.
 

ju10prd

On Vacation!
Nov 19, 2014
4,210
0
36
Accountkiller

SKY

Gold
Apr 11, 2004
13,470
3,604
113
Moncion is one great place to visit. You will have no idea you are in the Dominican Republic.
 

Don PISTOLAS

New member
Mar 6, 2018
175
1
0
The North West of the island is one part I have yet to explore and will start exploring next week starting in Punta Rucia.

I would be grateful for any suggestions of where to visit along this section of coastline with Cordillera Septentrional backdrop.

When you go to Punta Rucia make sure you go to playa Ensanita. The water is Crystal clear and very calm. Plenty of places to eat great seafood.

In Monti Cristi. El Cayito is a great little get away. The rooms are actually updated trailers with great A. C. THE grounds are beautiful. Its Away from the main road. And right across the street from the beach .. A few properties over is an amazing house and beautiful sculptures. I forget the artist name. But he lives there. Really down to earth guy. He does amazing tile work.
 
Last edited:

Russell

Well-known member
Jun 17, 2017
1,056
337
83
Here are some pictures of the sculptures infront of the artist house.

https://goo.gl/images/fehzzo

Wow!
I simply adore sculptures and art....
Moncion sounds great as well.
Now, I have to go for a vacation to that region.
I was in Punta Rucia alast year and the beach vendor would not tell us the price of the meal until after we ate it.
I knew we were getting a 'shake down' , but what the hell..... 4 people 3 crab in sauce and one lobster $7.500.DOP
But the trip was worth it.

Been to Monte Cristie once about 6 years ago and thought it was magnificent.
The salt works were very interesting as were the pristine beaches.
The fish at the restaurant by the beach (Could be a dozen places by now,) was simply delicious.

Have a great trip and enjoy.
Russell
 

ju10prd

On Vacation!
Nov 19, 2014
4,210
0
36
Accountkiller
Come and see me!! Near Moncion off the road from Mao to Dajabon.

Matilda

Thanks Matilda, and I had a peek at where Moncion is, and the Google images, and it does indeed look like a place to visit. But I doubt this trip.

The great problem with DR, for we lucky residents, is that there are so many wonderful places still to visit even when you think you have covered so much ground, and then places to revisit. I've now added Moncion and the northern Cordillera Central to a visit to the southern and western sides of that range, and the cross country drive from Sabana Grande de Boya, Bayaguana, Hato Mayor to El Seibo following frank12's videos and posts.
 

cbmitch9

Bronze
Nov 3, 2010
845
8
18
Looks hard to miss going to El Morro.......lunch solved that day......and albondingas de pescado sound a good choice.

I never have been at Las Salinas beyond Bani when the salt works are at work so maybe.

Las Salinas in Bani and Las Dunas is a must see.
 

sirlurksalot

Member
Apr 2, 2002
60
0
6
Consider Buen Hombre - about half way between Punta Rucia & Monte Christi

Las Salinas in Bani and Las Dunas is a must see.


This is a small fishing village that is slowly developing into a tourist local. Many places for a good seafood dinner. Would recommend Victor's now known as Adonis. It is being acclaimed to be one of the best kite boarding locations in the DR, especially for beginners. A constant wind and shallow water in a reef protected area. No big waves to contend with. A nice relatively new hotel with very reasonable rates, just as you come down the hill to the beach. They also have a great restaurant...and it has the only bar that will make a mixed drink for you. Five, six years ago they had the road from No. 1 paved. It's about a 20 mile drive. turn right about 1.5 miles east of Villa Vasquez, I have a house there, and have watched the progress occur over the years.
 

ju10prd

On Vacation!
Nov 19, 2014
4,210
0
36
Accountkiller
This is a small fishing village that is slowly developing into a tourist local. Many places for a good seafood dinner. Would recommend Victor's now known as Adonis. It is being acclaimed to be one of the best kite boarding locations in the DR, especially for beginners. A constant wind and shallow water in a reef protected area. No big waves to contend with. A nice relatively new hotel with very reasonable rates, just as you come down the hill to the beach. They also have a great restaurant...and it has the only bar that will make a mixed drink for you. Five, six years ago they had the road from No. 1 paved. It's about a 20 mile drive. turn right about 1.5 miles east of Villa Vasquez, I have a house there, and have watched the progress occur over the years.

I looked at Buen Hombre and the information available online. It does seem to have a decent beach but clear water off the beach seemed limited. I'm sure it will be one of those less commercialised beaches we find all around the country and I do enjoy simply seafood on the beach. What is the road to the town like and how long does it take to get there from Highway 1 assuming that is the route you would recommend to get there?