Tours That Go To The Amber Mines?

[Lori]

Does anyone know of a tour that will take me to explore the amber mining area near Santiago. Any advice for someone who has a keen interest in going there.

 

[Grahame Bush]

Hi Lori, I have spoken with the Amber Museum owners here in Puerto Plata a few times on this subject because I think they could well make an interesting/marketable tour out of this. As of last December, no-one was organising such a tour but leaving it to the individuals interested to make their own way to the mines, negotiate any entrance fees etc. &/or organise their own guides. I know a few players in the Amber "SALES" arena & might be able to get more information if you would like me to. How many of you are there? - Graname Bush.

 

[Lori]

Thanks for responding to my question Graham. I have a place in Costambar and am there every 12 to 14 weeks or as often as I can get away from here. I have recently started importing to Canada, amber and am really curious to see things first hand. I am in the jewellery business here. I will be arriving mid August for three weeks. I have a friend from the DR whom I would like also to see this. He has been my right arm for many years. I understand from all the posts that you have a home across from the museum. Actually I think I know where you are. I have really never had a good enough question to pick your "Dominican" brain with, but here you are answering my question on amber. I really appreciate that and anything that you can find out for me would be appreciated.

 

[sean]

I visited the amber mines on my own, actually -- it's no problem if you don't mind driving there. Its off the Carretera Turistica, I think 13km north of Santiago near a village called La Cumbre. If you need help, stop at this great restaurant off the highway called Cemi, who take people to the mines sometimes if they're staying at their bungalow. Otherwise, look for a turnoff that says La Cumbre de Juan Vega and head west for a kilometre or maybe a bit more. They're really little more thay gerry-rigged holes in the ground with wooden supports, but the miners are extremely nice and will offer to sell you bits of the stuff.