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Walking from Las Galeras to Playa Rincon
Get some wheels
It's been a long long time since I was out that way, but if I remember correctly, there's no way you are going to be wanting to walk that distance, unless you are in Olympic form.
There is no continuous beach from Las Galeras to Rincon. To get there on foot would require at least 2 hours of steady hiking, up and over the hills along a path. And unless you know the way, you will probably get lost enroute. We used to send our guests there by our horses with a guide leading them. It took an hour and a half over some pretty treacherous terrain. I've ridden all back through the campo between LG and Rincon and do not recommend this. The best way is take one of the "taxi" boats from the main beach at LG to Rincon, about a 20 minute ride with some nice scenery, cost $12 per person, round trip. You can find further info about Rincon and the boat ride in the Attractions section of A Visitors Guide to the Dominican Republic's Samana Peninsula
Well, that's two for no walking. I don't mind a difficult hike, but the getting lost part doesn't sound that great. I wouldn't say we are in Olympic condition, but we can handle quite a bit of exercise.
So, do rock formations or cliffs prevent the walk on the beach?
So, do rock formations or cliffs prevent the walk on the beach?
Take the Boat..
Listen to Andy. He is correct. Pay the fee for the boat ride (RT). Forget the Motoconcho. Unless you have a rental car, then take that. It is 6 km from the beach to the turn-off (El Cruce) to the right for Los Tocones/Rincon and then another ~8 KM to the village of Rincon. Then a right for 2 km (rock road bad condition) further to the beach. The beach is large 3+KM long. The boat will drop and pick you up at your specified time. A motoconcho may not have the money to buy gas in order to go out to get you for your return. There are no motoconchos at the beach waiting. Make it simple, you are vacationing!. Pack a small cooler with some beer to enjoy at the beach. Sometimes the beer is not to cold, when you buy it from the beach vendors.. :cheeky: Enjoy yourself...
Listen to Andy. He is correct. Pay the fee for the boat ride (RT). Forget the Motoconcho. Unless you have a rental car, then take that. It is 6 km from the beach to the turn-off (El Cruce) to the right for Los Tocones/Rincon and then another ~8 KM to the village of Rincon. Then a right for 2 km (rock road bad condition) further to the beach. The beach is large 3+KM long. The boat will drop and pick you up at your specified time. A motoconcho may not have the money to buy gas in order to go out to get you for your return. There are no motoconchos at the beach waiting. Make it simple, you are vacationing!. Pack a small cooler with some beer to enjoy at the beach. Sometimes the beer is not to cold, when you buy it from the beach vendors.. :cheeky: Enjoy yourself...
So does anyone hike around just for pleasure?
Seems like there isn't much positive feedback on walking or hiking in the campo around Las Galeras. Is it really that hard and dangerous?
We were hoping to set off on foot at some point and go exploring. We have done this before in the more remote areas of Costa Rica and Mexico and had no problems.
I don't want to take unnecessary risks, but I would like to be able to hike around a bit.
More feedback please, and thanks to you who have responded so far. J in Memphis
Seems like there isn't much positive feedback on walking or hiking in the campo around Las Galeras. Is it really that hard and dangerous?
We were hoping to set off on foot at some point and go exploring. We have done this before in the more remote areas of Costa Rica and Mexico and had no problems.
I don't want to take unnecessary risks, but I would like to be able to hike around a bit.
More feedback please, and thanks to you who have responded so far. J in Memphis
Hiking around Las Galeras back roads without a guide.......I will say a big NO! You don't know what you are getting exposed to it.
My son did a day on a mountain bike to Playa Colorado and Playa Rincon, in February of this year. His recollection of the trip: Fantastic!
The guide was the owner of La Bellaventura, Gerard who is a accomplished athlete and a Iron Man contender who is arranging bike tours from Las Galeras to different parts of Samana peninsula. Contact Gerard at labellaventura dot com speak English, French and Spanish
One other option to hire guides, is Karin or Ronald from La Rancheta, they organize excursion on foot or on horse back. to contact them, visit this: Karin & Ronald La Rancheta, Las Galeras, Samana Peninsula Dominican Republic they speak, English, French, Dutch and Spanish.
The third option for guides is Guariqu?n - Cosa facciamo - Guide local young Dominicans guides, enthusiastic and full of energy. Only draw back, they speak Spanish only.
Sure, you can rent a ATV and explore on your own, hire a motoconcho, take a boat or a taxi. Each one got their own "Risk Factor", it's up to you to decide what to do. We just give suggestions.
Good luck, and be safe!
WebDev
I know that this in't what you are looking to do but I went for a 2 hour walk along the road. It was very pretty. Very lush. I knew I wasn't going to get lost doing that. It was interesting. The kids were getting out of school, houses were playing bachata. Old Haitian women were selling fish on the road. I walked past the beauty salon, the butcher... I really enjoyed it.
I wanted to go to Playa Rincon. I left later in the day. Around noon--- I'm very fair skinned and didn't want to spend my entire day at the beach. The boat drivers wouldn't take me. If I had someone else to got with??? he would have but I didn't.
It amazed me. He would rather do nothing and make no money than make $12but that's what happened.
So go early and the more the merrier!
I really liked Las Galeras.
I wanted to go to Playa Rincon. I left later in the day. Around noon--- I'm very fair skinned and didn't want to spend my entire day at the beach. The boat drivers wouldn't take me. If I had someone else to got with??? he would have but I didn't.
It amazed me. He would rather do nothing and make no money than make $12but that's what happened.
So go early and the more the merrier!
I really liked Las Galeras.
There is another beach that I went to. It was beautiful. Small but beautiful. I walked to it. It's off the main road. Playita??? I can't remember the name of it.
The nice thing about it was I could leave when I wanted. I didn't have to worry about a boat picking me up.
If I go back to Las Galeras I would try to go to Rincon. I'm disappointed that I didn't go.
The nice thing about it was I could leave when I wanted. I didn't have to worry about a boat picking me up.
If I go back to Las Galeras I would try to go to Rincon. I'm disappointed that I didn't go.
P.S. WebDev
Thank you also. I have heard great things about Ronald y Karin. I'm sure we would like to meet up with them during our stay in Las Galeras. It's nice to have local guides to help you explore.
2LeftFeet, I hope you make it back to do some more exploring
Thank you also. I have heard great things about Ronald y Karin. I'm sure we would like to meet up with them during our stay in Las Galeras. It's nice to have local guides to help you explore.
2LeftFeet, I hope you make it back to do some more exploring
Someone mentioned taking a rental car to Rincon. I have driven there many times and DO NOT recommend taking a rental car there unless it has very high clearance. Once you pass Los Tocones the roads are HORRIBLE, especially the turnoff to the beach.
Stop by Rubi Grill on the main road in Galeras (I forget the real name, beside the cabanas rubi) Ask for Fanci, he heads out to open their rincon beach restaurant every morning around 8 and can take you there in the back of his pickup, he'll stop for fruit and pork and chickens along the way in Galeras and Tocones. You can hitch a ride back with him in the afternoon. Takes about 30minutes.
I have never heard of anyone walking! Sound like an adventure ; )
Stop by Rubi Grill on the main road in Galeras (I forget the real name, beside the cabanas rubi) Ask for Fanci, he heads out to open their rincon beach restaurant every morning around 8 and can take you there in the back of his pickup, he'll stop for fruit and pork and chickens along the way in Galeras and Tocones. You can hitch a ride back with him in the afternoon. Takes about 30minutes.
I have never heard of anyone walking! Sound like an adventure ; )
Well, I do love adventure!
Montreal, that sounds very good.
We will be in Las Galeras for 1 month, so hopefully we will be able to meet all the nice people in town.
I figured walking/hiking would be a great way to see the campo around Las Galeras. Now I'm wondering why no one does it. Is it because there are bandits in the bushes? No really, seriously, is this a major concern for those on foot? We are pretty low key in appearance and tend to be very careful and safe. Plus, my man is an Eagle Scout. I don't think he would get us lost, never has before.
Sorry this post is getting long. Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. You have given me many good ideas. J in Memphis
Montreal, that sounds very good.
We will be in Las Galeras for 1 month, so hopefully we will be able to meet all the nice people in town.
I figured walking/hiking would be a great way to see the campo around Las Galeras. Now I'm wondering why no one does it. Is it because there are bandits in the bushes? No really, seriously, is this a major concern for those on foot? We are pretty low key in appearance and tend to be very careful and safe. Plus, my man is an Eagle Scout. I don't think he would get us lost, never has before.
Sorry this post is getting long. Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. You have given me many good ideas. J in Memphis
"I figured walking/hiking would be a great way to see the campo around Las Galeras. Now I'm wondering why no one does it."
J,
I live here and I no longer recommend that our hotel's guests walk alone in the campo, but go only with larger, guided groups. It's not that it's inherently dangerous but the area has grown and I no longer know most of the people that live here. A lot of poor Hatians and other nefarious types have moved into the area and local crime has gone up. Most of the paths back in the campo, up over the mountains and through the heavy vegetation are nothing more than goat trails and more than once, cross pastured land that may or may not be fenced or gated off. And the locals do not take kindly to strangers crossing their lands. I travel all back through this area quite frequently and because everyone knows me they not only leave me alone but also keep an eye out for me,...if you get my drift.
I also do not recommend a moto goncho or motor to travel to Rincon. As previously stated in this thread, the last section of the road down the mountain to the beach is in very bad condition, not the kind of road these vehicles travel safely. I recommend boat passage to Rincon because it is simply the safest way to get there, not to mention the most enjoyable. And $14usd per round trip is not that expensive considering what these boats and motors originally cost, cost to operate and that they only work about 6 months out of the year. Yes it's cheaper to ride the bus across the island, but Caribe Tours hauls thousands of people a day compared to maybe 50 passengers a day per boat and that's on a VERY good day in high season. Right now only one or two boats out of about 10 are running and they are not hauling 20 people among them, including groups from the big Casa Marina Bay resort. Plenty of days its 4 or 5 passengers per boat, if any at all.
I'm not trying to disuade you from roaming around the area; Eagle Scout, low-key and all. I'm just advising you that caution is now absolutely necessary not only here, but in many other parts of the DR as well.
J,
I live here and I no longer recommend that our hotel's guests walk alone in the campo, but go only with larger, guided groups. It's not that it's inherently dangerous but the area has grown and I no longer know most of the people that live here. A lot of poor Hatians and other nefarious types have moved into the area and local crime has gone up. Most of the paths back in the campo, up over the mountains and through the heavy vegetation are nothing more than goat trails and more than once, cross pastured land that may or may not be fenced or gated off. And the locals do not take kindly to strangers crossing their lands. I travel all back through this area quite frequently and because everyone knows me they not only leave me alone but also keep an eye out for me,...if you get my drift.
I also do not recommend a moto goncho or motor to travel to Rincon. As previously stated in this thread, the last section of the road down the mountain to the beach is in very bad condition, not the kind of road these vehicles travel safely. I recommend boat passage to Rincon because it is simply the safest way to get there, not to mention the most enjoyable. And $14usd per round trip is not that expensive considering what these boats and motors originally cost, cost to operate and that they only work about 6 months out of the year. Yes it's cheaper to ride the bus across the island, but Caribe Tours hauls thousands of people a day compared to maybe 50 passengers a day per boat and that's on a VERY good day in high season. Right now only one or two boats out of about 10 are running and they are not hauling 20 people among them, including groups from the big Casa Marina Bay resort. Plenty of days its 4 or 5 passengers per boat, if any at all.
I'm not trying to disuade you from roaming around the area; Eagle Scout, low-key and all. I'm just advising you that caution is now absolutely necessary not only here, but in many other parts of the DR as well.
Walking or Hiking in Las Galeras
Don't know where you are from, but here it is Summertime and very hot and muggy. Walking would be not very enjoyable, unless you are into punishing yourself. Temps are in the 88-90 F and humidity is 70%+ most of the time. If you do decide to hike, go with at least another couple. Do not take anything of value on your hikes. PM me if you wish more details. I also live there.
Don't know where you are from, but here it is Summertime and very hot and muggy. Walking would be not very enjoyable, unless you are into punishing yourself. Temps are in the 88-90 F and humidity is 70%+ most of the time. If you do decide to hike, go with at least another couple. Do not take anything of value on your hikes. PM me if you wish more details. I also live there.
Andy, Thanks for the straight forward info. I did not mean to sound rude about the cost of the boat. I just figured, from what I have read, that the boat was more something for the AI crowd.
Plus inflation must move quick there. You quoted the cost of the boat ride at $12 usd on your first reply and now it's gone up to $14 usd?!
I must really be getting on your nerves (ha ha).
At any rate, we definitely want to take a look at Playa Rincon and see what all the fuss is about. We're looking forward to a great time in the DR, regardless of how we end up getting around.
Hope to meet you down there! J in Memphis
Plus inflation must move quick there. You quoted the cost of the boat ride at $12 usd on your first reply and now it's gone up to $14 usd?!
I must really be getting on your nerves (ha ha).
At any rate, we definitely want to take a look at Playa Rincon and see what all the fuss is about. We're looking forward to a great time in the DR, regardless of how we end up getting around.
Hope to meet you down there! J in Memphis
SamanaJon,
You must have added a reply while I was replying to AndyB. I've gotten more response to this than I thought I would. How Great!
We live in Memphis and I think I've got you beat on the summer temps and humidity. We average about 95 in the summer with 90% plus humidity! It's pretty yucky! Not really great hiking weather here either.
We won't be in Las Galeras until December. I know I'm asking questions pretty far in advance, but I thought it would be good for me to get to know a little about the area before our trip. This message board seems to be the very best way to do that, as I have already discovered. So many nice people on here!
Thank you for offering to help. We might just take you up on that. J
You must have added a reply while I was replying to AndyB. I've gotten more response to this than I thought I would. How Great!
We live in Memphis and I think I've got you beat on the summer temps and humidity. We average about 95 in the summer with 90% plus humidity! It's pretty yucky! Not really great hiking weather here either.
We won't be in Las Galeras until December. I know I'm asking questions pretty far in advance, but I thought it would be good for me to get to know a little about the area before our trip. This message board seems to be the very best way to do that, as I have already discovered. So many nice people on here!
Thank you for offering to help. We might just take you up on that. J