In its June edition, National Geographic includes Samana’s roads among the most scenic drives in the world. The magazine’s cover story mentions the route that travels round Samana’s Cordillera.
“Just west of town you’ll see the junction for El Limon. Head that way, snaking uphill and back and you take in the first fine views of the trip. Los Haitises National Park will appear to be afloat on the hazy horizon, and the coast tantalizes.
“Be on guard for potholes as you head down toward El Limon, where you head north on a dirt road to Playa Moron, an orange-sand beach. Head back to El Limon on your way to Playa Punta Popy, a magnet for kiteboarders. Playa Las Ballenas is the next stunning beach on the route. Park your vehicle, don a snorkel and hit the surf. Stop for grilled seafood at Playa Bonita.
“The final stretch of the trip is a southwest drive that takes you around switchbacks… and over potholes. At Vivero Las Colinas a plant nursery clings to the mountainside. The landscape beyond the village of Los Puentes includes isolated, rounded hills called mogotes. It is downhill – steeply in sections – from here to Sanchez”.