Dominican Republic - Las Terrenas

2:10 PM

Hi everyone!

Welcome to another and the last part of Dominican Republic series. In this post, I will try to concentrate mostly on our stay in Las Terrenas and the whole Samana area in general. There is a bit to mention - from places to go, beaches, restaurants to night life and alcohol beverages. Interested? Keep on reading!

Las Terrenas - arrival

If you will decide to start your holidays in Samana area and you don't really like very quiet, separated from night life and culture vibe places - Las Terrenas is the place to go. As mentioned in the post about going to Dominican Republic - We have stayed in Aligio Aparthotel & Spa - very nice and modern, two steps from Punta Popy beach apartments in really afforable prices (for a peak season!). Our breakfast was included in price and we had a fresh water tank in our room so we were happy not to buy ton of plastic bottles!

Aligio aparthotel

What to visit around?

El Limon waterfall became the symbol of entire Samana area and that's for a reason. If I had a chance to do it again - I would totally go on foot. Unfortunately, we have been a bit scared to do the full trip on foot as it was raining nearly whole day and night the day before the trip so to add to an adventure, the half of the trip was made on horsies and mules. However, the fear has always big eyes and we kinda regret this decision until this day! You better go on foot, you will save money, you will have more time to enjoy the jungle and you will get wet, sweaty and TIRED! Sounds amazing, right?

Once you get to the bottom of the waterfall, there's a river going through with a small waterfall and deep natural pool to swim in or take hundreds of photos. It's a great area to do small stop before you hit the highlight of your trip.

El limon waterfall is 52-meter high cascade and it makes it the highest one in entire Caribbeans. You can also swim in its natural pool and wash off the sweat and heat off you. It was definitely worth every trek and price to get there and see it. On our way back there was a big amount of tourists going up riding the horses, so make sure to get there first thing in the morning to avoid crowds and admire nature in cosy atmosphere.

Mirrador carratera Las Terrenas is a small stop on your way from and to Las Terrenas if you head west as a part of exploring Haitisis National Park (which is mostly recommended to do so by water, however a drive-through is impressive as well!) It's very quiet but well-preserved road among the hills, mountains, jungle and beautiful views! Not easy to miss while on the road.

Samana

Samana is the biggest town in the area and it accommodates one of Bahia Principe hotels right on the cliff facing Samana Bay, the main spot for whale watching during the winter months! The daily trips to see whales organized by tour companies bring a lot of tourists to the spot, however they don't get to see the entire town. What definitely shouldn't be missed is Puente de cayo - The walking bridges to nowhere. Built in 60s were meant to link town of Samana with restaurant and casino, they even opened a small bar there in the 80s but at the end - it closed down and only bridges remains until today letting people walk a bit deeper into Samana Bay without getting on a boat. Great walk with views on entire town and if you lucky enough you will be able to spot whales from far. I wasn't that lucky though.

After couple hours spent on tiny beach under the bridge or walk on the bridge, it's time to search for good place to eat. My choice was La Cottora Pizzeria Bar which is located right in the heart of town. Place gets busy by locals and we all know what it means. It still amaze me how Dominican Republic got all about that Italian food!

Beaches

Playa Rincon - one of the most popular beaches in Samana located west from Las Galeras, getting there might be a bit challenging. After all, I didn't drive there as we preferred to stay near home and relax for the day. However, it's been considered one of the greatest beaches in the area. If anyone was there already, could you confirm?

Punta Bonita - this is where my driving experience was really challenged and I don't think we would make it without road assistance if not the fact I drove SUV. And this is why you shouldn't always fully trust Google maps or local security guys - We drove through the middle of the jungle through absolutely muddy beaten path full of potholes. You can only imagine how the white SUV could look like when we finally hit the concrete. I felt like driving it into the water itself. Of course, there was a normal, concrete road all the way there and back but as google maps took me there and local security guy pointed ,,Playa Bonita --->" we were like - ok, maybe it's just few hundred meters. Nope, I drove in that mud around 10 minutes. Gave me a good heart attack. Oh yea, that road apparently is even called. However, after I got over the shock I've just been through, we finally got to see the beach. We also decided to eat in Costa Las Ballenas with really nice staff and great food!

Punta Popy - located the closest to my accommodation, nice, not over-crowded beach, starting with quite rough, rocky walk but quickly turns into fine-sand, beautiful beach once you reach amazing palm forest! When I looked through google maps into that area first I wasn't impressed. People's reviews were so good but pictures said otherwise. However! Google maps isn't updated as the whole are looks totally different! On the app you can see Afreeka hostel being built, while we could already dip on our cocktails there. The road doesn't seem to have a walking path while we enjoyed our walk around every day! I was a bit skeptical until I actually got to see it with me own eyes. I'm actually not surprised Canadians and Americans are so about buying the apartments in Dominican Republic and stay there at every occasion.