Heart Thumpin Trek to Secret Waterfall
by marshall1
The Mountains that surround Bonao are so untouched that God himself forget where he put them.
Charco Bonito is an enchanting, TV advert quality waterfall buried deep in forested valleys behind Los Quemados. To reach it you must take a strenuous 2 hour trail that involves wading across the Rio Yuna and hiking through steep thick jungle. It is simpy unmissable.
See the following link for a detailed description:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/4423c/#TL
GETTING THERE:
Head west out of Bonao through 'Barrio de los Gringos' an upperclass neighbourhood. Follow the main road, Avenida Circunvalacion until you reach T junction and on your left is a golf course. Turn left and keep on this road for 10km till you get to 'Los Quemados'. On entering the village, bear right towards the road that follows the river.
Alternatively you can take a taxi (125 pesos) or motoconcho (35 pesos) from downtown Bonao to Los Quemados.
Rancho Wendy Hotel in Los Quemados provides a free map to the waterfall and will also provide a guide if you want one.
WALKING BACK THROUGH TIME
by marshall1
The mountain village of Rio Blanco, about 20 miles west of Bonao, has breathtaking panoramas of the Cordillera Central. This remote area has a lovely antiquated ambience with roaming pigs, open fire stoves, and men tilling the land with machetes.
The only visitors to the area are engineers to the nearby dams and ranks of the Dominican bourgeoisie, who have chosen these stunning landscapes for their hilltop holiday chalets.
I'd recommend walking to Rio Blanco along the road winding up from Los Quemados. Though this 2 hour hike is quite demanding, it is well shaded and you will be thoroughly charmed by the hummingbirds, passing villagers and roadside waterfalls. For more on this trek check
http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/44317/#TL
In Rio Blanco, there are one or two stores for a snack and a beer to recharge. The villagers are incredibly warm and hospitable, and may like to show you round there houses and farms. You might be able to purchase local coffee and cacao. Depending on your stamina there are endless hiking options continuing up from Blanco.
GETTING THERE FROM BONAO:
Head west out of Bonao through 'Barrio de los Gringos' an upperclass neighbourhood. Follow the main road, Avenida Circunvalacion until you reach T junction and on your left is a golf course. Turn left and keep on this road for 10km till you get to 'Los Quemados'. On entering the village, bear right towards the road that follows the river.
Alternatively you can take a taxi (125 pesos) or motoconcho (35 pesos) from downtown Bonao to Los Quemados.
Rancho Wendy in Los Quemados has free maps for the trek, and will provide a guide if desired.
WANDERING THROUGH THE DOMINICAN CAMPO
by marshall1
High in the Cordillera Central above Bonao are a system of surprisingly picturesque reservoir dams. The turqouise waters, pristine valleys, and fantastic views make for a great hike and picnic destination.
You can really feel the altitude. Fresh air, pine trees and vultures wheeling around. On the road between the dams there is a giant waterdall emptying out onto the road below. The 3 dams are all very different in character, and you can't fail to be impressed by their construction. More info on the trek:
http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/44317/#TL
For an extended and knackering hike, you can start off from Los Quemados, from where it is a 10km uphill trek to Rio Blanco, the village of the dams. A tour of the dams may be possible if you want.
GETTING THERE:
To reach Los Quemados head west out of Bonao through 'Barrio de los Gringos' an upperclass neighbourhood. Follow the main road, Avenida Circunvalacion until you reach T junction and on your left is a golf course. Turn left and keep on this road for 10km till you get to 'Los Quemados'. On entering the village, bear right towards the road that follows the river.
Alternatively you can take a taxi (125 pesos) or motoconcho (35 pesos) from downtown Bonao to Los Quemados.
Rancho Wendy Hotel in Los Quemados gives out free maps and can arrange a guide if you want one.
Forum Posts
travel from Punta cana airport to Puerto plata
by mysweetpete
Hi - our flight lands in punta cana and we're going to spend the majority of our short trip in puerto plata. what's the best way for a family of 3 to get from punta cana to puerto plata? We could spend one night somewhere.
thanks!
Re: travel from Punta cana airport to Puerto plata
by oldhippy
you picked the opposite ends of the DR. You can bus it [$10+/-], or taxi it [$130 to S.D. bus terminal, or $250 to POP]or even possibly fly it.
here is a site that has a lot of connection info .
http://bocachicabeach.net/transport.html
www.manuele.tk
a good budget site if you need to over night with bus info.
Re: Re: travel from Punta cana airport to Puerto plata
by acohiba
Air Santo Domingo is not too bad for their flights around the island. My aunt flew from Punta Cana to Puerto Plata and I believe it was $90.00 round trip. But since there are three of you, this might get a little expensive. The sight is
airsantodomingo.com
Re: travel from Punta cana airport to Puerto plata
by marshall1
I hope this will help you.
From Punta Cana Airport
Cheap way: when you get out of the airport make your way to the roadside and get a bus to Higuey. When you get into Higuey take any major bus to Santo Domingo.about (150 pesos) In Santo Domingo get to the Espinal or Terrea Bus bus terminal and get a bus to Bonao (70 pesos).
It should take you about 4 to 5 hours, to Bonao.
There is a nice ranch in the mountains to stay .
www.ranchowendy.com check them out.
When you leave bonao catch a bus to Santigo go to Caribe tours bus terminal the buses leave every hour for Puerto plata for about( 150 pesos)
Expensive way
Call Rancho Wendy they will pick you up for 75.00US
to the Ranch
Rent a in Bonao $25.00US a day
Taxi from Bonao to Puerto plata 50.00US
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