Bonao Off The Beaten Path

A wise sage once remarked that it was better to travel than to arrive. This thought held me as I set off on a trek to a trio of man-made dams around Rio Blanco, a mountain village near the city of Bonao, in central Dominican Republic.
The road up to Rio Blanco was full of weird and wonderful distractions, just as well because the grueling two-hour hike made my legs feel like they’d been fed through a rolling machine. Precious little traffic allows me to appreciate the hummingbirds busy at work in the morning shade, and to enjoy the dazzling surroundings.

Looking for somewhere a little different for your next family vacation? How about the unhurried ambience of a rural Caribbean village also brimming with opportunities for outdoor adventure? Treat your kids to a glorious natural playground and yourselves to a lifestyle a million miles from the stresses of life at home.
. Why not bring a tent for them to sleep out under the clear starry skies. . With a million healthy activities for kids, parents can join in or relax and enjoy spectacular views of the lush mountain ridges.

Discover the elusive prize that all of us seek: a hidden corner of paradise, untouched and authentic. While paradise may be a matter of personal preference, who could resist the charm of a rural Caribbean village nestled within impossibly green mountains, and crisscrossed by abundant streams and waterfalls?

The profound differences between your host and home countries, both good and bad!. Exposure to this unique culture will no doubt have a profound impact on your life. So it makes sense to delve beyond the realm of the short stay tourist, and discover the true depth of this remarkable country.

It's a pleasure to visit such a nice place and meet local people.Endless roads, breathtaking views of the mountains and wide landscapes. Outdoor opportunities everywhere, from hiking to horseback riding, visiting water falls, and mountaineering- a veritable land for treasure seekers and adventurers.

THIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO STAY WHILE EXPLORING THE HIKING TRAILS AND WATERFALLS NEARBY. THE HOST WERE MORE THAN HELPFULL AND THE FOOD WAS EXCELLENT. I WOULD GO BACK THERE IN A MOMENT. IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE DO NOT MISS THIS PLACE!!
I GIVE IT AN A+

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.

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.