Weekends in the DR
On weekends you will be free to explore the rest of the DR including (but not limited to):
The North Coast
This is the area that is easily accessible to the north of Santiago. Cabarete, a Brown Med favorite stop, is a beach town now famous for its kite-surfing and many bars and discos on the beach. Puerto Plata, the major city in this area, has a cigar factory.
The Cordillera Central
To the south of Santiago lies the Cordillera Central, a mountainous region with abundant agribusiness and ecotourism. Here you can find Finca Altagracia, Julia Alvarez’s socially- responsible coffee plantation, Jarabacoa, “The Dominican Alps” and many rafting/river adventures including the 27 Charcos (27 rapids/waterfalls).
Santo Domingo
The oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas is famous for its colonial district and museums. From Santo Domingo it is fairly easy to arrive at the many Caribbean beaches on the south coast including La Romana.
The Samana Peninsula
This province is on the far-eastern edge of the island, and can be reached by taking many guaguas from Santiago, or taking a bus from Santo Domingo. From January through March the Samana Peninsula is a destination for whale watching, particularly humpback whales.
**Definitely consult the many guidebooks in Apt. Gilsa for more ideas.