This is Dominican Republic Part II. Click here to find the first part of our trip to Dominican Republic, El Encuentro and also read more about the best season to travel.
Our next stop was Las Terrenas. From Puerto Plata, Las Terrenas, located on the Samana peninsula, is about 3h drive, mainly along the coast what makes the ride itself really beautiful. Our hotel in Las Terrenas was a tropical architecture dream come true. La Maison Las Terrenas, a guesthouse with 4 rooms, including breakfast and a concierge service via the owner ready to organize you taxis, dinner delivery or day trips. In this private atmosphere you really feel like you LIVE there.
Best beaches on the Samana Peninsula
The city of Las Terrenas is not really beautiful but should be more seen as a starting point for many day trips to some of the most beautiful beaches you have ever seen. We made one guided day trip to see the most 3 beautiful beaches: Playa Rincon, Las Galeras und La Playita. It is hard to say which one is the nicest as they were all beautiful in their way. Playa Rincon probably has the best panoramic view. Las Galeras gives you this true Caribbean feeling with its bent palm trees. La Playita is rather on the busy side but with a really good vibe, with locals selling coconuts and Pina Colada in a pineapple.
Best restaurant in Las Terrenas
A place that we discovered way too late on our last evening was Playa Bonita. There is a beautiful beach walk with many bars and restaurant. We had dinner in El Mosquito, a restaurant that is also a beautiful hotel to stay in! The place has a good vibe as you can surf right in front of the restaurant.
Dominican Republic is still fighting with its reputation to not be a save country to travel around, apart from the big resorts in Punta Cana. Based on our experience in the area of Puerto Plata, Cabarete, Sosua and the Samana peninsula, I can tell that we never felt unsafe in any situation. I think it’s crucial to organize your transfers well, ideally with a driver, because traffic and driving there can be REALLY crazy.
TRAVEL BUDGET
For our flights we spend around 600 EUR per person. Even though Levi was still one month under 2 years old, we booked him a seat, as I didn’t want to have him on my lap for 15 hours. 😉 The hotels were around 1200 EUR for all of us for 12 days (6 days El Encuentro Surf Lodge, 6 days La Maison Las Terrenas), including breakfast. (On top come costs for further food, transfers and activities.)
