Drive from Puerto Plata to Smana

Greetings, all. My wife and I plan to drive from Puerto Plata to Villa Serena in Las Galeras on the Samana peninsula this Saturday, and have heard various accounts of the "treacherous," "white-knuckle" ride through the mountains. My wife tends to freak out in the car (we're city people), and we're thinking of obtaining some sedatives for her (or a few shots of rum).

Anybody recently make this drive? (we'll be in chevy Tracker 4x4)

Thanks,

Matt

If you are in a 4x4, go all the way to the western entrance. It's a bit longer and rougher road, but there is virtually no traffic and little steep climbing, I was on that road for the entire "loop" about two weeks ago.

Tom

Actually, you will bypass the mountains. The drive from Puerto Plata is primarily along the coast -- mountains are south of the highway -- and the drive to Las Galeras from Samaná also runs primarily along the coast, with only a few hills as you come into Samaná. The treacherous mountain drive is the one from Sanchez to Las Terrenas, which cuts through the peninsula of Samana. That is not on the trip route you describe. Tell your wife to sit back and enjoy. Make sure you travel by day to enjoy the sites. Las Galeras is easy to find. It's where the Samana road comes to an end. The trip is easy, except when you come to the Nagua area crossing. Take a good map with you and just make sure you go from point to point (town to town), asking along the way. People will be most helpful on the way.

Dolores

Thanks for clearing that up. From the post, I inferred the query was regarding Las Terrenas

Tom

>>>. The treacherous mountain drive is the one from Sanchez to Las Terrenas, which cuts through the peninsula of Samana>>>

Matt,

We will be making this same trip in just a few weeks too. I was very concerned about the trip because of an article I read in the NYTimes which described the trip very erroneously according to many who have made it (I found this out after making inquiries). From what I hear, the trip is beautiful and I cannot wait to make it, even though it is a long. We are taking a bus from Puerto Plata--don't know what that will be like, an adventure for sure. Have a wonderful and safe trip and do report when you return. Mia

Thanks, all! I'll say hello when I get back.

Matt