I may be nuts but..

CanadianCutie22 · #1 08-24-2006, 05:48 PM

Is it possible to get from Bavaro-Punta Cana area to Jarabacoa? And if so, how long, means of transportation, cost?

The reason I ask is we're planning a return to the DR and instead of going to POP we want to try out PUC. I however, have taken a likeing to white water rafting and would hate to miss out on the chance to do it in the DR.

We're planning on going to PUC for two weeks so depending on costs this might be a nice lil (1 day or 2) excursion from the regular R&R.

Can anyone help me out with this?

Thanks,

D.

sweetdbt · #2 08-24-2006, 06:17 PM

Bavaro to Jarabacoa is at least a 5 hour drive. It would be impossible to do the rafting there on a day trip, and if going by bus, you would probably need 3 days and 2 nights; a travel day there, a day for rafting, and a travel day back. After arriving on the first day there would probably be time to get a motoconcho to take you to see the waterfalls, Salto Jimanoa and Salto Baguaite.

Hillbilly · #3 08-24-2006, 07:06 PM

I have to agree with sweetdbt on this one. In fact, it is probably closer to a 6 or seven hour trip, what with bus changes and so forth. Not that it might not be worth it.

The experience you will gain just by going from Punta Cana to Higuey to La Romana and Santo Domingo and then to La Vega and then up to Jarabacoa will make you a truly seasoned traveller.

Give it a thought.

HB

sweetdbt · #4 08-24-2006, 08:04 PM

Right HB. My 5 hour time estimate was for driving straight through, and it may have been a bit optomistic (depending on traffic going through SD). It would certainly take quite a bit longer by bus.

I've visited Jarabacoa 3 times, and always find it to be a refreshing change of pace from the beach. Beautiful mountain scenery, cooler temperatures. waterfalls, and all the adventure tourist stuff to do. Also, the newly remodeled parque central is gorgeous. There are a couple of nice restaurants there, and if you're lucky a dinner just before sunset may also provide a view of the parade of the local horsemen and their magnificent steeds.

I'm not the bus expert here, but I know you would take the Bavaro Express bus to SD. It's possible there are busses that go all the way from SD to Jarabacoa, but I'm not aware of them. If not you would take Caribe Tours to Santiago, but get off at the turnoff to Jarabacoa and catch another bus or guagua from there. In SD you would need to take a cab from the Bavaro Express station to caribe Tours. I wouldn't think it would be more than $25 each way, and half of that would be for the cab.

CanadianCutie22 · #5 08-25-2006, 07:51 PM

Thanks for the helpfull responses.. like I said we are still in the early planning stages (haven't quite booked the holiday yet) but I always like to get a bit of a plan for what to do when we're there.

I tried to find some pricing for the bus online but wasn't very successful. Was your quote of $25 for the entire trip (that seems quite cheap?!) and if not could anyone provide me with an approximation of the transportation costs?

sweetdbt · #6 08-25-2006, 08:10 PM

I was estimating the price for each way at $25, 50 for the trip. Some of that would be for a taxi between bus stations in SD. Bus transportation in the DR is a real bargain. I usually drive, so I'm not as familiar with bus rates as a lot of other DR1 members, but I think I'm in the ballpark.

rainbow123 · #7 08-30-2006, 01:04 PM

If it makes you feel any better I've been white water rafting in Jarabacoa and its not the be all and end all. Officially its grade 3, I haven't much experience but it's really quite mild. That would depend also on the season though of course - we went in June 05. There is nice scenery and the "feel" of the place is quite different to the touristy beach resorts, but even from Puerto Plata it was a long drive on the tour operator's bus which almost spoiled our day. How long is your holiday? Maybe you could get a twin centre break or something, I think there are lots of adventure-type things to do in Jarabacoa.

bob saunders · #8 08-30-2006, 03:49 PM

Take the Bavaro Express bus to SD. Then catch Caribe Express to Jarabacoa it cost 180 pesos each way( about $6 US)The latest bus, i believe there are 3 a day, leaves Santo Domingo at 4:30 PM and arrives in Jarabacoa at approx 7 PM. The bus goes direct with about a 5 minute stop at LA Vega. Personally I would book my rafting trip with Rancho Biaguante(spelling)in Jarabacoa, and take the buses as suggested. http://www.iguanamama.com
www.ranchobaiguate.com

sweetdbt · #9 08-30-2006, 04:01 PM

So there are direct busses from SD to Jarabacoa, which makes the trip easier, and probably cheaper than I thought. I believe the Bavaro Express bus to SD is RD250 (less than $8). Add in a cab between bus stations, and the trip should be less than $25 each way. I would definately suggest taking an early bus from Punta Cana in order to make a connection which will get you to Jarabacoa earlier than 7:30. If you arrive by mid-afternoon there is time to see the waterfalls, which are worth the trip.

CanadianCutie22 · #10 08-30-2006, 11:15 PM

...for the more specific advice.

I have emailed Rancho Baiguete about prices for accomodations and the various adventure activities available (also read that paragliding was an option). I haven't received a response yet but it has only been a few days.

How user-friendly are the bus/cab services I would need to take? I have a university-intermediate level of spanish, however I haven't practiced much in the last few months. But I have just returned from two months in Europe and was able to manage communicating while there. Would it be a huge hassle trying to get to where we needed to go say without being able to speak any spanish?

Rainbow, we're going for two weeks so I think we'd have enough time for a two night stay at Rancho. I just have a feeling that two weeks might be a bit long since PUC seems to be slightly lacking in activities (compared to other places we've been). I had hoped on checking out some whale-watching as well but sadly we return to the cold north 3 days too soon. Also, the rafting that I did is Austria also was a category three...mainly mellow for the most part with several more exciting bits. lol

Thanks again guys.

D.