How do I find a trustworthy guide?

[La Reina]

I've asked many questions before and all have been answered. Now I have a question which is maybe a little more tricky... or I think maybe anyway.

Background : I've visited DR a few times and liked it enough to come back, always based in Sosua. But as a single female traveller I don't think I got the best from my previous trips because I tended to stick to tourist areas. I normally hire a car and go off for the day. But stick to the main road and just stop every now and then at a restaurant on the main road. I've always been a bit nervous of going off the beaten track as I'm alone. Yes I have made 'friends' during my previous trips but not freinds enough that I would want to spend time with them or necessarily trust them. I suppose they are just acquaintances really.

So, my question is, how would I find a guide for the week? Someone who is trustworthy and knows the country. I'd love to just go off for the day down some old road, discover something new and at the same time feel safe knowing I have someone with me should anything go wrong.

Over to the forum..... any ideas?

[jrf]

Sometimes the best guide can be a taxi driver. Some of them speak English (at least enough to understand you) and are used to tourists.
A taxi also has a registered number on the vehicle and the driver is registered with the association.

Finding someone you can trust is not always easy in any city but depending where or what you want to do maybe a DR1 member living here could take you out?

[Rocky]

If you're renting a car, perhaps you could go to where the expats hang out and see if anyone wants to go for a ride, maybe even pick up some good suggestions as to where to go.

[La Reina]

Yes I will be renting a car. I hate using taxis in any country they are always such a 'rip off' (my opinion only)

[Hillbilly]

Why not hire a driver for a day? Someone like JJ, out of Welcome To Paradise Transportation, since I am sure you can make a deal to provide the vehicle if he provides the "out of the way" experience.
The guy is 100% reliable.
I think there is a guy called Wilson that still does something like this, but i hear he now has a bigger business...

The suggestion regarding the local ex-pats might be interesting. Drop in at Rocky's and ask if anyone feels like taking a trip into the mountains....

Places to go:
Jamao road to Cafeto or Molino restaurants.
The road from Gaspar Hernandez over to Tenares....explore the Cibao
Go west past POP, to Luperon and La Isabela. If you have a 4x4 cross the Bajabonica and visit Estero Hondo and Punta Rucia.
Alternative route: Go across the bridge at Imbert, and take a right towards Guananico-El Mamey-La Isabela-Estero Hondo...

have fun!!

HB

[romanticgut33nyc]

hey if u are still looking let me know i know this middle age lady with a good jeep and a/c iam going on april 17 if u still need it ill look up her # dave

[fightfish]

If in Sosua or another north coast expat town, ask around. A lot of the folks will have someone who gets them back and forth and maybe runs errands. A day in the Campo is a wonderful way to spend time, off the beaten path and ful of surprises. I hope you get on out there!

[Snowbird]

You have got to check out Martin Espinal of Isaria Tours. He is available for an hour, a day, or a week, and will give you the absolute best for your $$.

SB

[SLEAZIE]

You Can Hire A Woman Named Maribel. Her Number Is 829-875-3396 She Speaks English And Runs A Bar In Sosua. She Is From Jaraboca Which Is A Nice Spot Up In The Mountians. Rivers And Many Things To Do.

[SLEAZIE]

Also While In Sosua You Can Stop By The "campo Bar" And This Is Where All The Old Expacts Hang Out. You Find Out Everything You Need To Know There. It's On Pedro Clisante Across The Street From Club Residential.