stay in paraiso area or Pedernales

prjustin · #1 02-28-2009, 04:23 PM

still trying to figure out this leg of my trip, as stated in an earlier post i will be spending 5 days in the south west. I still have not heard any advice on whether that is enough time. I would like to not be super rushed and see what the area has to offer.
I have gathered that Barahona to Pedernales is around 2 hours. My question is should I base out of (Somewhere south of Barahona, like paraiso and drive to see bahia de las aguailas) and then retun and do day trips from there, like lago enriquillo or should I stay a few days in paraiso and a few days in perdernales?? thanks for any advice. after the south I plan to head to Jarabacoa for a few days and then make my way towards Las Galeras for a while.

cobraboy · #2 02-28-2009, 04:45 PM

Paraiso is absolutely beautiful, Pedernales, not so much.

Should be a non-decision.

prjustin · #3 02-28-2009, 05:05 PM

that sounds like a no brainer than, any hotel suggestions, seems like playazul and ponteverde are recomended. Is Bahia de las aguilas a easy day trip? of corse with a 4X4 what about hoy de Helempito?

BPL888 · #4 02-28-2009, 05:57 PM

This is a new web site for a hotel in the center of the town of Paraiso. The web site is not fully functioning yet and the email response is spotty so you may want to call them. Hotel Paraiso, Barahona - Republica Dominicana

suarezn · #5 02-28-2009, 06:20 PM

WTF the website appears to tell you how much each employee makes.

Hotel Paraiso, Barahona - Republica Dominicana

Hillbilly · #6 02-28-2009, 06:52 PM

kfrancis will be in touch with the Word. Give him a few hours...

HB

Chirimoya · #7 02-28-2009, 07:44 PM

That and "In the north eastern city of Barahona?" Is this a joke?

Richard Alberto · #8 02-28-2009, 11:39 PM

My recommendation is that if you plan to travel to the Bahia De Las Aguilas, stay in the town of Perdenales, which in my view is an awesome little town. A few economical hotels with nice service, a great little plaza and an easy morning trip to Bahia and Hoyo de Pelempito. Then you can travel back to Barahona the following morning after breakfast. As far as Barahona, stay closer to San Rafael by staying in Ponte Vedra which is about 15 minutes from San Rafael beach, which is awesome for some fried fish, tostones, or lobster, if in season. Make sure to see a man name Diomedes who owns a kiosk there. Some would recommend Playa Azul but it depends on you. Playa Azul's beach may not be for kids, neither is San Rafael BUT they have about 4 natural river pools which should be kinda of fun for the kids, COLD but fun. You can do this in the morning and head out to Perdenales around 2:30, straight into town and dinner. There is an American friend that live full time there. Again nice town.

Richard Alberto · #9 02-28-2009, 11:41 PM

P.S. the best hotel in the Barahona area is Casa Bonita, without a doubt. However, it costs around $130-$140 a night. But it's the very very best.

Richard Alberto · #10 02-28-2009, 11:57 PM

also, Hoyo De Pelempito in Perdenales is interesting given the history of the slaves that escaped and hid in the dense jungle. It's called the Grand Canyon of the Caribbean.

On the way to Hoyo De Pelempito there is an area that cars roll back up in reverse at the bottom of the hill. Some say it's an illusion but that's for everyone to come to their own conclusions. There is another place similar on the way to a town called Polo which is about 30 minutes before the town of Barahona and may take you out of the way. However the coffee from Polo is in my opinion the best in the country. But you can ask Diomedes in San Rafael to get awesome honey, coffee, or mama juana and pick it up on your way back, he's a great person.
You should think about taking an old phone and having it activated for about 300 pesos $10-$15US, buy a 200 peso pre-paid card and there you go, you'll be in touch with the hotels, etc.