Recent Southwest Trip Photos

GeeDee · #1 08-23-2009, 01:08 AM

Again...
Thanks to all the southwest posters for your abundance of information. This trip was sort of a last minute plan. We were in the capital and around 2pm decided to head out to the southwest with no real plan, hotel, or anything else. Figured we would play it day to day and i did have my blackberry to check info on dr1. We reached barahona around 6pm. This included a few stops here and there and Pollos Rey in Azua. We were looking for Playa Azul to stay the night but unfortunately it was getting dark quick so we checked into Costa Larimar, which seemed to be the only viable option at that time. Had i known that Playa Azul was so close i would have went there.
Woke up early, had breakfast, and hit the road. Larimar costed RD$3500 for the night including breakfast for two. A little pricey if you ask me and that was NOT the gringo price. This hotel just didnt do it for me. Wouldnt stay there again. I see the sign to Playa Azul went in just to check it out. The place took our breath away. Would have been the perfect place for us and will definately stay there next trip. The view was just spectacular. The price for two was RD$2,000 for the night and from what i seen well worth it. This was Minervas reccomendation and i agree. Next stop was the Laguna. This was a quick stop as we wanted to get to Bahia d Las Aguilas in the worst way. Will be back again to really check it out. It reminded me of a science fiction movie.

It was a long drive but finally made it. Got there around 1 30pm. The road leading in had these tiny dips the entire length. It was pretty bumpy. Dont eat before hand. The trick here, according to the locals, was to go at least 40 KPH and you really dont feal the dips. We tried it on the way out and guess what... its true. Much easier ride going fast. Just be careful.

Took the boat over. Side note to anyone thinking about driving to the actual beach instead of taking the boat. There was an SUV stuck on the hill going back. See in the photos. This SUV was there when we arrived and 4 hours later when we left the beach. They couldnt make it up the hill. Not sure if they ever did. The boat operator said he would have to get like 5 guys to push him up and over. Obviously wasnt the first time this has happened. The photos of the beach speak for themselves. Simply amazing.

Went to Perdinales afterwards. Stayed in Villas del Mar. Decent place for the money RD$1,150. Had empanadas de pollo for breakfast from the local empanada stand in town. Very nice lady. Went to the border of haite just to see it and that was basically it. Wont bore you anymore. Here are a few of the pics. Any questions please ask.

Every turn was an incredible view or something different

One of the scenic overpass.

This was the beach @ Playa Azul Hotel. Next pic is the stairs leading to this beach. Not sure if its safe to swim but was nice just to sit there for a little while.

Another view of this beach @ Playa Azul Hotel

Fresh Water Pool overlooking beach @ San Rafael.

Beach @ San Rafael

Swim w/ the local kids. I do NOT reccommend swimming here for the novice swimmer. The waves breaking on the beach will knock you down. The undertow is bad and gets deep quick. For those who insist (as i do), once you get past the waves breaking it is a beautiful swim.

Lunch in San Rafael. I felt bad for these little guys for about 5 minutes

Best I ever had cooked over wood fire.

Quick dip in Rio d Los Patos

Snack in Los Patos...

We wernt even hungry but couldnt resist,

Back on the road.

Made it after asking directions at the mine.

On the boat getting ready to head over to the bahia

This was the amazing scenery on the way to the beach

The white suv was stuck there for at least 4 hours while we were at the beach. Better off taking the boat for RD$1800.

Paradise... we were the only ones on the beach.

View from the Tower @ the beach

Another view in the opposite direction

We really didnt want to leave but was getting late.

Border crossing into Haiti in Pedernales. It seemed as if people came and went as they pleased.

bigbird · #2 08-23-2009, 01:43 AM

WOW...WOW...WOW.....those are some beautiful photos. Thanks so much for posting. I never knew the southwest had so much to offer. I definetly have to make my way there soon.

El Tigre · #3 08-23-2009, 11:53 AM

WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW you have truly inspired me. I have been putting off the trip to the south west for a while. Next time I am in the DR I am sooo doing this journey!!! It is soooo amazing.

I have 3 questions:
1. How much did you pay for that lobster?
2. At what time do the boats start operating to Bahia De Las Aguilas? (when I go, I want to get there as early as possible so I can enjoy the whole day)
3. Do they sell food on Bahia De Las Aguilas?

GeeDee · #4 08-23-2009, 01:04 PM

Hey BigBird.. your welcome. I loved it and cant wait to go back.

El Tigre... glad you liked the pics, The lobster w/ tostones was RD$500 and was unbelievable cooked over a wood fire.

Not sure when the boats get there but i am sure they are there early for the earlybirds. They all pretty much run independent and the prices are negotiable of course. They have food where the boats launch but that is it. Once you get to the actual beach there is absolutely nothing, which is probably a good thing. Allows you to really enjoy and take in the beauty thats there. If you plan to do the whole day there (or even a few hours) you have to bring a cooler w/ food and drinks. We were unprepared for this. The place we took the boat lent us a cooler. We stocked up on some drinks and snacks with them.

El Tigre · #5 08-23-2009, 01:41 PM

That lobster is super cheap compared to what I paid in Playa Rincon - Samana. For the same thing I paid $750. This was after bringing it down from $900. :-)

Totally agree about the cooler. I actually never leave home without it. Any more pics? We want more :-)

Ezequiel · #6 08-23-2009, 01:42 PM

Those are great pics, you made me hungry with the pics of the lobsters and the Totones with the fried fish and the Carnitas asadas.

Hillbilly · #7 08-23-2009, 03:33 PM

EZEQUIEL!!!! Por Dios!! that should be TOSTONES!!! "totones" are something else entirely....they sometimes taste like fish!!!

HB

AlterEgo · #8 08-23-2009, 03:47 PM

GREAT photos and report - after seeing them we've decided to take a trip out there in January. Thanks!

Lizzard · #9 08-23-2009, 06:55 PM

Just like everyone else has aleady said WOW Amazing photos. I have been wanting to see the south west for a long time!! Have a really good friend who lives in Canada and is from Baharona and has been telling me for years you have to SEE where I come from . LOL Going to spend 3 weeks in Februrary in the DR again.

I'm defintitley going to see the South West Coast while I am there! Thanks again for showing us all how beautiful this country is ALL over.

drloca · #10 08-24-2009, 01:44 AM

I endorse all GeeDee had written.

We recently did this trip and it is breathtakingly beautiful.

We stayed at Playa Azul and I can strongly recommend this place, excellent value for $$ and good facilities. We went into Barahona itself for dinner most nights for some variety.

Definately bring some bottles of water on the Bahia de Las Aguillas trip....it is VERY hot out there.

The lobster at the restaurant there (La Cueva)...best we have ever eaten, as is the moro de guandules.

This area is by far the best kept secret.