A lush peninsula on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, awash with mountains, jungles, seashores and islands, Samaná is one way or the other slightly below the vacationer radar. The area has at all times marched to its personal bongo drummer–from fiercely heading off invaders within the Columbus days, to distinctive cultural celebrations like their three-month harvest pageant and personal spin on Carnival, to their evangelical beliefs that depart room for horny salsa dancing. The 15,000 those that stay listed below are pleased with the area’s magnificence and are making efforts to develop it slowly and sustainably. To assist unfold the phrase on the brand new eco-tourism initiatives, the Dominican Republic tourism board invited us and 5 different journalists on a seven-day journey. Ziplining, island hopping, bachata dancing, horseback driving, sleeping in beautiful lodges and eating on hand-caught seafood, they pulled out all of the stops from luxurious to native experiences and made us fall in love with seductive Samaná.
Bumpy Beginnings
After our 4 days of solo metropolis exploration in Santo Domingo, we went again to the airport to satisfy our crew: Jeana of Surf and Sunshine, Steph of Travel Break, Neil of A&H Magazine, Taylor of TaylorBurk.com, Natalie of Traveler’s Bookcase, our hosts Annie & AJ, and skilled information Carlos Batista. Carlos is the go-to man when Nationwide Geographic, Discovery Channel, and most main media shops want unfettered entry and native savvy. He was a not solely educated about all issues Dominican Republic, he made every thing extra enjoyable…together with the few rough-patches. One of the best laid plans went awry within the first 24 hours of the journey: A flat tire, an impassable hill that resulted in a muddy hike in the dead of night to our resort, torrential rain, a lightening strike knocking out the facility, and a jungle spider invasion. As soon as we had all that out of the best way, we had sufficient fodder for a visit full of guffaws and easy crusing.
Ecocampo La Sangria
We arrived to Ecocampo La Sangria late at evening lined in mud and weathered from the storm, however the family-run lodge whipped up an unimaginable feast of grilled swordfish, sauteed greens, and a dulce de coco desert that revived us. After an evening in our charming cabanas, the proprietor Maria Corporan gave us a tour of her sustainable property. They’re 100% photo voltaic powered, develop 70% of the meals on the premises, and all of the assets are native. Her grandmother grew up in La Sangria and Maria at all times wished to offer again to the world and share its magnificence with the world.
Samana Ziplining
Driving from the jungle of La Sangria, we wound our means alongside the coast and into the valley of Samana for some ziplining. Set on the high of the best mountain within the area, with 12 ziplines zigzagging via the cover (some as excessive as 450 ft off the bottom), Samana Ziplining was the most effective course we’ve ever skilled. We had by no means completed tandem ziplining or tried flips, twirls, and upside-down kisses, however that made it that rather more enjoyable. Between squeals and spins, we’d take within the unimaginable views of the valley, jungle, and seaside past.
Dominican Tree Home Village
The success of Samana Ziplining prompted the house owners to develop their imaginative and prescient for eco-tourism in El Valle with the Dominican Tree House Village. Twenty open-air cabins are perched within the timber, linked by bridges and canopy-covered pathways. It’s a complete fantasy land—just like the tree homes you dreamed of as child, however with trendy décor, a yoga dome, a totally stocked bar, and a pleasant restaurant. We received the prospect to talk with the co-founder, Tomás, and he was so passionate concerning the property and its future initiatives–mountain biking trails, rum making, scuba journeys, cooking courses, and a sister resort on the seaside–it made us need to come again.
El Valle Seaside
Descending from the treetops, we adopted the winding street out to our favourite seaside within the DR. Playa El Valle is a cove surrounded by mountains dotted with palm timber, rugged cliffs, golden sand, and an endearing native’s scene. Fisherman pushing their boats ashore, boys throwing the baseball round, and a seaside shack serving the day’s catch, pushed it our sort of paradise.
El Limón Waterfall
One among Samaná’s most well-known pure points of interest is El Limón waterfall. It drops 130 ft right into a pool excellent for swimming and a bit deep water solo climbing, and the 1.5 mile journey up the mountain is simply as spectacular. We rode horses up via winding rivers, tropical jungles, and alongside mountain ridges with panoramic views. The locals had been saying the waterfall was a trickle in comparison with its traditional pounding cascade however to us it was beautiful nonetheless.
Dominican Dominoes
On the level the place you hop off your horse and hike down the ultimate stretch to the falls, there’s a small present stand and meals stall. It’s made for vacationers however doubles as an area’s hangout for dominoes and cervezas with a view. Dominoes is a Dominican pastime that we’d seen all over the place across the nation from parks to road corners to cafes…it was time we discovered a factor our two concerning the recreation. We bellied as much as the desk and adopted the Dominicanos lead–slamming down the tiles with every transfer, cajoling your associate to go quicker, and excessive fiving with every win.
Subsequent Up in Samaná, Dominican Republic Half 2
And this was only the start of our seven days in Samaná province. Subsequent up on the weblog, we’ll be exploring the bayside capital of Santa Barbara, taking a “native bathtub” on the salsa golf equipment, crusing to the gorgeous Haitises Nationwide Park, snorkeling “Bacardi Island,” and hitting up extra spots you won’t want to miss.
SAMANÀ SLIDESHOW
