Dominican Republic

Bonao

 

Bonao is a hidden gem for backpackers and other adventure-seekers, because it is still virtually undiscovered by tourists. It lies in the central region of the Cibao mountains, in the middle between Santo Domingo and Santiago (the two largest cities in the Dominican Republic). Bonao is located amidst small villages with breathtaking sceneries of mountains and rivers. The village of Los Quemados is like a window to another time. Here more than anywhere in the country you'll encounter the authentic, warm hospitality of the Dominican campo. It also offers every type of adventure tourism imaginable: hiking, horseback riding, repelling, whitewater rafting, kayaking and more. Yet it is also very relaxed, and if all you want is sit down at the river bank with a good book and a good beer, you could do that too! Could you possibly ask for more?

 

What to Do?

•  Walk around the city, have a Helado Bon (Bon Ice-cream) at the Plaza Central, go to Plaza de la Cultura and visit the Candido Bido Art Gallery & Museum (Calle Mella). The Iglesia San Antonio is also close by.
• Bonao has great nightlife. Ask the locals which is the hottest spot right now (taxi drivers can tell you as well).
• Every year in February Bonao explodes into a riot of color and energy during the yearly Carnaval. People dance and drink on the streets for 30 days straight, there's music and parades everywhere. In short – this is one party you don't want to miss.
• For the adventure tourism options visit the small village of "Los Quemados". It is 30 minutes from Bonao by guagua (about 1 USD), or faster by Motoconcho (about 2 USD). If you're really into the adventure stuff there is no better place to enjoy it than Los Quemados. Consider staying there for a couple of days or more. Los Quemados is an authentic little village by the river. Don't miss hiking in the mountains (beginners are welcome too!), and whitewater rafting in Rio Yuma. You won't regret it.

 

Facilities:

In Bonao there are banks, shops, restaurants and everything you need. In Los Quemados there is accommodation, pubs, public "beaches" on the river banks (swim with the locals!), small "colmados" (grocery stores) where you can buy everything from bread to a beer to tooth paste, and public phones. No banks / money exchange so come with enough money from the city (tour operators accept credit cards).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Stay?

In Los Quemados, a great place to stay is Rancho Wendy. It is a hostel/ranch with very basic rooms for very cheap prices (a bed is from 7 USD, a private room is from 15 USD). The ranch organizes numerous excursions in the surroundings: hiking, horseback riding, up-river repelling, kayaking, whitewater rafting etc. The atmosphere is loud and familiar.

 

Special Tips:

• To get to Bonao – take a Tera Bus from Santo Domingo, or a guagua from Santiago (the guaguas leave from behind the Caribe Tours terminal). It's about an hour and a half from both.
• Bonao is a lot cheaper than Santiago and Santo Domingo. Shop for presents / clothes here.
• In Bonao, look for the guy selling Jugo de Caña  (Sugarcane Juice). He stands outside of the big store called Opera. And the juice tastes like heaven.
• In Los Quemados, don't miss the hike to Charco Bonito – a waterfall that ends in a sweet water pool where you can slide down or jump off the rocks. If you're lucky, the guides will pick Mangoes for you along the way!