Hidden Gems in Dominican Republic

Where to Stay!

• Airbnb

Rio San Juan, DR Rate:10/10 Cost:$$

This Airbnb is a gem! Wood-Villa architecture gives a unique and charming feeling. A villa is a great way to spend time with family or as a large group. This villa offers plenty of space- 8 bedrooms with up to 16 guests. Each bedroom is air conditioned. There is 3 bedrooms with bathrooms, including the master bedroom. This Airbnb has many amenities: a pool table, domino table, kids playground, hammock, grill, multiple lounge areas, a pool with floaties, and a portable speaker with a mic to sing karaoke! The host provides filtered water and coffee. This villa is very private, my family and I felt super safe. There is a gate to enter the property. This Airbnb is a 9-minute drive to the spectacular attractions of Rio San Juan; Laguna Gri Gri, Playa Calenton, Playa Grande, Playa Chencho, and many more. There is a mini market about 5 mins away driving --right across from the market there is a foodtruck that sells Yaroa and Chimi (Dominican burger) super delicious! The host greets you upon arrival, flexible with check-in, and responds efficiently! I highly recommend booking this Airbnb. @villaden_rsj

To check-out this place, CLICK HERE.

Things to do - Places to see!

• Laguna Gri Gri

Rio San Juan, DR Rate: 10/10 Cost: $

Laguna Gri Gri is an ecotourism destination and a hidden gem in Rio San Juan. Laguna Gri Gri is a small lake surrounded by Gri Gri trees. This tour takes you to several beautiful destinations. You purchase a ticket in person at a ticket booth, the cost is 400 pesos which is equivalent to USD$6. The tour last about 30-45mins. The boats are big enough to fit a group of 18 people. The tour starts through Laguna Gri Gri, be aware of the beautiful birds and unique trees around the lake. The first stop is the Cave of the Swallows, where you will go inside the cave and take pictures. The second stop is the Piscina Natural, a gorgeous area where you can jump off the boat and swim. I highly recommend bringing your own goggles to snorkel. The third stop is Playa Calenton, a stunning local beach where you can sit back, relax and enjoy fried crispy fish with sweet plantains or fresh fries. I highly recommend this tour when visiting Rio San Juan. @laguna_gri_gri

• Rio Partido

Salcedo, DR

Hike Level: Difficult Rate:10/10 Cost: $$

This hike to Rio Partido is a life-changing experience! Rio Partido is a beautiful river. It is also one of the most challenging hikes I have ever encountered. This experience makes you learn about yourself. I suggest booking a tour guide for your first time. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended to drive to Rio Partido, as the roads are narrow and have steep hills. Once you reach your destination, the parking lot has a sign that says, "Rio Partido parking lot." Once you are parked, you can purchase a life jacket and waterproof phone holder. Before you start the hike, you can pay in advance for a delicious meal, the cook does not provide a menu because she cooks a different meal each day.

However, I promise you will not be disappointed, the food was delicious! I went to Rio Partido with a friend who knows the hike path well, and based on his feedback, he has never been disappointed with the meals. The meal came out to USD$20. The cook serves enjoyable traditional Dominican food. Moreover, bring lots of water with you on the hike! I highly recommend wearing a life jacket because the river in certain areas is super deep. Also, do not wear water shoes; instead, wear comfortable sneakers that you can get dirty. The hike level is difficult (if you have chronic pain, I suggest not hiking). The hike is approximately 40mins to an 1 hour both ways (down & up). You start by hiking down a mountain, then there are several spots to take a break, swim, float and cliff jump. Eventually, you will bump into a huge rock that you must climb over to reach the waterfall towards the end of the river. After enjoying the waterfall, you hike back up the mountain to the parking lot and restaurant. Take your time and soak up every minute, you will be proud of yourself at the end of the hike! It is all worth the try :) @rio_partido_official

• Rio Sonador

Puerto Plata, DR Rate:9/10 Cost:$

Rio Sonador is a great place to enjoy and explore nature. You can choose a tour guide at the main entrance or explore yourself. When arriving, you will see a wooden sign to your left that says, "Rio Sonador." As you drive down the hill, you will reach the entrance of the river and the parking lot. Many people have mistakenly crossed their car through a water and stone path to get to the river (if you come across this path, DO NOT ENTER!). Rio Sonador has different sections to swim. I recommend going early because it gets super packed. The water is a beautiful blue/green and it's cold! You get to experience being with the locals of the countryside aka the campo. I suggest bringing sneakers or water shoes because there are tons of stones in the water. Keep in mind that there is no service once you reach the river. The entrance fee is 100 pesos ($2 USD Cash Only). There is a cafeteria where you can order traditional Dominican food - crispy tostones, crunchy fried chicken, flavorful moro (brown rice with black beans), and cabbage salad.

• Playa Arroyo Salado

Cabrera, DR Rate: 10/10

Playa Arroyo Salado is one of my favorite places to visit in Cabrera. This beach offers the best of both worlds! It is a beach on one side and a river on the other --literally across from the beach. You can walk from the beach to the river and back to the beach. This is a guranteed top 3, the beach has beautiful golden sand, turquoise water, and palm trees. The water is warm and has small waves. The river is clean and refreshing. Locals are known to play music for everyone with loud big speakers coming out of their vehicle. But there are some areas by the beach where you can enjoy peace and quiet. Early morning, is quieter, as the sun sets it starts to pick up with welcoming friendly locals. Playa Arroyo Salado offers beach tables and chairs, where people order food and drinks. There is various casitas that cook food and sell drinks. They serve seafood such as lobster, fresh fried fish, and shrimp with rice or plantains. I only ordered Presidente beers, but the food looked great! (Note: You pay for food and drinks when you finish with the table)

• Monumento de Santiago

Santiago, DR Rate:10/10

This monument is in the heart of the city of Santiago. The Monument of Santiago was built during the dictatorship of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo in 1944. The Monument symbolizes the Dominican War of Independence. The Monument is the highest building in Santiago and lights up beautifully at night. It is open to the public. You can visit any time of the day. Around the Monument are bars, restaurants, food trucks, and the locals hanging outside and listening to music. The food trucks sell chimichurri (Dominican hamburger), Dominican hotdogs, picadera (fried beef, pork, or chicken), and many more traditional Dominican street food. @monumentodesantiagord

Bar

• Barajando Bar

Santiago, DR Rate:9/10 Cost:$-$$

Hoy se Bebeee!! If you want to enjoy a live band playing bachata and típico, this is the spot to dance and sweat your night away! Barajando Bar opens at 8pm and closes at 2am. There is a $3-$4 fee to park in their parking lot, which is adjacent to the bar. But there is no entrance fee unless a famous person is performing. You can order bottle service or order from the bar. I highly recommend getting bottle service so you can have your own table, bottle prices range from USD$100-150. My family and I went to see El Rubio Acordeon perform on a Wednesday night, it was an amazing time! Barajando Bar is across from the Monument. After the bar you can walk around, chill, and enjoy the beautiful breeze in the night, which helps sober you up :) @barajandobar    -xoxo E.