Great Camping in Bonao Dominican Republic! Dominican Republic

Prices from $5 per Night
Fantastic mountains, biking, hiking, water sports, outdoor sports, many waterfalls, exploring for caves, horseback riding, outdoor BQ’s, Great night life. Great Cycling Trekking to the Village of the Dam A wise sage once remarked that it was better to travel than to arrive. This thought held me as I set off on a trek to a trio of man-made dams around Rio Blanco, a mountain village near the city of Bonao, in central Dominican Republic. The road up to Rio Blanco was full of weird and wonderful distractions, just as well because the grueling two-hour hike made my legs feel like they’d been fed through a rolling machine. Precious little traffic allows me to appreciate the hummingbirds busy at work in the morning shade, and to enjoy the dazzling surroundings. Local characters drift past me in all manner of guises and thrift store clothes. A little girl cutting guavas with a machete. A pair of wild-eyed identical twins with barely a tooth between them. A skinny gentleman whose dangling pipe and candy striped jacket give him the strange air of an extra from a British seaside movie. Around every scenic corner in the road a new waterfall appears giving me refreshment and willpower to plough on. I collapse ungracefully upon finally reaching the center of Blanco, ready to be swept away by the broom of a local housemaid. In true Dominican style, community life in and around Blanco unfolds out on the street. This gives the strange passing foreigner a rare privilege of seeing and joining in the timeless pastimes of the campo, such as the drying of coffee and cacao out on the doorstep. The innate friendliness of the locals will soon shine through their initial surprise at seeing a stranger in this little visited area. It is enchanting to see little brown bodies splashing and laughing under roadside waterfalls. Or to receive a wave from beautifully preserved old man rocking away on the porch of his powder blue wooden shack. The pastel colors of the houses and the vibrant wildflowers perfectly compliment the deep green backdrop. Indeed the landscape appears largely unaffected by the introduction of the dams fifteen years ago. An old timer, Heladio, accompanies me for the final stretch, and explains that before construction began, the road to from here to Bonao was a mere mule trail. A 77 year old farmer, he recalls how the French owned dams have brought more commerce to the region, as well as creating jobs for the local people. The three dams turn out to be strikingly different in character. Of course it is impressive how such an ambitious project was undertaken in an area of such awkward accessibility. But what surprised me more was the physical beauty of the reservoirs. Standing atop Presa Arroyón and gazing into the emerald waters of the flooded valley, I felt that the view rivaled any of Mother Nature’s work in the Dominican Republic. To arrive here, though jaded and delirious after hours of strenuous walking, was just as rewarding as the journey. I walked back with Heladio and told him how happy and surprised I was to find the dams to be so picturesque. Whether he thought I was crazy or not, his knowing smile put me at peace. In front of us a small boy was trying with difficulty to shepherd a pair of piglets. A scene of delightful rural serenity. “My great grandson”, murmured Heladio, beaming at the boy. It could easily have been him, seventy years previously, or a moment from countless generations before that. I hitched a ride with a choking truck back to Bonao, although it might as well have been a time machine taking me back into the twenty first century. Email for dates and prices, includes accommodations, breakfast, lunch, and evening meal vehicle support, and guide. Bikes for Hire $10.00US. Day 1:This trip begins with First day arrive at the ranch explore Los Quemados a small town, located in the central mountains, get acquainted with ranch and fellow travelers. Then a waterfront dinner, BQ, and campfire. Then bed down at your waterfront campsite, or in your own private room. Day 2: Breakfast and then start your breath-taking off-road biking trip to El Chorro (this trekk includes crossing this river 14 times!). You will have plenty of time to stop, have your lunch and take many dips. Then continue to the town of Bonao. Tour our city of Bonao, then head back to the ranch for, volleyball, dinner and campfire. Day3 In Search of Charco Bonito The magic of the forest lies in its infinite promise of discovery. Above, below, and all around, one’s senses are electrified by this mysterious enclosed world. It was only 2 hours I spent in the Central Mountain forests near Bonao, Dominican Republic, but I emerged exhausted due to a complete sensory overload. We set off in search of Charco Bonito, a waterfall in the thickly forested valleys beyond Los Quemados. Before anything else, we had to negotiate the crossing of the wide, fast flowing Rio Yuma. Although the water only reached up to my kneecaps, its deceptive currents made me sway like a staggering drunk, much to the mirth of some kids on the bank. So with dignity slightly impaired, we began to step steeply into the forest. As climates go, few are as hospitable year round as this one. Every crop, fruit and root worth growing simply thrives here. As a result the mountain absorbs you with the sweet fragrance of life; fruits maturing and flowers blossoming. Birds and insects grow heady feasting on fallen pods of cacao. While walking we are able to gather succulent guava or chinola fruit almost bursting the branches with their goodness. Although the sun is directly above the canopy, the dewy leaves keep us constantly refreshed as we brush against them. For a good 20 minutes we can hear the churning of Charco Bonito in the distance, yet its location is so well concealed one could easily miss it. Through ever thickening vegetation we are drawn frantically like starving children towards the water source. And when we arrive no one is disappointed. Charco Bonito turns out to lie in a wonderful clandestine glade, an enchanting respite from the claustrophobia of the forest.
Sleeps 100 Bedrooms 30 Bathrooms

Details

Property Information

Type:
Campsite
Location:
Monseñor Nouel, Dominican Republic
This Property Sleeps:
100
Minimum Price Per Night:
$5
Maximum Price Per Night:
$15
Nearest Airport:
Santiago (airport code NQY)

Notes
Camping from $5.00 and up. Hotel/Hostels beds from $7.00 and up, /Bed and Breakfast from $13.00 and up,

Property Features
  • Has a Pool
  • Close to a golf course
  • Close to a beach
  • Pets are allowed
  • Children are allowed

Local Area Details

No additional details provided

Contact Details

Name:
Marshall Zipper
Telephone:
1809-630-1261
Alt Telephone:
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Fax:

It is completely free to send an enquiry! Use this opportunity and email the owner below to ask as many questions as you wish about this Campsite in Bonao, Bonao, Monseñor Nouel, Dominican Republic.


Contact Details

Country:
Dominican Republic
Region:
Monseñor Nouel
County:
Bonao
Town:
Bonao
Postcode:

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