Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WEST OF PUERTO PLATA
The coastal area west of Puerto Plata remains largely undeveloped, and sees few foreign
visitors. Inland villages are surrounded by sugarcane fields and cattle country, and roadside
eateries advertise
chivo picante
(or
chivo liniero
), the oregano-flavored goat meat the
province is famous for. Punta Rusia, a fairly remote seashore village, and the nearby off-
shore island Cayo Arena are worth considering as a destination. History buffs can visit
Parque Nacional La Isabela, where Columbus founded the second settlement in the New
World. Boaters will already know of Luperón - famous as a 'hurricane hole' - but landlub-
bers have little reason to visit. If you're on your way to Haiti, Monte Cristi is worth a stop
and it's possible to visit the outlying islands. The twice-weekly Haitian market at Dajabón
may be of interest, if only to see how strikingly different are the lives of the two peoples
who share this island.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Luperón
POP 9300
Luperón is famous as a 'hurricane hole' - a safe haven from rough seas for boaters (treas-
ure hunters suspect several Spanish galleons foundered and sunk just before reaching safety
here). There are two fairly run-down marinas and on average anywhere from 40 to 70 craft
in the harbor. Unless you're a boater, though, the town has little appeal. Deeply rutted and
dusty streets are quiet during the day and in near total darkness at night. However, nearby
Playa Grande
is a beautiful long strip of palm-backed white sand with wavy blue waters.
The shabby all-inclusive resort fronting the beach has closed (mercifully for guests but an
unfortunate blow to Luperon's economy); however, the property's buildings remain, aban-
doned and dilapidated. The easiest access is down a dirt and gravel road running beside the
former resort. A
motoconcho
ride from town is about RD$75.
With enough time and patience, it's possible to arrange a boat trip at
Marina Puerto Blanco
.
There are no official tours, but if you put the word out that you're interested someone is
bound to turn up sooner or later. Prices vary widely depending on the captain, but expect to
pay US$40 to US$60 for a half-day trip, or US$70 to US$120 for a full day.
The road from Imbert enters Luperón from the south. Staying to your left, the highway
becomes Calle Duarte and eventually intersects with Calle 27 de Febrero, Luperón's main
