Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taxis and motoconchos may be found near Parque Central; or phone Taxis del Valle (
809-557-6200) .
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Comendador del Rey (Elías Piña)
POP 19,344
Comendador del Rey, or Comendador for short, is the official name of the border town
west of San Juan. However, almost everyone who doesn't live there calls it Elías Piña,
which is the name of the state, and you'll have more luck using that name anywhere but in
town. Comendador is best known for the Haitian market held there every Monday and Fri-
day, when hundreds of Haitians arrive on donkeys and on foot to sell their wares.
Comendador also has a major military base and a police headquarters, and security
(aimed at preventing illegal Haitian immigration) is tight. Even foreign travelers may find
themselves detained and questioned if not carrying their passport.
Sights
Haitian Market
( 6am-4pm) The Haitian market is impossible to miss; just stay on the main road through
town until you run into it. Vendors lay their goods out on the ground, shaded by large
plastic tarps suspended from every available tree, road sign and telephone pole. Cooking
utensils, clothing, shoes, fruits and vegetables are the primary items, sold for discounts as
much as 50%.
There's not much in the way of handicrafts, since few tourists attend the market, but
just wandering around and taking in the scene is worthwhile. Of most interest to tourists
might just be a bottle of Barbancourt Haitian rum (and who knows, maybe you'll see a
colander you like).
MARKET
Sleeping
If you get stuck here there's one serviceable hotel-cum-hardware store.
Casa Teo Hotel y Ferretería
HOTEL $
 
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