Only by observing the traveler over their first couple of days interacting with the country can we then conclude that….. “yes, this guy would enjoy taking a ferry across Samana Bay and heading six kms inland to Caño Hondo….” or …..”this couple is definitely  NOT the type to being trying to navigate by car on the back road from Jarabacoa to Barahona.”

Thus for the time being, the service we offer is limited to our base camp in Zone 1, Puerto Plata. Also, our island knowledge is not exhaustive, rather it is evolving all the time.  For example, although we have visited the southwest we have yet to personally explore that area in its entirety. We also haven’t explored the south coast of Samana Bay, and we have yet to check out a number of recent ecotourism initiatives that are cropping up in the interior such as “La Ruta de Cafe” (the coffee trail) or “La Ruta de Cacao.” We’re hoping that some of our more experienced travelers might help us with that. Meanwhile we are confident that any traveler, seasoned or novice, can do no wrong to spend a couple of days at Tubagua Plantation Eco Village while tapping our 25-plus years of experience in the Dominican Republic.

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Every time he showed up was on a new mission to somewhere, looking for someone or following up something he had heard about. Of course we would help him, it was fun to be part of his project. If we didn’t know the exact answer we at least knew where to look, who to send him to, how to point him in the right direction.

Hanging out at Cafe Cito, Sean soon learned he didn’t have to actually hit the pavement; all he had to do was sit around and strike up conversations with our patrons, many of whom were involved one way or another in tourism or other businesses all around the DR.

And so it turned out that, by relaxing at our place over a couple of beer and picking our brains, that Sean saved himself a lot of time, effort and money as he did the research required to write the Dominican Republic Rough Guide, which is still to this day the most complete and well-informed guide book about this country.

We were pleased to help Sean write The Rough Guide. And we’d be pleased to help you explore the Dominican Republic. The only catch is, you have to come stay with us for one or two days at Base Camp One in Puerto Plata…

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Traffic congestion and scanty signage can make city driving nerve-wracking. And we don’t recommend driving at night. But overall it is actually quite pleasant traveling the main highways and secondary roads during the daytime.
Our trip planning assistance takes these factors into consideration. We provide detailed maps and instructions for places where signage is poor. And of course, all you have to do is call if you need assistance.

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Guaguas, Carros Publicos and Expresos. There are networks of vanette-sized buses (guaguas) and compact public taxis (carros publicos) that make it possible to ride from village to village and town to town for one to three dollars for each leg of the journey. There are mid-sized express buses (expresos) that run the principal highways between the larger cities. These forms of transport enable you to move anywhere all around the country but in order to use these, command of Spanish is helpful and you need an adventurous mindset. “Traveling like a local” can mean being six in the back seat of a Toyota Corolla—and the person beside you might have a live chicken on their lap.

Luxury Expresos. There are two main bus services connecting the north and south coasts with very comfortable Mercedes-type, 45-passenger coaches. The four-hour trip costs less than ten dollars and makes for a pleasant, scenic drive.

Airport Transfers. There are no airport shuttles, only private taxis that cost at least $30 for up to six passengers. The only cheaper alternative is walking to the highway and jumping on a guagua into town.

Moto Taxis. Motorcycle taxis are also available for short hops in city and rural areas costing two- to six dollars.

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English is common in airports and tourist areas but not in the interior. Indeed, the language barrier for those who don’t speak Spanish was a primary motivation for preparing this unpackaged travel proposal. By spending a couple of days with us at the beginning we can judge your comfort level and advise you on how best plan your trip. Meanwhile, we back you up with cell phone support so that at any time, all you have to do is call us for help with any language situation.

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Our network of base camp personnel and services can provide support on every level. The formula remains the same but instead of staying on base camp premises you can use our resources while enjoying the comfort of private villas or luxury hotels. We can:

• Provide a private driver/guide with an SUV for maximum driving comfort and fulltime assistance
• Find you the finest accommodations throughout the country
• Fly you around the country in private aircraft
• Organize you photo or movie shoot
• Organize your stag party

In fact, there is very little we cannot do. Contact us with your needs.

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Rate Includes

• all meals and lodging
• loaded cell phone for 24/7 communication and assistance
• Airfare and local ground transportation are not included in these rates.
• All rates are US Dollars unless otherwise specified

Per night – $75 per person

4 nights – $299 per person

5 nights – $365 per person

7 nights – $499 per person

8 nights +

• add $70 per night per person for additional nights
• or, opt for lodging outside the Base Camp network. Inquire

Additional Expenses

• Cell Phone Deposit $20 and replacement phone cards
• Airport entry and exit Fees. $30 per person
• Daily Beverage - your call
• Daily Purchases - your call
• Car Rental. Sub-compact cars cost as little as $2o per day (plus insurance) when booked online.Check Travelocity for car rental rates. These cheap sub-compacts are comfortable for two people with their luggage and are adequate for just about all travel routes.
• Car Insurance. Many credit cards provide car rental insurance (check your’s—apply for one that does), otherwise, full insurance can cost up to $35 per day
• Gasoline costs app. $4 per gallon, calculate 4 gallons per day for $16.
• Travel by bus and taxi. With a sub-compact car rental costing as little as $35 per day including gasoline ($17.50 per person per day!), it ‘s hard to beat the combination of price and convenience. However if for some reason you choose not to drive you can get around the entire country using public transport, and we will help you with this. See Traveling by bus
• Excursions and additional services – your call. There are many additional services available such as guides, drivers and excursions that we can arrange for you on an individual basis. Inquire.
  

Please remember we are not “packaging” your holiday for you, simply guiding you according to what we propose as solutions to help you get the best out of your trip to the DR.

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