My days in the Dominican Republic were filled with activities from the moment I woke up to the moment I went to sleep. Thus, I was quite excited when I realized that on my last day in the country I was free from obligations. I could have easily decided to spend it at my all-inclusive resort, Allegro Puerto Plata, sipping cocktails by the beach, however I decided to do something a bit more adventurous with some new friends in a new city.
What adventure would be my last on this trip? I would have never had heard about this experience if I had not met my new friends, which is one of the reasons why I am so open to meeting people while traveling. You never know who you will encounter and where that friendship might take you. In my case, it was taking me to bat caves in Cabarete!
The scenic drive from Puerto Plata is a little under an hour and to get to the caves you must pass through a developing part of the town, which within minutes transforms into a lush, tropical rainforest named El Choco. You can either explore the national park by foot or by horse. Since my body was still recovering from my horse ride the previous day, we chose to explore by foot.
Our guide spoke excellent English and explained that as part of his college education he had to lead tours several times a week. I really admired his passion for keeping El Choco protected and for wanting to teach both locals and tourists about the power of environmental sustainability.
It was hot in the rainforest. So hot, that even though our guide warned us that inside the caves lived tarantulas and scorpions, I desperately needed a respite from the sun and was looking forward to the coolness that the caves provided.
Armed with nothing more than a dying flashlight, we entered our first of several caves. It was difficult to fully appreciate the beauty that surrounded us, however there was just enough light to see the abundance of sparkling stalactites and stalagmites that existed throughout.
We descended almost ten meters and once we reached the bottom our guide, with the biggest smile on his face, shined his flashlight on a pool of crystal clear water and told us to, “jump!” After a couple of deep breaths I decided I would be the first to take the leap of faith and dove right in. If there was ever a ‘fountain of youth,’ this was it. The water felt, smelled, tasted like nothing I had ever experienced before. Once I finally emerged, I swear I was years younger.
After another hour of cave dwelling and rainforest hiking, yet no bat sighting, our tour came to an end and we decided that it was time for lunch at the beach. We headed to Playa Cabarete, where I was able to witness firsthand the obsession the city has with windsurfing.
Unfortunately, after lunch we did not have time to lounge at the trendy restaurant/club, Nikki Beach, however I highly recommend it for the ultimate in relaxation. Grab a sunbed. . .
. . .a drink
. . .enjoy the view
. . .and when you are hungry, well, there is always fresh fruit nearby!
I wanted to see one more beach before returning to Puerto Plata, so we quickly stopped by Playa Sosua. This was the beach that I had dived at days prior. It was a lot different than I had remembered it, as on Sunday’s the locals come out in full force and finding a spot in the sand is nearly impossible.
My friends encouraged me to try a dessert favored by the Dominicans. I forget its name now, however I do not forget its pleasant taste — the perfect beach treat!
And then the sun began to set, signaling it was time to make our way back to Puerto Plata, yet instead of returning to my resort, we decided to enjoy some drinks along el Malecon, a broad esplanade located just steps away from the water. In my opinion it was the heartbeat of the city.
I only dipped my toes into the ocean that is the Dominican Republic during my week along the northern coast, but the brief journey was enough to make me want to return and this time get my hair wet!
Looks like a wonderful trip–cool shots! Is that a mojito I see? I would imagine that they’re wonderful there!
It was terrific and I can’t wait to return! Yep, that was a mojito, my favorite drink ever besides champagne.
the vegetation look so lush. i’d be scared to go into a cave full of tarantulas, but that cave pool sounds incredible. i’d love to go cave swimming. and you’re making me want to experience the tase and smell of the water you jumped in. was it sweet?
I wish that my camera would have been able to capture the cave pool. It was magical, that’s the best word to describe it. Thousands and thousands of years old. Yes, the water was sweet actually! I should have bottled some up and brought it home with me, huh?
Horses running down the road – I love it! Not sure that I’d love caves filled with bat, tarantulas and scorpions though.
If you were hiking in the crazy heat we were, trust me you would have! The wild horses totally stopped traffic, it was awesome!!! The only animals that ever stop traffic in my part of the world are ducks haha.
What is that spikey fruit!?! Did you try it? The caves sound absolutely heavenly – sans the creepy crawlies.
I wish I could remember the name! It’s actually used for its dye properties. If you rub it on the skin, your skin turns a beautiful red. I think it was used in the past as a sunscreen as well. The caves were definitely heavenly!!!
What an adventure! Isn’t it fun where meeting random people during your travels will lead you?!
Absolutely! It’s the best part in my opinion!!!
How amazing. Those caves sound absolutely fabulous and jumping into the water! Amazing.
So so so amazing!!! I loved this day!
Beautiful pictures, really makes me want to go back!
Thanks dear! I want to go back too!!!
Great adventures! I’m not sure what I would have done if a bat actually popped out. We have not really done any all-inclusive trips; I think that is exactly what we need next. Thanks!
Bats don’t freak me out, but spiders and scorpions, oh no, if I had encountered them I think I would have died on the spot. I’m not a huge fan of all-inclusives, but sometimes they are exactly what a person needs!!!
The fountain of youth sounds fabulous. I’m glad to see you braved it through the scorpions and spiders to get there! Sounds like a great adventure 🙂
Considering how insanely terrified I am of spiders, I’m beyond proud of myself! The fountain of youth was totally worth it though!!!
Really beautyful pictures!
Have a nice day!
Greetings
Maja
Thank you oh so very much!!! Have a nice day too! 🙂
Gorgeous photos as usual, Andi. Is that a mojito in the drink picture? Makes me thirsty just looking at it! 😉
It absolutely is a mojito, my tropical drink of choice! I’m thirsty now too haha!!! Thanks for your kind comments on my pics!
Incredible vivacity in these photos: the colors, the scenes of life that you so uniquely captured. It looks like another exuberant trip. Hope you are well, chica — I always love reading your stories!
What a lovely comment, thank you! I’m especially touched since it’s from you, as I admire your writing so so so much!!! All is well, just busy as always and dreaming of my next journey! Hope all is well with you? XOXO
Sipping cocktails by the beach…That’s really all I need!
Why can’t that be our job????
Wow! Can’t believe all those windsurfers don’t go crashing into each other…
You should have seen it in person, there were at one point like 50 in one place!!!
Wonderful! The vegetation again reminds me of my home state Kerala. We used to pluck that berry kind of fruit ( I honestly dont know the name) and we used to color our hands in red. It gives a very red color. And the red kind of Lilly kind of flower is also plenty.
Oh wow how cool that the same plant grows all the way over in India as well!!! I think I would have had a lot of fun with that plant as a little girl haha!
The pictures are just wonderful! And youur post makes such an interesting read. Thank you very much
So glad that you enjoyed them!!! 🙂
Beautiful post about a very special day Andi. It was indeed a great experience!!!
It was SO special because of you my friend! Thank you for EVERYTHING!!! XOXO
Wow, absolutely incredible.
Andi, your photography skills just get better and better. Stunning.
Awww thank you so so so much!!! You always say the most lovely things!
Again, amazing photos! This trip looks like one of the best trips I have ever seen anyone go on in my recent memory. Great article.
Thanks so much for your awesome comment! It was definitely a fabulous trip and I encourage people to visit the DR!!!
Seriously you are THE best blogger out there right now!!!
WOW I’m so grateful this comment, thank you thank you thank you!!!
I’m loving your photos of the Dominican! You are able to capture things I wouldn’t easily notice 😀
What a great compliment, thank you!!!
What a great trip this sounds like. It’s so easy to lump the Caribbean into one big group, but in reality each island has so much to offer. Nice to learn a bit more about DR!
It was a great trip for sure! And yes, I totally agree with your statement. Each island is so unique and special.
I had never considered a holiday at the Dominical Republic before. Your travelogue of the place just opened my eyes. Thanks!
Oh yay, that’s the best compliment you could give me!