This is the third article in a 5-article series we have been writing on how to get to Cabarete from the different international airports in the Dominican Republic. We will focus on getting to Cabarete from Cibao International Airport in Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI), but first let us highlight some important points from the last 2 articles:
Puerto Plata International Airport (POP) is the closest airport to Cabarete.
Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the farthest airport from Cabarete.
For many speculative reasons, the Puerto Plata International Airport may have fewer flights coming in, and/or may be a bit pricier than flying into the other airports in the Dominican Republic. So, if that comes to be the case for you while researching flights, Cibao International Airport in Santiago, Dominican Republic is the next best option.
At only 68km away from our condos, it should take less than a half-day of travel to get here – no matter which option you choose.
Easiest Option
Let us set you up with a taxi (air conditioned minivan) that will pick you up at the airport and drive you here. It will cost you about US$100 and 1.5 hours. You can also just walk right outside the airport and pick your own taxi for the same price. Make sure you choose a taxi driver that has a card verifying he is a registered driver. The van will also usually have the little taxi topper on the roof. Best practice is to negotiate the price before you get into the van. You may be able to negotiate a better rate, but around $US100 is a good marker. Expect to possibly pay more at night, especially if you have a really late flight coming in. The taxi drivers realize you have little to no other options at 3am. Keep in mind the fare is for trip regardless of number of passengers.
Local’s Tip:
Have the correct amount of US dollars or Dominican pesos handy because your driver will likely not have change.
Another Local’s Tip:
If you bring any sort of bulky sporting equipment like windsurfing gear, expect to pay about $US10 extra.
Important Local’s Tip:
Print yourself out a map and get familiar with where you are going. Keep in mind we don’t have proper addresses like you may be used to. So, being alert could save you some time and drama. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your driver know you are with the program. If coming at night, ask the driver to drive through Puerto Plata, not on the mountain road. The mountain road takes less time during the day but is more dangerous at night.
Less Expensive/More Time
Take the bus. You will have to do a little taxi hopping in addition to the bus ride, but it isn’t that big of a hassle and is pretty inexpensive. The buses are modern and comfortable and have toilets on board. They also have air conditioning that they like to keep cranked, so bring a sweater. No matter where you are from, you will probably be cold. Below you will find specific instructions on taking the bus to Cabarete from the Santiago Airport:
Hail a taxi (minivan) at the airport and have them take you to either Metro or Caribe Tours. They are one block away from each other. About US$18 or $RD700-800 and 15 minutes. The $18 is for the “right at the airport taxis”. If you head off grounds (just outside the airport on the street), you can grab a “local” taxi for about $US5 or $RD200.
- You will be buying a ticket to Sosua.
- Caribe Tours bus to Sosua departure schedule HERE.
- Journey time: 2 hours.
- Cost: $RD100
- Metro Bus to Sosua departure schedule HERE.
- Journey time: 1.5 hours.
- Cost: $RD160
- Map from STI to Metro
- Map from STI to Caribe Tours
Once you are in Sosua, you can take a guagua (public minibus that comes by every 10 minutes or so, you will know it when you see a man hanging out of the door whistling at you just wave your hand and it will stop) straight to our Condos if you arrive in the day. This is not a great option if you have a lot of luggage. About 30 minutes and RD$30.
If you arrive at night, or have a lot of luggage, you can grab a taxi and be in Cabarete in 15 minutes for about RD$500. Have no fear, there will be a heard of qualified taxis waiting around the stop when you get off the bus.
Local’s Tip:
There is no proper terminal when you arrive in Sosua, you will be pretty much dropped off on the corner.
MAJOR Local’s Tip:
Make sure you negotiate all prices before you get into a taxi or guagua. This is a guide to help you. We cannot guarantee these prices. Also, be sure to leave the airport with a mix of dollars and small change pesos. You will probably find that no one has change on hand when you need it. You also don’t want to get mixed up in an exchange rate disagreement. This is why we suggest having both dollars and pesos. Of course, the Dominican Peso is the local currency, but some things are listed in dollars and not knowing the exchange rate off hand might cost you more than you expect if you are not careful.
TOTAL COST: About $60 USD
TOTAL TIME: About 3 hours
Most Adventurous Option
Rent a car. We really do not suggest this option unless you are a very seasoned traveler. The roads and drivers may not be what you are used to. The driving habits and the amount of motorcycles on the road could be a little overwhelming to those who are used to a little more organization.
This is the fastest way to our condos (through the mountains). Map HERE
This is maybe a safer way to our condos (through Puerto Plata). Map HERE
WE STRONGLY ADVISE AGAINST DRIVING AT NIGHT. There are not a lot of street lights, which will make it hard to see the signs and any obstacles, animals, or motos (a large percentage will be missing headlights and/or taillights). Another thing to note if you choose to rent a car, gas is about US$6.50/gal.
TOTOAL COST: Car rental (this varies depending on car choice and length of rental) plus about RD$1500 for gas round trip (about $US35).
TOTAL TIME: About 1.5 – 2 hours.
Local’s Tip:
Renting a car here may not be what you are used to. The one way costs for rental cars are very expensive in this country. Most companies do not give a clear quote and when you drop the car off in Puerto Plata, you could find yourself shocked with a lot more money on your bill than you anticipated or were told.
Once you are in the vicinity:
We do not have addresses like you are probably familiar with, so below you will find a little map outlining how to get to Cabarete Palm Beach Condos from the center of Cabarete. Basically, once you see the Banco del Progreso sign on the right, start looking for the Century 21/Juan Perdomo Realty sign on the left. It is in a blue building shaped sort of like a triangle on the corner. Make a left at Juan Perdomo, and head down what looks like an alley way. Our office is at the end of the alley on the left.
We do not have addresses like you are probably familiar with, so below you will find a little map outlining how to get to Cabarete Palm Beach Condos from the centre of Cabarete. Basically, once you see the Banco del Progreso sign on the right, start looking for the Century 21/Juan Perdomo Realty sign on the left. It is in a blue building shaped sort of like a triangle on the corner. Make a left at Juan Perdomo, and head down what looks like an alleyway. Our office is at the end of the alley on the left.
DISCLAIMER: THERE ARE SURELY MANY OTHER WAYS TO GET TO CABARETE FROM SANTO DOMINGO. Make sure you do your own fact checking at the links provided since schedules, prices, and routes may change over time.
If you have any questions regarding getting to our condos from any airport, do not hesitate to contact us: info@cabaretecondos.com We want to do everything we can to make your trip easy, safe, and as inexpensive as possible.