What will the weather be like ?

The weather in the Dominican Republic is quite steady and almost predictable. The island is subdivided by a chain of large mountains, subdivided into the Cordillera del Centro and the "Cordillera Oriental", (in the East, where you will be staying), so all kind of local weather patterns are possible. Generally, you can expect the daytime temperatures to be in the mid of 30 degree Celcuis (82 F) in the high-season (December) and a little higher in the middle of summer (august). It can get hot at times and it can rain any time of the year. So as long as you use the gear we recommend, we'll have lot's of fun - whatsoever be the weather !

How many people are there on each tour?
We take up to 8 people per trip. We know that our trips will attract a special kind of persons - that's why so many people comment that the social encounters are the highlights of their tours !

What sort of gear should I bring?
You'll need rain gear and good boots which you should bring along, as well as a backpack..

What are the accommodations like ?
Our Eco-lodges are small, wooden houses, as they are standard here in the region and used by local people. They are rustic mountain huts and protect against sun, rain and wind, but don't have the luxury you may be used to, like smooth walls, ceiling plates, etc. When using the mosquito nets which you will find in each lodge, you wan't miss anything.

Do I need a Visa ? What about shots?
People from the USA, Canada, Britain, Germany and most other Western countries will be issued a 90 days visitor permit upon arrival in the Dom. Republic. Provided your passport is up to date and at least valid for another 6 months, you won't need anything else to get into the country.
As for immunization, none are currently recommended by the authorities.

Can you recommend a travel insurer?
YES, On our website we offer a comprehensive travel- and activity insurance, which covers all you need.

How big is the Dominican Republic?
It is located between latitude 17 40' and 19 56' North and longitude 68 20' and 72 01' West of the Greenwich Meridian (GMT -4).The whole island of Hispaniola, as it was previously called before Haiti and the Dominican Republic became independent, covers an area of approx. 76,192 squaremiles from East to West.

Can you recommend any movies/videos to watch?
No. Our area is still untouched, unspoiled, unforgettable.The Dominican Republic, especially the Northeast, still has to be discoverd. No video's / movies were made yet to learn about the scenery in advance. But of course you're invited to help to change that.

What time zone is the Dominican Republic in ?
It is the same as Miami, Curaçao or Caracas

How about drinking water ?
Nothing, it's always OK to drink the local tap water, which comes directly from a big waterfall nearby (see one of our tours) via an aquaduct reaching the village clean and fresh - no need to purify water in Pedro Sanchez. Elsewhere in the Dominican Republic, however, we strongly recommend to drink only bottled water.

How much luggage can I bring ?
We recommend to bring one big piece of luggage, as well as a day pack (rucksack).

Will I be able to do laundry during my trip?
We can do the laundry for you, but you can also wash yourself .

How big of a pack do I need for the backpack trips?
You'll need a daypack big enough to carry rain gear, some clothing, some water, your toiletry and some food. A day pack is normally big enough and you don't need a full trekking pack.

Do You have a special gearlist ?
No, we don't have a special gearlist. But it can be cold and rainy up there in the mountains, although you are most likely to have good weather for most of your stay. We will have a gear check before we are heading for a tour, and if you don't have what is recommended, we try to lend it to you.

Do I need hiking boots ?
You will need proper hiking boots with full ankle support and a stiff sole with high profile tread. We will take you to awesome places where you will be hiking over a variety of terrain, including uneven surfaces, slippery rocks, and tree roots. Water-proof boots are a good idea, if you have them, bring them along since we will be crossing streams and small rivers.

What type of plugs they use in the R.D.?
The voltage is 110 V AC, 60 Hz. The socket type used equals the one from the US.

What kind of things are there to be done on free days, if there is no tour?
Just spend the day getting aquainted with the customs of friendly local people.

Discovering the region with a rented car?

 There is always the possibility of renting a car, if you have not already rented one at the airport upon arrival.

Is tipping expected ?
Yes, tipping is always appropriate for good service. Many of our clients tip our tour guides, at the end of a day trip, and if they do so, the tip given to the lead guide will be shared with the others.
This of course is totally at your discretion.

Will my cell phone work there ?
We don't think so. In the region, there is a Cellular red from Verizon and Tricom, but we doubt they have roaming agreements with foreign companies. And if I were you, I would put that think in a suitcase and not look at it any more for two weeks! Because that's why you have choosen to come to us (or not ? ), to escape all these phone calls, e-mails, faxes, etc….

Where can I get the local currency :"Dominican Pesos" ?
The best is to change your own currency or US-dollars at the airport after arrival, or in El Seybo or Miches at a bank, which however can take you a half day, just to reach there and have it done! . Via teller machines get the local currency as well with your VISA, CIRRUS, or MAESTRO Card.

How can my friends or family reach me?
Ion our home page, you find all respective data.