EXCURSION HAITISES
Los Haitises:
Los Haitises is located in the northeast of the Dominican Republic, and is part of the Bay of Samaná, which surrounds it. Los Haitises is made up of tropical karst (limestone relief) hummocks, characteristic of these climatic zones. Externally, there are are multiple ridges, corridors, and valleys, and internally the hummocks are riddled with caves and cavities, some of very large size, like those along the shore.

The richness of the mammalian fauna of Los Haitises National Park is reflected by the presence of manatees (Trichechus manatus) among the roots of the mangrove trees, the solenodon (Solenodon paradoxus), a small nsectivorous mammal that lives in the forests of the park and is endemic to the island (but nearly extinct), and in the bats that live in the caves.
Among the reptiles that inhabit the area are the boa (Epicrates striatus) and the marine turtles (Chelonia mydas, Carrretta caretta, Dermocheylys coriacea). Among the fauna, birds are the most numerous group with 110 species of the 270 total in the country.

If you look hard among the mangrove roots, you will see herons and other wading birds. SAS Travel & Tours and Student Services, C x A, offer you this rich and relaxing excursion, leaving from any of the hotels in the various zones of the Dominican Republic, and heading into the picturesque and romantic Port of Samaná in comfortable and safe boats, accompanied by an expert guide. Lunch and drinks included.

Las Terrenas, located approximately 245 km east of Puerto Plata, must be accessed by one of two mountain roads. If you are coming from the west, you would turn left after the town of Sánchez. If you are arriving from the east, you would drive through Samaná, and turn right on the road towards El Limón and El Portillo. Once you're on either road it will take another 1/2 hour to 45 minutes to reach the town of Las Terrenas.

The road from Sánchez is the most exciting route to take. This curvy, steep road takes you through the Cordillera Samaná mountain range. Go slowly and you'll see spectacular views of Samaná Bay and Parque Los Haitises on the south side, and the Atlantic coast on the north side. Along the way you'll see brightly painted Dominican homes, as well as the unique farming and vegetation of the area, including 60 varieties of palms. Upon arrival in Las Terrenas, you'll be awed with the calmness of the area and the beautiful white sand beach lined with tall palms and pastel-colored wooden fishing boats.

The next thing you may notice is its Mediterranean-influenced atmosphere. There are plenty of cafés and oceanfront restaurants where people can be found sipping wine, over long, leisurely lunches, or having a mid-day break over a café latte. Shops there offer a variety of arts and crafts, many of them unique handmade items that can be difficult to find elsewhere in the Dominican Republic. Activity-wise, you can enjoy watersports like snorkeling, diving,

windsurfing and kiteboarding. The 4-wheel drive and horseback riding trips are also popular because they allow you to see otherwise non-accessible areas of beauty. If you just want to plant yourself on a beautiful beach you can also visit close by Playa Bonita or Playa Las Balleras.

Los Haitises means earth high land of mountains. One of the park main features is its birds, 110 species of the 270 that coexist in the country and one of the best representations of the endemic species in the island, native and migratory birds that cannot be found in the rest of the country.

These trip will give you the opportunity to get tok now the marine landscape the coastal part of the Park, where it will be able to observe diverse birds and visit caverns and to appreciate petroglifos and indigenous art. (Please WATCH the video to the National Park los Haitises)
Excursion including transfers from your hotel, rapid boats from Samana's Port , lunch buffet at the beach Cayo Levantado, and assisted by an official guide in English language.

Bring Camera, sun glasses and lotions for the mosquitoes.

From Santo Domingo and Boca Chica, leaving at 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

SAS Travel and Tours
Tel (829) 875-4599, (809) 435-1980, Fax (480) 247-4411
Zip Code: Apartado Postal Z-77 RD.
Email, agencydr@yahoo.com or sas@sastravelandtours.com