Getting around the north coast-Carro Publico

The carro publico is very similar to the guagua. Think of the publico as a car that functions as a bus. These are very common just like the guaguas and you will see them pass by the main road every few minutes. You will see the fixed route of the car either on the windshield or on a little sign on top of the roof. The vehicles are absolutely ancient. (Think 1979 Toyota Corolla) and just barely in working condition. The driver expects to carry 6 passengers in addition to himself. One in the front seat, one small person who straddles the space between the 2 front seats, and 4 passengers in the back (As the above pic shows.) Expect to be packed like sardines. Sometimes the driver may make you pay for 2 spaces if he feels you are taking up so much space that he can't accommodate an extra passenger, so prepare to accommodate everyone who gets on after you. Someone might have to literally sit on top of you! If you have a lot of bags, they will charge you for another space or you can be more proactive and pay for 2 spaces. That way the driver won't pick up as many people and you will travel in (relative) comfort. Pay the driver as you get in and state your destination. To go from Sosua to Cabarete, it's about 30 pesos. Sosua- Puerto Plata 35-40 pesos.

These cars run at night also, albeit less frequently and at higher prices. You will pay at least 60 pesos from Cabarete to Sosua at night.

Getting around the north coast-Guagua

Generally, if you don't have a car, there are 3 ways to get around when on the north coast of the Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete area): Guagua (local bus), Carro Publico, and Motoconcho.

1) The Guaguas run from early in the morning until sunset along the main highway running along the north coast.(Hwy. 5). They are usually small mini-buses or even old minivans! You will know them when you see the bus or the minivan with "P. Plata-Rio San Juan" above the outside windshield. This means it runs along the highway from Puerto Plata to Rio San Juan and back (about 55 miles between the 2 towns.) This means it runs through Sosua, Cabarete, it goes past the entrance to the Playa Dorada resort complex, and goes past the entrance to the airport. Just stand along the main road and get on the side of the road based on the direction you want to travel, and when you see it coming, just stick out your hand. The guagua has a driver and another person who hangs out on the side of the bus or van and solicits rides and collects the fare. In the minivan, you can expect to be smashed in there with at least 8-10 other passengers. You could probably also end up getting somebody sitting on you lap! When the guagua stops, I recommend you pay the fare collector as you board and state your destination. They will then know that you know the fair going price for the trip and will not ask you for outrageous amounts when the trip is over. For example, if you are going from Sosua to Cabarete, give the conductor 20 pesos and simply say "A Cabarete" Of course, for longer trips, the price is higher. When you are at the point in Cabarete where you want to get off, just say "Aqui me bajo." and climb out. Not the most comfortable way to get around, but the price is right.