Bonao

For the independent traveler, Bonao offers much to enjoy. Explore the history of the country’s first radio station at La Voz del Yuna. Visit the Cándido Bidó Art Museum to see works from the Dominican painter, and the mosaic-covered Tiburcio House Museum to admire Gaudí-esque works. The Church of San Antonio de Padua is a modern incarnation of one of the country’s oldest churches. Meanwhile, more active visitors can try paragliding, hike the trails along the Blanco River, or chase waterfalls at the Jima Waterfalls.

• Bonao is ideal for nature lovers, art and culture fans, and visitors looking to get off the beaten path.

• The town offers hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars.

• Bring swimsuits, sturdy shoes, and mosquito repellent to visit the Jima Waterfalls.

• Bring cash, as some restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards.

Bonao is about 50 miles (80 kilometers) northwest of Santo Domingo. There’s no direct public transit option connecting the two. From Santo Domingo, you can take a bus to La Vega and then a taxi to Bonao. You can also take a taxi the entire way, or to drive yourself to Bonao, which will also let you easily explore the surrounding region.

Weather in Bonao tends to be hot and humid in the summer and mild in the winter season; spring, fall, and winter bring the best weather for outdoor activities. The most festive time to visit Bonao is in February for its Carnival celebrations. On June 13, the festival of San Antonio de Padua is another lively time to visit.

On the Jima River north of Bonao, the Jima Waterfalls feature 12 cascades, some of which reach 23 feet (7 meters), and natural pools. Only the first two can be visited, and guides are available to take you along the trail. The waterfalls have been declared a Natural Monument, and are home to rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.