LUPERON
Area: Dominican Republic
Country: Dominican Republic


Location:
On the Atlantic N coast, 35 miles NW of Puerto Plata, 46 miles W of its international airport. 15 miles along a winding, bumpy country road off the main highway via numerous shanty towns.

Telephone code from UK:
1 809

Position:
The tourist resort is in a rather isolated area of undulating land in undeveloped countryside sloping down to the beach. The shanty village of Luperon is 1º miles inland by poor winding road.

Description:
A designated tourist zone which has completely failed to take off. The one sprawling hotel complex occupies the beach front, while surrounding land remains undeveloped and rather bland. The village of Luperon, some distance inland, is a typical shanty-town-like settlement with colourful wooden dwellings lining a grid of potholed streets and unmade tracks. It offers little more than curiosity value.

Suitability:
Those seeking a hassle-free setting with a range of in-house facilities to hand. Independent budget-watchers might try their luck in the village, but don't expect air conditioning and limitless hot running water.

Accommodation:
One all-inclusive beachfront complex, and a smattering of simple pensions in the village.

Shopping:
Confined to the main hotel. Handful of cheap and cheerful gift shops in the village for local trinkets.

Beach:
Broad golden sands, although scruffy in parts. Protected by reef and flanked by breakwaters. Line of trees provides some shade. Principal all-inclusive complex organises some water sports for its residents.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach and some water sports. Nightlife: organised hotel entertainment.

Eating:
Mainly in the hotel; a couple of restaurants in the village but take care what you eat. Don't drink the tap water (brush your teeth with bottled water). It's advisable to avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices.

Public-transport:
Irregular daily bus service to Puerto Plata.

Local-excursions:
See Puerto Plata.