About us!
Don and Diana, are your hosts at MONTE PLACIDO and want to make sure you enjoy every moment.
They live on-site since 2003, happily providing assistance and sharing their knowledge of the area.
They live on-site since 2003, happily providing assistance and sharing their knowledge of the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airlines that fly direct to Samana Airport (AZS)
El Catey is the closest Airport to Las Terrenas. Only a 40 minute drive to Monte Placido
- From Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal: Air Canada, West Jet, and Air Transat.
- From Paris: XL Airlines once a week on Wednesday in High Season.
- From Milan : in High season
- From Miami USA: American Airlines
Late/Early Arrivals
If you don't feel confident driving at night, both taxis and local Las Terrenas car rental agencies will pick you up and drive you to MONTE PLACIDO at any time. You also have the option of spending the night in the Historical Spanish Colonial City also called "Zona Colonial". Many of our guests take this option and spend 1/2 day visiting the oldest standing churches and buildings of the Americas dating back to the 15th century. Contact us and we will provide a list of hotels/B&Bs.
The following day you have the option of taking a taxi, renting a car or taking the bus to MONTE PLACIDO. (see tabs for "Vehicle Rental Information" & "Bus Schedules, Taxi Rates").
The following day you have the option of taking a taxi, renting a car or taking the bus to MONTE PLACIDO. (see tabs for "Vehicle Rental Information" & "Bus Schedules, Taxi Rates").
Driving time and Tolls from the Airports
Tolls must be paid in Dominican Pesos. They do not take $2000 peso bills. Be sure to get some change.
- Santo Domingo 2:30 hours 1500 pesos ( $30 US )
- El Catey, Samana 40 minutes 530 pesos ( $12 US )
- Punta Cana 4:30 hours 4000 pesos ( $83 US )
- Puerto Plata 3:30 hours 500 pesos ( $12 US )
- Santiago 3:30 hours 500 pesos ( $12 US)
Public transport from Monte Placido to Las Terrenas
If you do not have a car you can walk down our hill to the main road and find public transportation.
- GUAGUA: This is the name for a public taxi. They stop at Calle Luna, right in front of Colmado Nene. Some look like vans. Others are trucks and you climb into the back. A ride to town is about 100 pesos ($ 2 dollars). They do not run after dark. You will find a Guagua in Las Terrenas going our way near the Cemetery (painted wall).
- MOTO CONCHO: This is a motor bike taxi. **ESTABLISH A SPECIFIC PRICE BEFORE YOU RIDE** A Moto Concho ride from town to Monte Placido should cost about $350 pesos during the day, and $500 pesos at night. We have a dependable Moto Concho driver. Ask us to introduce you.
- TAXI: There are several taxi stands in town. **IT IS IMPORTANT TO ESTABLISH A PRICE BEFORE YOU RIDE!**
Financial Considerations for your Trip
- ATM and CREDIT CARDS. You will find plenty of ATM machines. They have a limit of $10,000 pesos (about $220 dollars) a day. Call your credit card company and let them know you will be using the card in the Dominican Republic so they do not put a security hold on it.
- CASH. Many stores and restaurants do not take credit cards so be prepared to pay in cash. They DO take credit cards at Supermarket Lindo and Pola.
- CHANGING MONEY. You do not get a good exchange rate at the airport. We will direct you to the money changer in Las Terrenas that gives the best rate.
- TIPPING IN RESTAURANTS. On restaurant bills you will see two additional charges. 18% is for taxes, 10% is for the tip. If the service as been good it is nice to leave another 5% towards the tip.
- TIPPING ON MONTE PLACIDO. No tip is required, however it is very much appreciated by our staff.
Grocery Shopping
Supermercado Lindo and Supermercado La Sirena are the main North American/European style grocery stores in Las Terrenas.
They have a delicious variety of food with a French & Italian influence. At Lindo, Nadine's French pastry will rival anything you find in Paris. Both supermarkets are conveniently located on the main street "Calle Principal". They are open daily up to 8pm
They have a delicious variety of food with a French & Italian influence. At Lindo, Nadine's French pastry will rival anything you find in Paris. Both supermarkets are conveniently located on the main street "Calle Principal". They are open daily up to 8pm
Internet Service
At MONTE PLACIDO we offer a Fiber-Optic internet connection for fast and easy internet access.
Las Terrenas' Weather
Las Terrenas enjoys a tropical climate with little seasonal variation in temperate.The hottest month is August and the coolest month is January. Highs ranging from 80 F - 85 F. Lows from 65 F - 72 F. We do not get extremely high temperatures here. What we do get is high HUMIDITY. Humidity begins rising in June, peaks in August, and is back down by October. Monte Placido is located on a hilltop and so we are always a little cooler and less humid than the town of Las Terrenas. The trade winds cool us nicely. From November through May we sleep with a light blanket. From June to October guests are content on our hilltop with ceiling fans. If you desire air-conditioning it is available in the home called LILKA.
It is difficult to pinpoint a rainy season. December, January, and February are our winter months and almost always you can expect rain at night and sometimes during the day. Of course this is high season, and the bit of rain can not compare with freezing temperatures and snow! Spring is not always rainy,in fact more often we have one beautiful day after another. It is a personal favorite time of the year. Summer is humid and yet a busy time for tourists as they can easily get away with children. The Fall is low season in Las Terrenas and favored by many as the temperatures cool down and the beaches are very quiet.
The ocean temperature ranges form 81F to 72F which is always comfortable to swim. For exact weather details:
www.myweather2.com/Holiday-Destinations/Dominican-Republic/Las-Terrenas/climate-profile.aspx?month=6
It is difficult to pinpoint a rainy season. December, January, and February are our winter months and almost always you can expect rain at night and sometimes during the day. Of course this is high season, and the bit of rain can not compare with freezing temperatures and snow! Spring is not always rainy,in fact more often we have one beautiful day after another. It is a personal favorite time of the year. Summer is humid and yet a busy time for tourists as they can easily get away with children. The Fall is low season in Las Terrenas and favored by many as the temperatures cool down and the beaches are very quiet.
The ocean temperature ranges form 81F to 72F which is always comfortable to swim. For exact weather details:
www.myweather2.com/Holiday-Destinations/Dominican-Republic/Las-Terrenas/climate-profile.aspx?month=6
Medical Emergencies
We have two very good private clinics in town that will work with your insurance company. There is also a small hospital in Las Terrenas. An ambulance will take you to Santo Domingo for modern and excellent care in case of dire emergency. If your health insurance does not cover you outside the country, we suggest you take out travel insurance.
Security
Monte Placido is gated and secure. Located on a hill top, it is difficult to access from anywhere but the road. We have not had problems here.
There is rarely ever violent crime in Las Terrenas.
However, as in any resort town, you should be vigilant and secure your belongings.
There is rarely ever violent crime in Las Terrenas.
However, as in any resort town, you should be vigilant and secure your belongings.
- There is a lock box in each home - use it.
- Do not take valuables to the beach. Leave your purse, camera and other valuables under the seat of the car while you are out on the beach walking or swimming.
- When you go out, take along only what you need...one credit card, some cash, phone. Do not carry around every important card you own in your wallet or purse.
- Take a photocopy of your passport as ID and also a copy of your entry tourist visa that you bought at the airport. Leave the real thing in the lock box.
- Stay away from dark and isolated areas. Do not walk the beach at night.