Driving from Sosua to Santiago (and back)

[Nakom]

Which is the better route:

1) Av Bartolome Colon south direct to Santiago
2) Hwy 5 south through Puerto Plata to Hwy 1 SE

Which is the mountain road?
Which is quicker?
Which is safer?
Which one has more to see?

We have a SUV.

[mikelodge]

Which is the better route:

1) Av Bartolome Colon south direct to Santiago
2) Hwy 5 south through Puerto Plata to Hwy 1 SE

Which is the mountain road?
Which is quicker?
Which is safer?
Which one has more to see?

We have a SUV.

I like 5 better, the road is much better and once you get past POP it is pretty relaxing until you get to Santiago. It is definitely safer and if you have never done it there is plenty to see. After a couple of trips it is boring.

There is a TGIFridays on the highway headed to the airport just before you would turn off to the monument which is a good place for a clean bathroom and drink stop.

[guttaman]

The mountain road that brings you out to the Hache in Santiago is wiped out.

Best scenic route is the Sabanetta to Moca to Santiago road. Especially if you want to avoid traffic going to STI.

If you are just going into the city go 5 if you have never been there.

FYI, the fucking windshield washers have tripled in the last year so expect multiple sponges tossed at your car. Make sure your washer well is full and hit the wipers. These mofo's come out of nowhere.

[KoKi9290]

If the mountain road is no longer an option, I'd go the Sabenta mountain road. I find the POP-STI a major pain during the week because of all the slow moving trucks and buses.

[Nakom]

Based on this it looks like we will take Hwy 5 to POP and down to Hwy 1. It is our first time and don't want to mess with safety. Espically since there are hurricanes and tropical storms in the DR right now.

Thanks for all the input.

[Mr Hillbilly]

Sabenta to Santiago Mountain road pics