A 90 minute drive from the center of Punta Cana, Montaña Redonda is one of a kind place in all of the Caribbean. Here, from the very top of the mountain you will get a 360 degree views around the province of Sabana Los Mosquiticos including several extensive lakes and lagoons, tens of forested peaks as well as a view of the Atlantic ocean that extends for tens of miles of coastline. In addition, you can also use several big swings installed at the top that will make feel like you are flying through the air and the landscape beneath you.
[embedyt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO74d8qNSSc[/embedyt]Getting to Montaña Redonda is not very difficult from Punta Cana if you drive a car. All you need to do is to take north the main highway that goes through Bavaro and its resorts. This highway marked 105 will eventually become highway 104 towards Miches. Along the way you will pass several villages, though you will be mostly driving through beautiful grasslands and hills. The road itself is in good condition and it rarely gets busy. More than cars, you are likely to encounter scooters and motorcycles packed with as many as three passengers. Once you get close you will see a parking lot and a sign on the right side of the road. You will need to pay at least $5 for parking and then you will have a choice of taking a ride on a jeep to the top, which will cost $10 per person (you can pay in either dollars or pesos) or you can also walk to the top, though this second option will take you several hours of hiking in not so easy conditions.
Once you get to the top, you will be welcomed by a spectacular view all around! To the north and west you will see lakes of Laguna Redonda and Laguna del Limon, two biggest Dominican water reservoirs west of Santo Domingo. To the east, you may be able to spot Playa Bahía Esmeralda and the town of Miches whereas to the south you will be starting at multiple mountain peaks of the El Seibo province. Undeniably, on a clear day Montana Redonda is a superb place for amateur and professional photographers as well as for anyone who just enjoys very cool views.
The many swings at the top are an added bonus that will get your heart beat just a little faster. Several of the swings can extend their passengers beyond the edge of the mountain, which will give you thrills similar to those you can get while riding on a roller coaster. Although seemingly dangerous at first, the swings are actually very safe and even if you drop from one of them, there is plenty of grass below your feet to soften a fall. And, if you rather than swinging just relax and enjoy the views, you can also just take a seat on one of several benches and hammocks placed next to the swings. Finally, the top of the mountain also has a small restaurant and craft & arts shops so if you are hungry or just want to spend some of hard earned money, you do get a chance to fill up and buy up!
All in all, Montaña Redona is definitely worth a trip for anyone staying in Punta Cana and its surroundings. The jeep service that takes visitors to the top as well as the restaurant and shops at the top are generally operating from 8am to 5pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on weekends. The jeep ride to the top is pretty bumpy so may not be appropriate for everyone. If you don’t have access to a car, many of Punta Cana’s resorts organize group tours to Montaña Redonda so may want to inquire about those before or after you arrive at your hotel. Whichever way you get here, make sure you take a good camera with you!