Great Backpackers place in the Dominican Republic!

I stayed in Bonao, Los Quemados, a sleepy village nestled in the foothills of the Cordillera Central, It boasts spectacular views of the lush mountain ridges as well as the clear freshwater River Yuma running through the settlement. I had planned to spend two days there but ended up staying for 6 peaceful days there merely enjoying the natural beauty of the location and the warm hospitality of the Dominican campesinos. I partook in many activities such as horseback riding, trekking to waterfalls, and swimming in the countless babbling streams and waterholes.

The place I stayed is called Rancho Wendy, found it through Hostels.com. The best part is it only cost me $10.00 a night!!! Got my own room with private bath and it was located right beside a brook that babbled all night long! There is a central cooking area for guests.

Rancho Wendy has lush beautiful gardens and great places to relax and kick back and just enjoy the views of the amazing rain forest and mountains that surround the area. I highly recommend this place to any backpacker!!!

i stayed in rancho wendy whilst working and found it to be more of a pain in the ass than anything else! we had nothing but problems there. i found the american owner to be almost offensive in his description of dominicans, and the rooms, although clean, could not even be described as passable. when we asked to cook in the kitchen we were shunted out by the owner, and ended up driving to bonao every night for dinner. beautiful setting for a hotel, and perhaps with a bit of work it could be a great place to stay, but i found it to be a complete ordeal to stay there!

I have been back to Rancho Wendy 2 times in 2005, and 1 time in 2006. And I intend to go 1 more time this year. The room i stayed in is very clean, bathroom, waterfront, paid $10.00 a night. They have 3 outdoor BBQ, and a bunk house that has a stove (open 7am to 7pm). Great things to do kayaking, flying fox, hiking, biking, horseback riding, etc. The owner, wife, and his daughter i found to be very pleasent. They also have a abroad program with Community Projects: Teaching English in the rural schools, cleaning up the community, storytelling to local groups, repairing the school houses, organizing excursions to the art museum and river trekking trips, animal care and awareness (horses), local tour guide development program, creating local guide books, teaching music and songs to local groups, dance exchange events, and volunteering in the rural medical clinics. I would recommand checking it out.