Hola! I'm new on the forums, my name is Daniel. I am flying to Santiago tonight/tomorrow and it just occurred to me to ask the forum if I will be 'allowed' to ride a guagua with a gigantic (50+ pounds) backpack and also smaller 'carry-on' pack. Is a guagua a truck? van? car? bus? I can't visualize what the seating situation will be like (if it's anything like it is in Asia there will be twice the number of people crammed into the vehicle. Would they make an exception if I paid for a second seat or something?
I am arriving at Santiago at 3am and trying to get to Kite Beach, just west of Cabarete. My plan is: wait on a chair at the airport until Santiago wakes up, catch a bus to Sosua (I believe 8:15 is the earliest bus I saw available based on my online research?), and then catch a "guagua" to Cabarete. Anyone know if I can take a moto taxi or something kite beach? Is the DR the kind of place where if I don't know how much transportation is supposed to cost, they will take advantage by charging me extra? Is it rude to negotiate a price for transportation or are you expected just to accept the first price they quote?
Also, how do you say "kite beach" in Espanol - playa del "kite," or something close to that?
THANK YOU so much for the info. Sorry for so many questions.. If anyone has suggestions for the soonest way to make my way to Sosua from Santiago airport at 3am please let me know!
Sincerely,
Daniel H