Montana Redonda 360 Excursion from Miches
A good vacation leaves you feeling refreshed, but have you ever felt like you were on top of the world?
Shake up your all-inclusive Viva vacation by tacking on a tour through local lagoons and farms with a final destination atop the luscious Montana Redonda. While you’re not actually on top of the world – or even the largest mountain in the country – the panoramic views paired with a hammock swing and a complimentary drink will make you feel like it.
For $75 per adult, or $25 per kid, this five-hour excursion gives you a taste of the landscape with a side of adrenaline, from ranch-grown coconuts and Dominican cigars to ziplines and swings over the mountain’s edge.
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What You Need to Know Before the Trip
First of all, you have to wake up early by vacation standards. Our group met in the lobby of Viva Miches at 8:15 a.m. and climbed into the back of the safari truck. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and timely down to practically the exact minute for all our activities along the route. Plus, they spoke Spanish, English, and French!
At each stop, the guides passed out complimentary water and soft drinks, but I would also recommend loading up on breakfast or bringing snacks. Most importantly, bring cash to pay for activities like ziplining. The restaurant atop the mountain is also cash-only. (We learned the hard way.)
As for footwear, the excursion is not too intensive. Wear shoes that you feel comfortable in while walking across sandy beaches, up hills, or even ziplining.
First Stop: Laguna Limon
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride through Laguna Limon with great views of the mountain. We charted a path through the lagoon and popped out on the oceanside, arriving at the beautiful Playa El Limon.
Snap photos and take in the gorgeous crescent-shaped shoreline as waves wash over the tide pools and soft sands. This is just a quick sight-seeing stop to start the day, but our guide said you could also ride here on one of their ATV tours.
Dona Teresa Ranch
A short drive away, we stopped at the Dona Teresa Ranch, which grows plantains, coconuts, chocolate and more.
Enjoy an interactive demonstration where you get to taste fresh coconut dipped in honey and sample some coconut oil on your skin. You even get to watch them prepare coconut milk and drink it fresh.
Lastly, the demonstration ends with a shot of mamajuana (yes, with an ‘m’): an alcoholic drink made with rum, red wine, honey, and herbs. Although I wasn’t keen on taking a shot on my mostly empty stomach at that time of the day, I have to say that the combination of flavors made it one of the easier shots I’ve taken. Arriba!
Rice Plantation
Then we drove through lush jungle and farmlands to visit a local rice plantation. Looking across the fields of rice and examining the levees, I realized for the first time that I actually had no idea how rice was harvested and processed.
Chickens grazed on the rice that laid to dry outside as our guide explained the irrigation system and harvesting machinery. Inside the plantation, we watched workers use machines to process the rice for human consumption.
Coffee and Cigar Bar
Next up, stop by a roadside cigar bar where you can watch as the cigars are prepared, rolled and cut. If you’re not interested in their selection of free cigars, don’t worry. There’s also complimentary coffee and tea.
The shop inside also has a variety of local goods and souvenirs. You can sample coconut oils in a variety of delightful scents, or take home a bottle of mamajuana.
Montana Redonda
Now that you’re buzzing on coffee, cigars, mamajuana, or a combination of the three, it’s finally time to begin the real adventure: the 900 foot climb up Montana Redonda.
The bumpy ride up the mountainside offers breathtaking views – literally. You might catch yourself holding your breath as the truck crawls over steep, rocky inclines and you find yourself at the same altitude as the hawks flying through the peaks and valleys.
The truck broke into applause when we arrived at the peak of Montana Redonda. From here, we were free to take in the view, relax, and explore. Our guide even brought along some rum and mixers for everyone.
Several swings encircle the mountain’s peak. Just slide in between the lap-belt for safety, and swing towards the skies. You can also lounge in a hammock or climb to the top of the viewing tower for an even better view.
The zipline and bikes cost $20 USD in cash. There are a couple stalls to peruse jewelry and souvenirs, and a small restaurant that’s also cash only.
Conclusion
The Montana Redonda 360 excursion is the perfect way to escape the resort bubble, learn about local agriculture, and soak up the natural beauty of this tropical paradise. It’s well-suited for most age groups, with the exception of young children. Plus, you’ll be accommodated at every stop by friendly guides who know a great amount about the local area. If you’re looking for an excursion that leaves you with unique experiences while still returning you to the resort by the afternoon, then this is it.
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