We arrived in SJD airport. They dont really have baggage carts there, but there are men with carts who can service you for a tip.
First beware of the trip, when you passed customs and immigration you go into an area where people ask you if you are looking for transport. Tell them you already have it! These are your timeshare people, they make offers of free transfers, cab rides, free activites, free everything. Catch is you need to ruin one of the perfect days of your trip going to one of their 1.5 hour breakfast and tours (everyone we spoke to that went to one said they last more like 3-4 hours). We held out the entire trip, and by the end, they were offering, $500 cash and 2 bottles of tequila and a free nights accommodation. So keep walking if you do not want to get dragged in ... just their spiel inside the airport will take 30 minutes of your time.
Outside we found plenty of shuttles, one of which we took at a cost of $22. The first man you are likely to come into contact with, is not the driver, he is the organizer, he takes your money and you don't see anyone for a while, and you wait in the heat thinking you have just been swindled for the first time. We tipped this man, he looked perplexed and never thanked us ... we shortly later understood why. We waited an hour before our shuttled filled up and we finally left. We tipped again, so the trip cost more like $35 for 2 people. It turns out the taxis only charge $18 for the same trip and leave as soon as you are ready.
If you need to go to the bathroom in the airport, all I can ask you is, can you hold it? Perhaps the most foul bathrooms I have been in - ever!
You will notice the incredible vistas when you land ... it only gets better!
We stayed at the Riu Santa Fe that we booked through BOOKIT.COM. The place is huge and sets next to the Riu Palace. Sante Fe has over 800 rooms and is bigger than any place we ever stayed. Nice accomodations but NO ELEVATORS so if you have a health issue you must ask for a first floor room or a room in building 7 (has elevators there). We had asked to get moved and it never happened. This resort is right where you need to be - much activity - a short taxi ride to downtown and the Puerto Paraiso Mall, and the marina, Hard Rock Cafe, Cabo Wabo, etc. Its worth a morning ride to town. We also took a sunset cruise on the TROPICAT (a large catamaran) and have wonderful photos of the Arch (famous EL ARCO) and the mountains with a disappearing sun.
Go to Bookit.com and book it there... I suggest you put in the comments section that you want a first floor room or a room in bldg. 7.
No ifs ands or buts! Total trip for the 7 days was $2,300.00 You will be able to pay later through BILL ME LATER if you make your reservations through bookit.com - and the Book It man is in your lobby every day til 1:00 p.m. to help you with cruises, etc. Glad we went but we both prefer the Caribbean than the Mexican hospitality. Next year - ARUBA!
posted 10 months ago.