Went with my 8 year old to see Monkeyland and learn about how coffee and cocoa are made as well as see a typical Dominican house. Our guide Edy (or maybe it is spelled Eddy) was waiting for us promptly at 7am with a friendly greeting and we got onto the bus driven by Samuel. Our guide kept us updated about how many stops to pick people up, provided a lot of interesting information about the country that went beyond just the basics and we learned a lot, plus he was explaining it in an animated way and telling some jokes throughout, so it was engaging and fun, not just some regurgitated facts. All the while Samuel drove carefully and safely to get us there. Our guide brought us through all of the experiences, everything was well organized, he had a little mic which made it easy to hear him, which I noticed other guides did not and I thought to myself thank goodness I am with this one lol. He explained everything in a way that was amusing which kept my 8 year old’s attention, not an easy feat. Everything was organized and orderly also, the people working at each stop were very friendly and efficient! We learned about many products local to that area, buy some and support the locals from that area! Our guide did a great job in describing everything, I bought a bunch of stuff and our guide even offered to help carry it if it was too heavy lol. Our guide recommended we buy the bigger cocoa butter or we might regret it, so I got the medium instead of small which I was originally thinking of. I just got to my hotel and already regret getting only the medium size, so do yourself a favour and buy the large, it is so luxurious and delicious smelling, much better than the factory version I buy at home! I really liked the fact that I could bring my own camera but there is is also a photographer taking reasonably priced pictures that you can buy. Lockers are available for a fee (I think he said $10 then you get back $5 when returning the key) or you can store your things in a communal bin which I did. Nothing allowed in except phones or cameras. No bags of any kind. As we moved along, our guide was always nearby providing guidance, which I appreciated because we went on an excursion with another company earlier in the week and our group was often separated, not knowing where to go and our guide nowhere to be found. After that, I was worried about this excursion, but any time I turned around, our guide was right there. We got some reasonably priced drinks, snacks and souvenirs at the end and were treated to refreshing drinks (water or soda) on the way home, which was a nice way to finish the day. Definitely recommend this trip and if you can see if you can go with Edy (or Eddy however it is spelled) and Samuel! I had so much fun I am thinking of booking another excursion with this company before we leave!
