Bathroom Break

All the capitaleños (Santa Domingoans) stop at Parador Jaracanda on their journey between Santo Domingo and Santiago because it has some of the cleanest and most well-maintained restrooms on the highway. It's accessible whether you're traveling north (on the left) or south (on the right). You can also get food. Dominicans prefer their own heavy specialties from the buffet, but lighter eaters may prefer yogurt, cheese, fresh-baked goods, tea, or coffee to go. You can also get sandwiches. There's an attached hotel if you need to stop for the night, and it's a fine place for that, with the 22 rooms costing less than $40 a double. It's a possible accommodation for a Carnaval overnight if you can't get a room in Santiago. Autopista Duarte, between Santo Domingo and Santiago, at northern edge of Bonao, Santiago, 51000. 809/525-5590.