The easiest excursion into the mountains from Santiago is San José de las Matas, a sleepy hill station looking out over the northern Cordillera Central. There's little to do within town but take a leisurely walk and admire the views; for one such lookout, take the dirt path behind the post office, on 30 de Marzo, to a cliff-top park with a good vantage over the neighboring mountains. Most points of interest lie a bit outside San José, such as the Balneario idal Pichardo Trail, 10km north at the confluence of the rivers Anima and Bao, which is ideal for a day's hike.

If you're arriving from Santiago, it will likely either be by guagua (hourly; RD$20), or by car - simply head west on Calle 30 de Marzo, cross the Hermanos Patiño bridge and continue west for 28km.
 

Most visitors choose to make a day trip of the town, but those looking to stay the night will find a couple of good hotels, including Hotel Restaurant San José, 30 de Marzo 37 (phone 809/578-8566; up to US$25) with basic rooms, ceiling fans and hot water. Los Samenes is as good a place to eat as any, with a great little restaurant serving typical Dominican platters.

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