Consuelo

The group includes three main islands and one small islet. The islands of Pacijan and Poro are joined by a causeway; Ponson is separate, a bit to the north. There are several ports around the islands:

Poro is the main port, where the ferry from Cebu City arrives.

Consuelo, for the service to/from Danao

Pilar, for Ormoc on Leyte

In addition, at some other places, such as Kawit, the pumpboat is just pulled up onto the beach.

Talk

Cebuano (also called Bisayan) is the main language of the islands. English is also widely spoken.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) in Santo Domingo, which handles both domestic and international flights. An alternative is Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) in Punta Cana. From the airport, Consuelo can be reached by taxi or rental car. Pre-arranged hotel transfers are often the most convenient option.

By Car / Road

Consuelo is accessible by road from San Pedro de Macorís and other regional centers. Caribe Tours and other bus companies operate services from major cities. Driving from Santo Domingo takes approximately 2–4 hours depending on the route. Roads are generally paved but can be narrow in rural areas. Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) and guaguas (minibuses) provide local connections to nearby towns.

Rent a scooter for ₱300 a day or get a driver with a multicab .

Lake Danao (small entrance and parking fee; restaurants available)

Timobo Cave ( ₱30 )

Santiago Beach (restaurants available)

Bukilat cave

View point and calvary near Timobo cave

Walk around Poro town. Enjoy the beaches. Have a swim in the sea.

Rent a scooter ( ₱300 /day + gas) and explore the island.

ATM

Development Bank . near the market in Poro town has a 24-hour ATM. Only Visa cards accepted. No MasterCard withdrawal. If you run out of money and you don't have Visa card, you can use online money transfer of Western Union, top up it online with your credit card and withdraw money from LBC branch in Poro near the port. Fee is US$5 or €5.

If you are looking for mid-range restaurants, choice will be limited to the resort restaurants. Cheap eateries with lower prices and hygiene standards can be found around the island, especially at the beaches (e.g. Santiago beach) and in Poro (market area).

Dominican rum (Brugal, Barceló, and Bermúdez are the big three) is widely available and inexpensive. Presidente beer is the national lager, served ice-cold. Fresh fruit juices (jugos naturales) made from passion fruit, guava, or orange are refreshing in the tropical heat. Tap water is not potable — drink bottled water only. Local bars (colmados) double as community gathering spots.

RMS Travelers Inn . Pamatasan (400 m from San francisco town public market). Dorm bed for ₱299 per person. fan double room with own bathroom from ₱399. Free wifi. A good clean low-cost place for backpackers to stay.

Camotes Backpackers Hostel ,

Purok 10 Santiago .

Check-in: 1PM , check-out: noon .

A/C double room with own bathroom. Free wifi and free breakfast.

from ₱995 .   ( updated Jun 2023 )

Local markets offer fresh produce, Dominican coffee, rum, and handmade crafts. Supermarkets and colmados (small corner stores) stock daily essentials. For larger shopping needs, head to San Pedro de Macorís. ATMs are available but may have limited cash — bring Dominican pesos (RD$) for small purchases.

• San Pedro de Macorís — The regional capital and largest city, offering more dining, shopping, and accommodation options.
• Puerto Plata — The historic Atlantic coast city with the Teleférico cable car, Fortaleza San Felipe, and Playa Dorada (2–3 hours).
• Santo Domingo — The capital city with the UNESCO-listed Colonial Zone, the first cathedral and hospital in the Americas (3–4 hours).