A Blend of Natural and Cosmopolitan Attractions
Home to some of the country's lushest and
most fertile lands, El Cibao, the central region of the
Dominican Republic. includes the towns of Santiago and La
Vega, as well as the stunning Cordillera Central mountain
ranges and the Cibao Valley.
Santiago, the country's second largest city, is
known as the cigar capital and offers a number of
entertainment and cultural options. Calle del Sol, the
city's main shopping district, is stocked with shops, hotels,
restaurants, bars and an array of vendors. An ideal spot for
cigar lovers and a perfect place to relax after a day of
shopping is the Museo del Tabaco. Visitors will learn
about the art of cigar-making while purchasing some of the
Dominican Republic's top brands. In addition, the city
provides fine accommodations, a vibrant nightlife and variety
of stores that are comparable to the capital city. Santiago
has its own international airport, which also serves as
an alternative point of entry to Puerto Plata. Every February,
Santiago and the nearby town of La Vega invite visitors
to join in their annual Carnaval celebration, an experience
they will long remember.
Cordillera Central
Surrounded by breathtaking views and scapes of fragrant
flowers and towering hilltops, the Dominican Alps are a must
for nature lovers and thrill seekers. Adventure enthusiasts
are sure to be drawn to Pico Duarte, the highest point
in all of the Caribbean. Stretching up approximately 10,000
feet, Pico Duarte is located in the central mountain range of
the Dominican Republic near the in-land cities of Constanza
and Jarabacoa. A popular place for mountain climbing, rafting,
canyoning and biking, Pico Duarte is surprisingly cool for a
Caribbean island, with temperatures dipping as low as 60¡ in
the evenings. Guided expeditions are available to Constanza
and Jarabacoa from main tourist areas. Most include
bus transportation.
One of the most elevated valleys in the Dominican Republic,
Constanza is 3,940 feet above sea level. With a mild
climate and fertile lands, the valley grows an abundance of
fruits and vegetables as well as stunning, exotic flowers. A
calm, peaceful area, Constanza is also ideal for bird
watching.
Jarabacoa, at 1,732 feet above sea level, is equally
lush. With only 6,000 inhabitants, it's an excellent producer
of fruits and vegetables due to the rich agricultural lands.
Jarabacoa's three rivers running through the area are sure to
provide every adventurer with a priceless experience. The
brave can try river rafting through the unpredictable waters
of the Rio Jimenoa, Rio Yaque del Norte and Rio
Baiguate. Each river provides a different level of action,
so depending on the level of expertise or courage, the rafter
can choose the one that is most appropriate. Other activities
to try include tubing, canyoning, hiking and horseback riding.
National Parks
The central region has two national parks, including Parque
Nacional Armando Bermudez, another good spot for bird
watching, and Parque Nacional Jose del Carmen Ramirez, which
offers a variety of birds and other wildlife, as well as many
species of flowers and plantlife.
