Constanza

 

Surrounded by mountains, the towns of Constanza and Jarabacoa lie in the valleys of the Central Cordillera and they are characterized by its scenic beauty. For those seeking rest and relaxation, the fresh mountain air and the abundant vegetation will impress you as much as the most beautiful beaches on the island.

These villages, in the middle of the Caribbean called "Alps", enjoy year-round pleasant spring weather and extraordinary, inspiring panoramas. 

Strände der Insel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constanza is a city and municipality in the province of La Vega in the Dominican Republic. This is located at about 1,150 meters and many of its inhabitants call it the Switzerland of the Caribbean. 

 

The reason lies in the pine trees, the architecture of summer houses, small hotels and the charming valley where there are fruits, flowers and vegetables grown.
 
Because of the altitude there is a very different climate than the coast. 

 

The average temperature is 18 º C and in the warmest month the average is  about 20 ° C.. The temperatures in the city are rarely above 30 ° C in summer. 

 

The temperatures in the winter lie partly below the freezing point.

 

Because the climate in Constanza less tropical fruits are grown, instead potatoes, cabbage, lettuce, strawberries,(ect.) are grown Constanza is often visited by tourists who love adventure and nature.

 

 

Arrival

 

Constanza is located in the interior of the Dominican Republic and at the same distance from the international airport Puerto Plata (POP) and Las Americas (SDQ). 

 

The Santiago (STI) International Airport is the closest airport, just 1.5 hours from Constanza, where there is also a heliport (COZ) at the entrance of the village.

 

Buses from Caribe Tours run four times a day from Santo Domingo to Jarabacoa. 

 

Once you reach the city, you can either take taxis or minibuses for the journey to the final destination. 

 

TIP: It is recommended to rent an SUV with four-wheel drive to explore this area. At the access road to Constanza be careful  due to the steep winding road. 

 

Those who take the path, however, are rewarded with the feeling of having found in the Caribbean a little piece of Switzerland at 1,200 meters above the sea level.

 

 

 

ATTRACTION:

 

Waterfalls

 

There are a number of waterfalls in the area, the impressive waterfalls are "Jimenoa" and "Baiguate" (Jarabacoa) and "Aguas Blancas" (Constanza). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Park

 

Valle Nuevo

 

The "New Valley" is located about 2,256 meters above sea level, the highest valley in the Caribbean. Up here flourish about 250 typical highland plant species, 39 of them are endemic. 

 

The valley consists of several savannas of medium size. It is considered the geographic center of the Dominican Republic. It is located about 17 kilometers from Constanza on the route San Jose de Ocoa.
  

Geologists believe that the area in the geological period of the Pleistocene (before about 11,000 to 1.8 million years ago) was probably covered by a glacier. 

 

There are accommodations in rustic cabins for those who prefer not to camp. We recommend warm clothing as temperatures can often drop to 0 ° C, especially in winter and spring. 

 

 

Las Pirámides

 

In the Valle Nuevo, also known as La Nevera (fridge), there are Las Piramides, which were created in 1957 by the municipalities Constanza and San José de Ocoa during construction of the pass road and mark the border of the two municipalities. 

 

This pyramid marking the geographical center of the Dominican Republic also marks the four cardinal directions.  

 

There is an exotic and alpine landscape at about 2550 m above sea level where it can be cold up to -5 ° C during the winter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valle Encantado

 

is also called the "Enchanted Valley". In this valley there has been a guided group that was lost.

The valley consists of several savannas of medium size.

 

Valle del Tetero (Valley of the baby bottles)

 

is the main savanna mountain range of the Cordillera Central. The valley is 1,500 meters high and is 3.2 km wide. It is an ideal place to stock up on water resources and provisions for camping.

 

Las Piedras Letradas

 

Through the valley Valle de la Culata we reach, 18 km outside of  the city, one of the most important monuments in the country: Las Piedras Letradas. 

 

This remnant of the Taino culture is a big shrine or temple with Indian petroglyphs that reveal the life and habits of a 500-year-old, extinct civilization and consists of a 20 m wide and 7 m high stone. It is situated at 1,635 meters above sea level, where winter temperatures are measured to -2 ° C.

The tour takes about 3 hours.