E SANTIAGO | drupon

Santiago is located in the Cibao Valley and is the capital of the Central Region and the second biggest city in the DominicanRepublic.

With almost one million inhabitants Santiago a very lively and busy place, with countless restaurants, culture, shopping and dynamic nightlife.

It is often called the"Heart City", as it is located in the center of the big island of Hispaniola.

This fertile are similar to the one of PuertoPlata,the cradle of the Dominican tobacco,coffee, cocoa and rum.

Also it is considered the cradle of the Dominican Nationa lrhythm of the Merengues

Do not miss the opportunity to walk along the mainstreet, Calle El Sol, where many companies, hotels, restaurants, bars and a big variety of shops lie.

The Parque Duarte [Duarte Park ]is located at the northernend of the street and is very popular with the locals.

It is agreat example of the relaxed life style of Santiago.

The Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration.

It was inaugurated in 1944 by dictator Rafael LeonidasTrujillo, to commemorate the centenary of national independence.

Until his death,it was known as the"Peace Monument of Trujillo".

Today the museum shows in its interio rphotos of the restoration War of 1863-1865, the struggle between the Dominican and Spanish armies to restore the Republic.

This seventy meters high tower and partially clad with marbleis located at the entrance and at the highest point of the city.

Due to the beautiful view here are often held artistic events.

The space is especially very popular in the evening by the locals.

TIP: From the monument you can enjoy a wonderful view over Santiago and

throughout the Cibao valley, over the rice and tobacco fields to the Cordillera (mountain chain).

Transport

Santiago is about one and half an hour from Puerto Plata International Airport (POP) and less than two hours away from the capital Santo Domingo.

Buses from CaribeTours and Metro drive every hour from Santiago to La Vega, Puerto Plata, Samana and Santo Domingo, with respective connections to other major cities in the country.

TIP: You can also travel by private car, either via Puerto Plata, Navarrete to Santiago.This is the longer but the easier route to Santiago.

Or you can take the road Turistica to Santiago. Between Puerto Plata and Sosua this road branches off to the mountains.

It is very curvy, but this one has always beautiful views of the coast, the mountains and finally over the whole Cibao Valley and Santiago.

Along the way you can buy on the street vegetables and fruit very cheap, fresh from the mountains.

Watch out on the street, it is very narrow, and it can also happen that a piece o froad is missing.

But this journey is worth it.

Halfway, at the highest point you even pass a coffee plantation.

The old Town

At the town hall, which was built by a Belgian architect from 1892 to 1895 ,you can clearly see the European Recognize Neo classicism. During the Victorian era many residences are left in the city center in this elegant style.

TIP: Santiago is ideal for shopping,because here in the big cityy ou will find everything. The most largest shops can be found in the Old Town and on the thorough fares.

Also, there are very good hospitals here.

The Cultural Center León

Parque Duarte.

Opening hours: Tue - Fr 9:00am – 12:00 und 2:00pm–5:30pm

Since its opening in 2003 to mark the centenary of León Jimenes,
the leading company in the cigar and beer production,the center provides with its permanent exhibitions "Characteristics of Identity" and "Creation and career" still the best overview of the roots, the heritage and cultural identity of theDominican population.

The cultural centeris constantly changing its temporary exhibitions and maintains an intense program of activities.

The permanent exhibits include the exposure of the production process of handmade cigars that are located in a replica of the original factory, which is reached by a small garden.

The ideal place for cigar lovers is the “Museo del Tabaco” [Cigar Museum], where you can learn all about the art of cigar making and you can buy some of the best known brands in the country.

If you are a cigar lover, it would be a shame to leave the Cibao Valley, without visiting this unique museum.

Carnival

Ten minutes from Santiago ou will find the city of La Vega, the capital of the carnival.

On Sundays in February / March the Dominican carnival figures of the "masked devil" "Lechones" and the horned "Pepines" walk on the street as well as visitors of the carnival parade, floats and other radiant costumed figures.