Things to see and do Central

The Virgen de la Altagracia is a small chapel, with an image of the Virgin inside painted by the sculptor Timo Pimentel. Pilgrims come here to light a candle, make a request or to give thanks. Others come to admire the landscape from one of the highest points on the Constanza route. For the latter, it is best to come at sunset(golden hour) when the view is absolutely radiant.

An excursion to Pico Duarte is an extraordinary experience! The ascent to the highest peak in the Caribbean, which reaches an altitude of 3,098 m, is demanding but unforgettable (if you are well equipped). The variations in altitude and temperature as well as the difficulty of the ascent on barely marked and steep paths require excellent physical condition and an iron will. The 23-kilometre (46-kilometre return) hike takes two to three days, through a changing and majestic landscape, sometimes arid, sometimes shrouded in a mystical mist. On the first day, we cover the La Cienega-La Comparticion route (2,450 m) where the visitors' centre serves as a stopover, and the next day we reach the peak at night in a few hours.

Itis in the village of La Cienega, at an altitude of 1,100 m, 55 km from Jarabacoa via Constanza, that you will buy the permit giving access to the national park, for the modest sum of 100 pesos. To do the hike in good conditions, it is essential to hire a local guide, the only ones qualified for this kind of hike (daily budget: 200 pesos per person, plus 300 pesos for a transport mule, 350 pesos for a saddle mule, and 400 pesos for the guide). Hikers wishing to save their strength can make part of the journey on the back of a mule - to be negotiated with local farmers who offer mules used to the rigours of this climb.

Founded by Eduardo León, the factory has existed since 1903. The industrial group, one of the most important in the country, produces today cigars under the brands La Aurora and León Jimenez, cigarettes for national consumption, and beers. Here you will visit a reconstruction of the workshops, the company having moved to the suburbs of Santiago. The visit is interesting and ends without surprise in the shop where the prices are attractive.

Also known as Eugenio de Jesús Marcano Park, the Botanical Garden of Santiago de los Caballeros is a space entirely dedicated to the preservation of the variety of natural species of the region. It is a real theme park where the most emblematic botanical species of the Cibao Valley are presented in different sections that can be crossed on foot or by bicycle (a bicycle path goes all around the garden). The locals like to come here for a picnic.

Only 50 minutes away from Santo Domingo is the Salto de Socoa (Socoa waterfall), a small natural wonder. To find it, you must take the road that leads to the Parque Nacional Los Haitises and go to the village of Bayaguana. Once you have passed the entrance gate, you will have to follow the flight of steps that leads to the pool and the waterfall. The place is very popular with the locals! The wilderness and rainforest surrounding the waterfall are sensational. Don't forget your bathing suit!