Santiago de los Caballeros is the second city of the Dominican Republic and the centre of the Cibao, the farming valley north of the capital. This guide is for you if you are based in Santo Domingo and want to see it in a day. It covers when to go, what the long drive involves, what you are looking at once you arrive, and who should pick a shorter day instead.
When to go
February is the month that changes Santiago. The city holds its Independence carnival then, and its central figure is the lechón, a masked character in a bright suit. There are about 50 organised lechón groups in the city. The tradition began in two neighbourhoods, La Joya and Los Pepines, and the masks differ from one to the other. Expect busier streets and slower traffic on carnival days. If you want to see it, ask us about dates before you book.
The rest of the year, Santiago is warm and tropical, a little cooler than the coast. The tourist board counts December to April and July to August as the busy seasons. Outside the north coast, the rainy season runs from May to November, with May usually the wettest month. The cyclone season lasts from the beginning of June to the end of November, and most storms form in September and October. A storm warning matters on a day with this much driving, so message us if one is issued.
The road north
Be clear about the shape of the day before you book. Nearly five of the ten hours are on the road. You are collected at 07:00 and reach Santiago a little after two hours later.
The route is the DR-1, the Autopista Duarte, named after the country's founding father. It is a dual carriageway for the whole way to Santiago, about 155 kilometres, passing Villa Altagracia, skirting Bonao and running past the edge of La Vega. The return takes about two and a half hours, with a stop on the way, and you are back at your hotel at about 17:00.
What you see in Santiago
The monument on the hill
The first stop is the white Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration, above the city. Its history is more tangled than its name. The dictator Rafael Trujillo ordered it built in his own honour, as the Monument to Trujillo's Peace. Work ran from 1944 to 1952 and it was inaugurated in 1953. After Trujillo was assassinated in 1961, it was renamed for the heroes of the Restoration War. From the hill you look over the city to the mountains around the valley.
The old centre
Next comes the centre around Parque Duarte: the main square, the cathedral of Santiago Apóstol, the Fortaleza San Luis and Calle del Sol. The cathedral is a working church, so cover your shoulders and knees. Lunch is in the centre and not included.
The cigar workshop
Santiago is known for its cigar-making tradition, and it is the centre of the Dominican tobacco trade. In the afternoon you watch cigars being rolled by hand. Nobody expects you to buy; if you want a box to take home, that is your call.
The city also has the Centro León, a cultural centre with exhibitions. It is not on the plan, so if you would like time there instead of somewhere else, ask us before the day.
Driving yourself, or a private day
You can drive the Autopista Duarte yourself in a hire car. You then need to find parking in the centre and drive the two and a half hours back at the end of the day.
A private day gives you the drive without the wheel: a door-to-door run from your hotel, a driver who parks while you walk, and the freedom to change the order once you are there. The price covers the vehicle and driver, fuel, tolls and parking. Entrances, lunch, drinks and anything you buy are extra. The price depends on the size of your group; see it on the tour page.
If you are flying in or out of Santiago instead of Santo Domingo, Cibao International Airport is about half an hour from the city centre. Message us, as this tour is planned around a Santo Domingo pick-up.
What to bring
- Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, for the cathedral.
- Comfortable shoes for the old centre and the monument hill.
- Sun cream, a hat and water for the stops in the open.
- Cash or a card for lunch, drinks and anything you buy at the cigar workshop.
- Something to do in the car. Five hours is a long time to look at a motorway.
Every passenger entering or leaving the Dominican Republic has to complete the free immigration e-ticket online, so do it before you fly.
Who it suits, and who should think twice
It suits travellers who have already seen the Colonial Zone and want a different side of the country: the inland valley, the second city and its tobacco trade.
- You have small children, or anyone who dislikes long drives. Half the day is in the vehicle. The Boca Chica and Juan Dolio half day stays close to the city.
- You have only one day in Santo Domingo. See the capital first. The full-day Santo Domingo tour covers the old town and the east bank.
- You want the mountains too. Jarabacoa is not part of this day. Message us for a longer day that adds it.
- You are more than 16. Two vehicles travel together on one booking. Message us for a price.
Our guide to day trips from Santo Domingo sets the five side by side.
Questions people ask
Is it worth ten hours?
If you want to see more of the country than the capital and the beaches, yes. If you want a relaxed day, pick a shorter tour.
Can we cancel?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours before pick-up and you are refunded in full. See our cancellation page.
Booking the day
Think about February if the carnival appeals, accept the hours on the road, and pack for the cathedral. The pick-up, timings and what is included are on the Santiago de los Caballeros private day trip page, where you choose the size of your group and book.
