SANTIAGO

Santiago de los Caballeros–named after the 30 Spanish aristocrats who followed Columbus and settled here in 1495–was the country’s first capital before it suffered an earthquake in 1562. Today, the Dominican Republic’s second largest city–affectionately dubbed “Ciudad Corazón” or the city in the heart of the Cibao Valley–is a modern and cosmopolitan center thriving in commerce, finance, education, and services, and pulsating with culture.

GETTING HERE

Cibao International Airport (STI) is 15 minutes from bustling Santiago, the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, tucked in the mountainous center of the country. It is closest to the nearby cities and towns of La Vega, Jarabacoa, and Constanza. It can also be a second gateway option if you are staying in Puerto Plata–just ensure additional transportation time before your return flight. By Land through Duarte Highway. Welcome to Paradise!

GOLF

City golf course with panoramic views of Santiago, the Cibao Valley and the Yaque del Norte River. It was designed by Pete Dye make it one of the hardest in the country.

HISTORY.

Tomas Morel Museum for the best carnival masks, this invaluable collection can be seen in the small museum. The Mirabal sisters, known for fighting to overthrow former dictator Trujillo and country’s beloved heroines, their home turned museum, in the small town of Salcedo, approximately an hour outside of Santiago.

CIGAR FACTORY & SHOPS

DR is a dream destination for Cigars smoker, at Santiago where most of the DR’s cigar factories are located an ranked among the top 25 best in the world, with multiple award-winning cigars; You can tour from its rolling room to the leaf stripping, fermenting and aging rooms at exclusive facilities.

ART & CULTURE

Dominican history and culture, dating back to the Taino days. You’ll also find art pieces at Eduardo León Jimenes Art Center, Casa de Arte sits in the historic center of downtown Santiago, with Dominican artists’ works, hosts live music or theater performances in the evening. The Cibao Theater to delight from artirts concerts and theater playsplays.

SPORTS FIELDS

The entertainment on the field is matched by the irrepressibly jubilant mood of the team’s loyal at The Cibao Stadium, home of the Aguilas Cibaeñas baseball club and hosts professional baseball games from mid-October through the end of January. A basketball facility hosts in the Spring-Summer Tournaments in an all-out battle for the city championship.

CITY ICONIC SIGHTS

The city’s iconic white marble tower, circled on all sides by a multilevel garden and boasting panoramic views over the city. You can tour its interior, named after the heroes of the Restoration War who died in the fight to regain the DR’s independence from Spain. Visit Parks surrounded with historical buildings, including the cathedral, the former city hall, and the pedestrian-packed shopping street Calle del Sol.

NIGHTLIFE

The city of Santiago is known for its electric nightlife. You’ll find rows of bars and lounges all around the city’s iconic Monumento a los Héroes downtown. Place your bets at one of Santiago’s casinos at downtown hotels, The city also counts a number of shopping malls with bars and nightclubs, running late into the night.

DINING

The wealthy head for the gourmet restaurants in the Los Jardines Metropolitanos area for international cuisine and Dominican food. Calle del Sol also popular for breakfasts and lunches serves Latin American favorites.

PARKS

If you want to truly get a taste of Santiago, a side trip to the Parks, iconic places to truly one of the experience you will enjoy the most to play with the kids, to jogging or seat at a bench to relax.

SHOPPING

A plethora of stores line Santiago’s primary shopping street, Calle del Sol. Expect everything from apparel to shoes, electronics, and souvenirs. You’ll also find the city’s historic Mercado Modelo, indoor market filled with Dominican items shops. As the second largest city, Santiago offers an array of shopping malls, designer boutiques and Supermarkets.