Travel to Santiago Dominican Republic

Why Santiago?
Santiago is the second largest city on the island with a population of almost 1 million. It is located in the middle of the country, surrounded by the most fertile soils of the Caribbean and abundant natural resources.  [more]

Why Santiago?
Santiago is the second largest city on the island with a population of almost 1 million. It is located in the middle of the country, surrounded by the most fertile soils of the Caribbean and abundant natural resources.

Founded as the city of "Los Trenta Caballerous" it was originally build on the banks of Rio Yaque Del Norte at a place called Jacagus in 1494 where Columbus ordered a fort to be built. The settlement was moved in 1563 to its present day site but was destroyed in the late 16th century by an earthquake.

Rebuilt and named "Santiago los Caballerous" the city is the industrial center of the island with rum and tobacco its main products. Entering the city you will see the "Monument of the Restoration of the Republic." A white marble structure that rises some 220 feet in the sky. The monument houses an exceptional collection of murals by Vela Zaneti and has an exceptional view of the city below.

The narrow streets of the city offer the visitor a tour into the city’s rich historic past. Almost every street has at least one colonial building and several have even older buildings from the Victorian era, with their gingerbread style housing.

The best way to get around the city is by foot, although a ride through the city in a horse-drawn carriage offers a chance to see more of the city. A good place to begin a city tour is the Santiago City Museum housed inside a 19th century palace. Other places of interest are the Tobacco Museum the Cathedral de Santiago Apostle, and the Tomas Morel Museum of Indigenous and Folk Art. The rum distilleries also attract their share of tourist. All of the larger distilleries offer tours capped off with a rum tasting session.

And don’t forget, this is also the birthplace of the Merengue, which emerged in the Dominican countryside years ago. The Caribbean dance rhythm has evolved to beome one of the most popular Latin dances in the world. [less]