Santiago de los Caballeros
Santiago, 51000
Located in the Cibao Valley, Santiago de los Caballeros is the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city—and one of its oldest. Surrounded by mountains, the city stands in sharp contrast to the many beach resorts found in other parts of the country. Known for agriculture and industrial businesses, Santiago is also rich in art and culture, sports, and nightlife.
The basics
Although it’s not typically a tourist destination, Santiago offers plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. Explore museums like the Centro León or San Luis Fort (Fortaleza San Luis), discover street art, visit a rum or tobacco factory, or catch a baseball or basketball game—both hugely popular in the city. Or, head outside the city to explore the Cordillera Central mountain range or go whitewater rafting on the Yaque del Norte River. Guided day tours are available from some cities, including Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata.
Things to know before you go
Santiago de los Caballeros is ideal for visitors looking to escape the tourist crowds in the Dominican Republic.
The city makes a good base for exploring the central and northern regions of the country.
There are plenty of dining, nightlife, and lodging options.
How to get there
Santiago de los Caballeros is located in the central region of the Dominican Republic, around 96 miles (155 kilometers) northwest of Santo Domingo. Rent a car, take a taxi, or a bus between the cities. The closest airport is Cibao International Airport, just around 10 miles (16 kilometers) away from the city center.
When to get there
Santiago de los Caballeros can be visited year-round. It’s more sheltered from hurricanes than elsewhere in the country and offers cooler temperatures than the coast. Carnival, which is celebrated throughout February and into March, is a festive time to visit. Summer is the best time for whitewater rafting, while those who travel between October and January can catch a Cibao Aguilas (Águilas Cibaeñas) baseball game.
Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration
Originally built for the late dictator Rafael Trujillo, the Monument to the Heroes (Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración) was later rededicated to the soldiers who fought for the country’s independence from Spain between 1863 and 1865. Located on a hill in Duarte Park, at the eastern end of downtown, the 230-foot-tall (70-meter-tall) monument offers sweeping views of Santiago de los Caballeros from its top floors.
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