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POINT OF INTEREST

Tabacalera de Garcia Cigar Factory

Zona Franca 2, La Romana, Dominican Republic, 22000

When Fidel Castro marched into Havana and seized the Cuban government, he took the island’s tobacco industry and hand-rolled cigars along with it. Cuban cigar makers then fled the country in search of factories elsewhere. One of those places was La Romana in the neighboring Dominican Republic. Established in 1971, Tabacalera de Garcia has grown into the largest hand-rolled cigar factory in the world.

The basics

On the palm-lined Caribbean coast outside of the Casa de Campo Resort, you can witness the impeccable care that goes into making a cigar. The majority of tobacco is sourced from local Dominican plantations, and then hand bunched and individually inspected for quality, craftsmanship, and care. Famous cigar brands such as Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta are processed, rolled, and packaged here on the island’s southeastern coast.

Things to know before you go

  • There’s a cigar box factory on site that produces the shiny signature boxes.

  • You can buy premium cigar brands right at the factory gift shop.

  • The island's fertile soil and climate are especially well-suited for growing tobacco, which is why Dominican Republic cigars are highly prized.

How to get there

Located in the town of La Romana, outside of the Casa de Campo Resort, Tabacalera de Garcia Cigar Factory is a 1-hour drive from Punta Cana and a 1.5-hour drive from Santo Domingo. Minibusses travel regularly from Santo Domingo to La Romana. Within La Romana, you’ll find both taxis and motorized scooters to get around.

When to get there

Tours of the Tabacalera de Garcia Cigar Factory are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays through a local vendor—you’ll need to book in advance. La Romana is a regularly visited cruise port on Caribbean itineraries, so if a ship is docked, expect to encounter more crowds around town during that time.

Things to do in La Romana

A favorite among European travelers, La Romana offers a different perspective of life in the Dominican Republic. It’s home to picturesque beaches and historical attractions including Altos de Chavón. Built in 1976, this village houses restaurants, shops, an archaeology museum, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater.

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