Welcome to
Constanza
Boasting an average elevation of 1,200 meters (4,000 feet), Constanza is the highest altitude town in the Caribbean region. With those impressive heights come cool temperatures, rolling valleys blanketed in thick pine trees, cabins fitted with chimneys for the single digit night temperatures, and an agricultural landscape that reveals a surprising departure from the beach. Breadbasket of the country, Constanza’s vast fields of vegetables–potatoes, cabbage, corn, and carrots, among others–flowers, and even strawberries can be seen while driving around the province. Its mountainside villages boast magical views over these fields, earning Constanza nicknames like “the Switzerland of the Caribbean” and “Valle Encantado” or the Enchanted Valley.
Bordered by four large national parks, including two scientific reserves, this geographic center of the Dominican Republic is blessed with nature–from freshly harvested foods to fresh river sources, and multiple types of forests. Valle Nuevo National Park–the highest plateau in the region at approximately 1,900-2,100 meters (6,500-7,000 feet)–is home to major rivers supplying the country, not to mention ideal hiking trails amid cloud, criollo pine, and fern tree forests as well as highland plains. Over 70 species of birds thrive there, including the endangered golden swallow, and you’ll find plenty of reptiles, amphibians, and over 500 species of plants. At the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve, chilly but fresh pools await amid an environment of precious woods and over 80 species of orchids, giant tree frogs, and lizards.
On the weekends, Constanza’s small town center bustles with bars, gourmet restaurants–enjoy fresh vegetable pizzas or strawberry shakes–and a central park that fills up with weekend visitors from Jarabacoa, Santo Domingo, and Santiago.
Temperatures year round average between 5°C-25°C (41°F-77°F). From December to March, the air gets chillier, with temperatures dropping into single digits at night, yet warming up nicely during the days. Summertime temperatures are pleasant and mid-day hours are not too warm. Pick a local guesthouse or ecolodge, rent a car, and begin your exploration. Tour farms where you can purchase homemade fruit marmalades. Go birding at Valle Nuevo National Park, or hiking in the Tetero Valley. Hop on a horseback ride to El Divino Niño–Constanza’s beautiful version of a Christ the Redeemer statue. Mountain bike your way around farm roads. Venture to the highest altitude Aguas Blancas waterfall. Along the way, stand on any hilltop in Constanza to take in the magnificent mountain and farm scenery. You might just feel like you’re hearing the sound of music.
The Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago is the closest gateway to Constanza, located approximately two hours north.
Arte Eduardo León Jimenes
MEET Festival
Ozuna en Altos de Chavón
ACTIVITIES IN CONSTANZA
Attractions in Constanza
Attraction Search
Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción
This modern Roman Catholic Church took 15 years to build, and was completed in 1992. The cathedral is one of the few in the world where the statue of Christ is portrayed as already having resurrected and not dying on the cross.
Ask for dishes that have carrots, beets, potatoes, broccoli or cauliflower, and strawberries that are grown in Constanza. Popular eateries include Pizzeria Restaurant Antojitos de Lauren, Restaurant Aguas Blancas, Exquisiteces Dilenia and Lorenzo’s Restaurant.
Playing tropical music, Kapioca Bar and Moé Café Bar are two of the popular nightspots in Constanza. But don’t expect much in the way of entertainment or nightlife. An adventure tourism destination, nights can be slow in Constanza. Visitors prefer to replenish their energies for the next day’s outing. The town’s central park is a favorite meeting place during the day and the night.
Celebrated every year, the Constanza Spring Festival is an event that brings together many of the leading farming and tourism businesses of Constanza for a weekend of presentations, talks and exhibits at the Club Japonés in Constanza. It is a good opportunity to see the people and products of the region in an informal and fun atmosphere.
Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve
The scientific reserve boasts altitudes ranging from a low 245 meters (800 feet) to a high 1,565 meters (5,135 feet), home to over 600 species of flora and fauna, including over 100 bird species, giant tree frogs, lizards, and over 80 species of orchids.
This pristine bathing spot is a local favorite on weekends, when families flock here to cool off in the fresh water streams of the Rio Camú. Beware of the cool temperature before jumping in!
Hop on a guided horseback ride around Constanza’s gorgeous valleys and villages. Routes offered include a ride to El Divino Niño Monument, or along the pine forests of the Constanza Valley.
In the center of Constanza, facing Maria Auxiliadora street is a small Japanese garden, framed by its tori gate. It commemorates the legacy of the Japanese immigrants that established a farming colony in Constanza in the 1950s.
Researchers believe this archaeological site once served as an important sanctuary of the indigenous Tainos. Hike your way slowly around its gargantuan rocks, carved with petroglyphs of Taino faces.
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