Santiago is one of the 32 provinces of the Dominican Republic whose capital is the city of Santiago de los Caballeros.
Santiago is located in the northern part of the country, in the center of the Cibao Valley. It is an intellectual, educational and cultural center and at the same time an important industrial center, with shoe, leather goods and furniture factories, a very important part of the economic life of the province.
Since 2013, the province has been divided into 10 municipalities and 16 municipal districts.
It is bordered on the north by the province of Puerto Plata (one of the most populated cities in the Dominican Republic), on the east by the provinces of Espaillat and La Vega, on the south by the province of San Juan and on the west by the provinces of Santiago Rodríguez and Valverde.
The tropical trade winds that help mitigate the heat and humidity throughout the year are what make the average temperature vary.
The coldest months of the year are December and January, the warmest months are July and August.
One of the most important provinces in the country is Santiago with an important economic diversity.
It has a modern industry of high quality rum and tobacco, source of a large number of jobs. It is also an important producer of coffee and cocoa.
The best places to explore in Santiago
Among the main activities to do and the best places to explore in Santiago we find:
- Costanera Center
- Plaza de Armas
- Cerro Santa Lucía
- San Cristobal Hill
- Palacio de la Moneda
- Concha y Toro winery
COSTANERA CENTER
Chilean real estate project located in the metropolitan region of Santiago.
It consists of a complex of four buildings and its central building, the Gran Torre Costanera, has a total of 128,000 square meters and a height of 300 meters to the top of its 62 floors.
These characteristics have made the Gran Torre Costanera the tallest skyscraper in South America. It was also the tallest skyscraper in Latin America from 2012 to March 2020, until the Obispado Tower located in Monterrey, with 305 meters, snatched the position.
PLAZA DE ARMAS
The Plaza de Armas forms the historic center of Santiago. In this beautiful and lively square one can visit various places of interest, museums, art galleries, buy handicrafts and even admire how street artists work.
For more than 5 centuries this impressive square has been the center of the city’s activities.
SANTA LUCÍA HILL
Elegant and majestic stairs lead to the top of this picturesque downtown hill Santa Lucia, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Santiago’s skyline and the backdrop of the Andes.
At the same time one has the opportunity to admire its marvelous decorated fountains, flowers and amphitheater.
It is currently a beautiful public park frequented by young couples and people who, away from the hectic pace of downtown, are looking for a little peace and quiet.
SAN CRISTOBAL HILL
The panoramic peak of Cerro San Cristobal, 860 meters high, is the most outstanding point of the Metropolitan Park of Santiago.
It has impressive green spaces, well-kept gardens, public swimming pools where you can cool off, a zoo with more than 150 species of animals and a playground for children.
From there one can enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Santiago and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains.
PALACE OF THE COIN
The neoclassical Palacio de la Moneda, inaugurated in 1805, was used as the Royal Mint. Over time it became the official presidential residence and later a government house.
It preserves an elegant facade with asymmetrical windows and methodical columns.
At the entrance of the first courtyard we can see 2 cannons of the eighteenth century to reach the picturesque Patio de los Naranjos that decorate a fountain of the eighteenth century.
One of the most outstanding events is the changing of the palace guard ceremony, which takes place every odd-numbered day at 10:00 a.m., enlivened by a medley of military and non-military pieces played by a brass band.
CONCHA Y TORO WINERY
Don Melchor de Santiago Concha y Toro was the entrepreneur who founded the winery in 1883 when he brought grapes from the Bordeaux region of France.
Strolling through the grounds of the Concha y Toro winery is to enjoy the smell of the fruits of the vine and the majestic view of the Maipo Valley.
A visit to the cellars means being able to admire the endless rows of wine barrels and taste a special selection of wines.
Gastronomy of Santiago
Santiago has an exquisite gastronomy that one must stop to taste . In addition, in each of the dishes offered there is at the same time an important mixture of flavor and culture.
Among the most outstanding dishes we find:
- Guanino
- Room
- Baldy Rooster
GUANINO
The Guanino is a dish inherited from the Tainos who inhabited this place. These are wrapped in corn husks which are tied tightly to prevent water from entering when boiling, remaining in a very peculiar way when untied.
CHAMBRE
Chambre is a famous fast food dish, very complete and comforting made of a broth of legumes, rice, minced meat (chicken or other), vegetables and tubers.
Many tourists love to taste this dish because of the explosion of flavors for the palate.
In order to enjoy these culinary recipes accompanied by refreshing craft beers, we show you a place that will catch your attention, it is “El Gallo Pelón“.
Traditional beverages in Santiago
As this is a place in the Dominican Republic (a tropical island famous for its tropical fruits), it is common to find a good selection of traditional refreshing drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Among the most popular traditional beverages are those ranging from hot drinks to herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices to alcoholic beverages, cold fruit and milk shakes, etc.
Among the most popular batidas are: milky milkshake, sapote milkshake, loquat milkshake, granadillo milkshake, mango and chinola milkshake, etc.
Rum and good brands of beer are the most popular alcoholic beverages in the country. Some can be brewed at home, such as Mamajuana and Guavaberry.
Mabí or Guarapos are very popular fermented drinks, very refreshing and slightly sparkling. Its alcohol content is very low so that children can also drink it.
Guarapos is a homemade drink made from fruit, while Mabí is made from the bark of the vine called “Bejuco Indio” and is rarely made at home.
If you are looking for entertainment, fun, dance to the rhythm of merengue, offer new flavors to your palate, live unforgettable adventures, be sure to visit Santiago, Dominican Republic and its surroundings.
