Official known as Santiago de los Treinta Caballeros this city is the second largest in the Dominican Republic. It is located on hilly terrain in the middle of the Cibao Valley in the north central of the country. The city once was founded in 1495 after European colonization. After being destroyed by an earthquake it was moved to its present location in 1506. Santiago has an approximate population of 1.9 million inhabitants.
Santiago is mostly depended on the fertile lands. The city has experienced a rapid growth and development. Although tourism is an important part of income, the city still could face some problems with electricity and water infrastructure. It is now the major industrial center of its country. In the mid 20th century Santiago and the Dominican Republic were freed from the regime of dictator Rafael Trujillo. The city is still growing with different new projects in planning, such as parks, hotels and malls.
There are different art and culture sight and museums in Santiago. The Cathedral was built in 1895, the Hermanos Patiño Bridge in 1962. The Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration is a 220 foot high marble monument on the hill that overlooks the city. Interesting museums include Museo del Tabaco, Museo Histórico Fortaleza San Luis and Centro León. The city does have a blooming and active nightlife. After dark Santiago becomes a party city.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic require a valid passport and visa. American citizens need only a valid passport, other nationalities may require a valid visa. Santiago has a tropical climate but it is often cooler and cloudier than in Santa Domingo, because of its location of 600 feet below sea level. July and August are the warmest month in this city.
The city of Boca Chica has a equal named beach which is often referred to as the heart of the city, during the 1960s, prominent Dominican families built summer properties along the beach which was surrounded by mountain landscape. When the beach became more popular, public transportation was introduced in order to make it the most populated beach. Boca Chica is a municipality of the Santo Domingo province and has a population with over 100 thousand people.
Boca Chica is only 20 miles away from the capital Santa Domingo, which adds to the popularity of the city. The most famous attraction, the beach has white sand and crystal clear watersides. During the weekends a lot of locals come from Santa Domingo to enjoy the waterside. Besides the beach Boca Chica also has two islands not to far offshore called Los Pinos and La Matica.
Along the beach side its filled with street vendor selling souvenirs, small pubs and restaurants to enjoy a meal or have a slice at the pizza stands, loud music which can be heard all over shore fills the scenery. Recently the city has become more popular for European and North American travelers, especially since the temperature of Caribbean water are fine during foreign cold winters.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic require a valid passport and visa. American citizens need only a valid passport, other nationalities may require a valid visa. Boca Chica’s tropical heat is tempered by the sea breezes, its rain is short and heavy followed by sunshine.
Santo Domingo is the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic. The city is situated at the shore of the Caribbean Sea at the mouth of the Ozama River. Its the oldest continuously inhabit European settlement in North America. The city was originally found by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Santa Domingo has a population of over 2 million people.
Santo Domingo is a popular travel destination for bounty commercial alike beaches, inexpensive family resorts and true natural beauty. These are the reasons why ten-thousands of tourists visit the Dominican Republic, and the same people that ignore the somewhat unfair reputation of social unrest and high crime rates. While petty crime and theft inquire in the city, the Dominicans are among the friendliest in the Caribbean, and its hospitality seems more genuine than for example its similar yet commercialized Puerto Rico.
Spanish is the official language, yet English is spoken and understood by its locals. Which comes handy ordering a nice cold Persidente beer at one of the many bars and nightclubs areas locally known as ‘la Zona’ including; Bella Blue, Crazy Pub, Guacara Taina, Hollywood Cafe and the Trio cafe.
Travelers to the Dominican Republic require a valid passport and visa. American citizens need only a valid passport, other nationalities may require a valid visa. Santa Domingo’s tropical heat is tempered by the sea breezes, its rain is short and heavy followed by sunshine.
