Places / North & Central America / Dominican Republic
Santiago de los Caballeros
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At a glance
- Country
- Dominican Republic
- Region
- Santiago Province
- Population
- 700,000
- Best time to go
- December to April
- Main airport
- Cibao International (STI)
- Coordinates
- 19.45°N, 70.70°W
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Overview
Santiago is the Dominican Republic's second city and the capital of the fertile Cibao valley, rich on tobacco and farming. It's proud, prosperous and very much a working city, with few foreign tourists.
Come for one of the Caribbean's best cultural museums, cigar workshops in nearby villages, some of the country's most spectacular carnival masks and easy trips into the mountains.
Things to see
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Photo: User:Merlin, CC BY-SA 3.0 Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration
A towering white monument on a hill above the city, with views from the top.
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Photo: Zarateman, CC0 Centro León
A fine museum of Dominican art, history and culture, with a cigar-rolling display.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: El Mayimbe, CC0 Fortaleza San Luis
A historic fort near the river, now a museum of military history.
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Photo: Jos1950, CC BY-SA 3.0 Cathedral of Santiago Apóstol
The city's main cathedral on Parque Duarte, at the centre of the old town.
Things to do
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Visit a cigar workshop
The Cibao produces some of the world's finest cigars; see them rolled by hand in Tamboril or the city.
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Carnival
Each February, devils in elaborate masks known as lechones parade through the streets.
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Photo: Veganazo99, CC0 Day trip to Jarabacoa
A cool mountain town with rivers, waterfalls and rafting, about an hour away.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to the monument, cathedral and museums, with simple hotels.
Hotels in City centreLos Jardines
A modern residential area with newer hotels, restaurants and shops.
Hotels in Los Jardines
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option; the city's public cars (carros públicos) follow fixed routes.
The airport is east of the city, about 20 minutes by taxi, and coaches link Santiago with Santo Domingo in around two and a half hours.
When to go
December to April is drier and pleasant. Summer is hot, and February brings the carnival.
Plan your trip to Santiago de los Caballeros
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.