Higuey City in the Dominican Republic boasts picturesque beaches and shorelines, being the capital of La Altagracia Province in the east. It is also the eighth largest city in the whole country. Apart from that, Higuey City traces its past back to historical attractions such as Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia and Museo de La Altagracia. It was a stunning scene for the Europeans in colonial times and it continues to offer an old-town, nature-filled charm to this day.
This exquisite and prosperous city offers an overflowing amount of culture, history, and beauty waiting to be discovered and explored through artifacts, aesthetic routes, classical art, and religious sites. Dive into your plans for this travel destination by checking out this list of things to do in Higuey, Dominican Republic.
1. Walk through the majestic Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
Basilica of Altagracia, or as the locals call it Virgen de Altagracia Basilica, honors the patron saint of Dominicans - Virgin of La Altagracia. This is the most famous historical attraction in Higuey, Dominican Republic.
It offers an intersection of the importance of religious sites and architectural majesty. The Basilica is the main attraction of this cultural heritage tour. It was founded on 1971 and it was blessed by Pope John Paul II on 1992. The façade is an architectural beauty while the interior offers rich history, alluring paintings and stained-glass artworks.
In the vicinity of the Basilica, you can find several food stalls serving sandwiches and drinks. If you visit mid-year, preferably in August, you would be able to catch one of the most marvelous Dominican traditions which is the Feast of the Virgin Bulls. This is where, historically, members ride horses and wear special uniforms and worshipping the patron saint by singing songs.
Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
Address: Higuey 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 7am - 5pm
2. Visit the infamous Santuario San Dionisio
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This old church is one for the books in your day tour in Higuey, Dominican Republic. This old but divine church is also called Parroquia de San Dionisio. This is in the same neighborhood as the majestic Basilica of Altagracia. The small church is “the first home of the Virgen de La Altagracia painting” as it was built in the year 1512 and is also “one of the first churches in America.” Outside the church is the so-called Well of the Virgin.
Apart from visiting the church itself, the park outside is quite a serene place, too! It is called Parque Central where you and your loved ones can spend quality time together. This park is full of white birds (Palomas) which you can buy bird food for them to eat.
Santuario San Dionisio
Address: La Altagracia, Higüey 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Santuario San Dionisio
3. Glimpse Higuey's history in the Museo de la Altagracia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Visita el Museo de La Altagracia. Horario: Martes-Sábado 8:30am-5:00pm; Domingo9:00am-5:00pm
Posted by Museo de la Altagracia on Tuesday, May 5, 2015
Do you want to take a turn from religious landmarks to a showcase of art and history? Do you want to take a peek and continuously enjoy the rich culture that Higuey City is offering? Visit the Museo de La Altagracia! This museum is on the same grounds as Basilica of Altagracia.
The museum displays a variety of paintings, religious artifacts, and even gold jewelry in its designated rooms. It exhibits the richness and complexity of the religious lives of the Dominicans and how they cherish their cultural heritage.
This was built to restore, redeem and reveal the Dominican historical pieces. The museum showcases the history of the Basílica Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia. You can enjoy this bucket of Dominican cultural knowledge with or without a guided tour. So if you want to dive into the realms of culture and history, this museum is a must-go destination for you!
Museo de La Altagracia
Address: 105, Higüey 23000, Dominican Republic
Website: Museo de La Altagracia
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 8:30am - 5pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Drop by the Pozo de la Virgen
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This historical spot is famous for its tales about the water shot being “miraculous”. Legend had it told that this famous well started when a fire had threatened a nearby religious building. Then, a “miraculous spout of water” shot from Pozo de la Virgen (Well of the Virgin Mary), and it neutralized the flames.
This notable spot is known for its notable visits as well. As locals and frequent visitors would say, it would be a “white well with a red roof in the middle of the street.” This is a go-to spot for the religious and the locals alike.
The location of this tourist spot does not have much of dining accommodation choices. But for a wandering spirit, going on an adventurous hunt for Mediterranean dishes would not be a hassle, for sure.
Pozo de la Virgen
Address: La Altagracia, Higüey 23000, Dominican Republic
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Relax in La Encantada Ecological Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Parque Ecológico La Encantada on Sunday, July 3, 2016
Now, after an exciting and inceptive walk of Higuey’s historical sights, take a rest right here in the middle of Higuey. La Encantada Ecological Park is a great place to sit and enjoy the nature around us. If you want to take a rest and/or have a nice picnic, do it here at this ecological park. You will be surrounded by different variations of trees and, of course, beautiful flowers.
Enjoy the scenery! Let this block of nature offer a much-needed break in your vacation.
La Encantada Ecological Park
Address: Higuey 23000, Dominican Republic
6. Visit Las Tres Cruces Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
As usual, this park displays how rich Higuey’s religious and cultural background is. Las Tres Cruces Park is found in the middle of Higuey, just beside a cathedral – which speaks for itself, being in a very rich spiritual ambience.
Chill out and meditate in this beautiful park.
Las Tres Cruces Park
Address: Santiago De Los Caballeros 51000, Dominican Republic
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
7. Get adventurous in La Hacienda Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hermosos paisajes, vistos desde cualquier punto de nuestro parque. Vive la experiencia #lahaciendapark...
Posted by La Hacienda Park on Wednesday, August 25, 2021
Now, if you are up for an adventure, you are in for a treat here at La Hacienda Park right in the middle of Higuey!
La Hacienda Park is an amusement and theme park. They offer different activities such as ziplines, horseback riding, buggy riding, and safari experiences. A visit to La Hacienda Park will surely give you an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to book your tickets in advance, folks!
They also serve a buffet so you can cap off your fun-filled afternoon with a full and satisfied tummy. Now, this is a must-see spot and a must-do activity for all travellers out there.
La Hacienda Park
Address: La Hacienda Park 23000 Higüey, Dominican Republic
Website: La Hacienda Park
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
8. Take some photos in Cotubanamá National Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Cotubanama National Park was named after the Chiefdom of Higuey. This has been a nature reserve since 1975. It is covered with rainforests all over. The most visited area of the park is what you call the “Catuan Strait”. This offers the tourists a clear view of the Caribbean ocean and a perfect Caribbean experience. This park is also home to hundreds of birds, mammals, and amphibian wonders.
You will definitely enjoy visiting this remarkable park!
Cotubanamá National Park
Address: Duarte No. 10, Higüey 23000, Dominican Republic
Explore and have fun in Higuey
These attractions will definitely give you a very rich cultural heritage tour. Don’t forget the adrenaline-filled and scenic adventures, too. Walk through these alluring sites and discover the wonders of the Dominican Republic through Higuey.
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