10 Things To Do In La Vega, Dominican Republic

1. Take a hike to the Pico Duarte peak

Put on your hiking gear and comfortable shoes! For when in La Vega, you cannot miss out on Pico Duarte, the highest peak here in the Dominican Republic and also in all of the Caribbean islands. Located in the Cordillera Central range which stretches across the Dominican Republic, escape the tropical heat and head up into the cooling mountains for some breathtaking views and fresh air. Be sure to snap plenty of pictures at the peak and enjoy conquering the highest mountain in the Caribbean.

Pico Duarte

Address: San José De Las Matas, Dominican Republic

2. Take it up a notch, go paragliding

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

For adrenaline junkies, paragliding is a must-do here in La Vega. There are many ways to enjoy the lush green mountains of La Vega, but flying over it is surely one of the coolest and most fun ways to do so! Sign up at one of the professional paragliding schools such as Hawk Paragliding School and before you know it, you will be taking off into the mighty mountains and the surrounding towns of Jarabacoa and Constanza.

Hwak Paragliding School

Address: Ave. Pedregal, Jarabacoa 41000, Dominican Republic

Website: Hwak Paragliding School

3. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Dominican Coffee

Dominicans love their coffee, that is much certain, given the number of coffee cafes and breweries that have mushroomed in La Vega. After feasting your eyes on some of the best sceneries, treat your taste buds to the pride and joy of the Dominicans! You may be wondering, what’s the secret to the Dominican version? Well, you have to be there to find out. Head over to Café Monte Alto coffee factory, located minutes from downtown Jarabacoa. The factory offers a complete tour of its facility where the production of organic coffee is carried out. Witness the production processes, before ending with tastings of the freshly brewed coffee at the onsite café.

Café Monte Alto coffee factory

Address: Cafe Monte Alto, Libertad, Jarabacoa, 41200

Website: Café Monte Alto coffee factory

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

4. Visit the glorious Baiguate Salto Waterfall

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A 20-minute drive from Jarabacoa is the Salto de Jimenoa Dos, where the Baiguate Salto Waterfall can be found. Venture out and traverse across three suspended footbridges to this waterfall where you can enjoy the sight of this hidden gem in the quietness and tranquillity of the rainforest! Tip: ask the locals for directions if you need them, after all, they know best!

Baiguate Salto Waterfall

Address: Calle Baiguate, Jarabacoa 41000, Dominican Republic

Website: Baiguate Salto Waterfall

Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)

5. Discover The Cathedral of La Vega

An icon of La Vega, this modern Roman Catholic Church towers over La Vega’s central square and Parque Duarte. A sacred site for many, 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. This is a great attraction for believers.

The Cathedral of La Vega

Address: Don Antonio Guzmán Street, Concepción de la Vega, province of La Vega, Dominican Republic.

Website: The Cathedral of La Vega

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 6am - 7.30pm (closed on Tue)

6. Visit Spirit Mountain's Ecological Reserve and Organic Coffee Plantation

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Spend a day high up in the mountains at Spirit Mountain Organic Coffee Plantation and Ecological Reserve. Take in the fresh air and expansive views of the Cordillera Central Mountain Range as you make your way to an operational coffee plantation. Depending on the season, there are different things you can expect to see and do. Should you be visiting during the months of January to April, when the harvesting season is in full swing, you will witness farmers harvesting the coffee crops. There might even be a chance for you to personally try harvesting the coffee too! During the offseason, you may witness farmers out to plant coffee and going about general farm maintenance.

Spirit Mountain Organic Coffee Plantation and Ecological Reserve

Address: 100 Carretera Angostura End Of Road, La Angostura, La Vega 41000, Dominican Republic

Website: Spirit Mountain Organic Coffee Plantation and Ecological Reserve

Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)

7. Step into Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes

Located in the northeast of La Vega lies one of the holiest sites in the country. Home to the church Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes which is built upon the hill Santo Cerro, the church’s origin is highly interesting. According to local legend, when the Taínos tried to burn the cross placed by Christopher Columbus atop this hill, not only did the cross not burn, but The Virgen de las Mercedes was said to have appeared also, causing the Taínos to flee in terror during the battle between Spaniards and Taínos.

Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes

Address: Santo Cerro 41000, Dominican Republic

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm; Sun: 6am - 6pm

8. Soak in the vibrant ambience of El Carnaval de la Vega

El Carnaval de la Vega is undeniably Dominican Republic’s only yet biggest festival. Originally a religious festival celebrated prior to the religious festival of Lent, El Carnaval de la Vega has slowly expanded to include the celebration of Dominican independence, which falls on February 27 every year. Throughout the entire month of February, carnivals are organised over the weekends across various provinces, though El Carnaval de la Vega remains the largest of them all. During the celebrations, numerous groups don their wildly colourful masks and costumes and celebrate on the streets. The masks are intricate, unique and painted in vibrant colours - some even include spiked horns and real cow’s teeth. The art of making these masks has long been a local tradition passed down from one generation to the other.

El Carnaval de la Vega

Address: La Vega, 41000 Dominican Republic

9. Explore the ruins of La Vega Vieja

After the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1562, what was left of La Vega Vieja was moved to modern-day La Vega, calling for the complete rebuilding of the city altogether. Though only ruins remain, there is still much historical importance left! The site is of one of the oldest settlements in the New World, having been founded in 1494 by Christopher Columbus. There is also a small museum at the back of the site containing Taíno and Spanish tools, weapons and ceramics.

Ruins of La Vega Vieja

Address: La Vega 41000, Dominican Republic

Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)

10. Dine at Macao Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Located about a 2-minute walk from The Cathedral of La Vega, this a local pizza place serves a hearty range of pizzas, burgers and burritos. Its convenient location also means that it is a great spot refuel your stomach and take a quick break before continuing your exploration of La Vega.

Macao Grill

Address: Don Antonio Guzmán #82, La Vega 41000, Dominican Republic

Website: Macao Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 9am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 9am - 1am

Head off the beaten path

The city of La Vega has had a long history - from a small fort town in 1494 built by Christopher Columbus to guard the transportation route of the gold deposits of the Cibao valley to the devastating 1562 earthquake which caused survivors to move to La Vega’s present site on the banks of the Camú River. Persisting through time and adversary to rebuild and preserve its rich culture and history, discover the hidden gems of one of this historical town off the usual tourist route!