Category:

Ecotourism

Adventure

Location:

The Valley of Constanza is a municipality of La Vega Province and limits to the North with the town of Jaraboca, to the East with Bonao (Monsenor Nouel Province); to the South with San Jose de Ocoá (Peravia Province), to the West with the town of Padre Las Casas (San Juan de la Maguana Province).

About Constanza:

• Old tales say that someday there was an indigenous princess named Constanza and because of her it the name of the valley was originated. There are no documents to proof this legend.
• Constanza is located in the Central Mountain chain of the Dominican Republic and is part of the Juan B. Perez National Park. Constanza is 1,150 meters above sea level with an area of 841.78 km².
• The valley has several species of flora and fauna of great scientific importance which makes the town the one with the highest index of endemic species of the country. Constanza has a big production of vegetables, flowers, garlic, potatoes, strawberries and other farm products of mild temperature.
• The town local fair or parties are celebrated in the second week of September.

Climate:

Constanza has a mild temperature between -5° C to 25° C all year round. It is considered the coldest town of the Dominican Republic.

How to get there?

• By Air: In private plane or charter flights to “14 de Junio’ Aerodrome located in the center of the valley. Also, from the closest International Airports of Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata.
• By car: Access from the Duarte highway and also the road Jaraboca-El Río-Constanza.
  

Attractions:

Salto de Aguas Blancas (White Water Waterfall):

Beautiful cascade of crystal water considered the highest waterfall of the Antilles with 83 meters high and located 1,680 metes above sea level. The average temperature of its waters is 10° C. It has a viewpoint to observe the splendorous cascade, and has facilities like restrooms and parking lot. The adventurers of this zone can enjoy some sports like rappelling.

The Pyramids:

The pyramids are located in the area of the “Valle Nuevo” (New Valley), specifically in the zone commonly called The Fridge. They were built in 1957 by the communities of Constanza and San Jose de Ocoa to commemorate the construction of the highway that today is named Jose Duran. These pyramids are believed to be located in the center of the Dominican Republic and it is used to indicate the cardinal points. The coldest temperatures going to -5° C are registered during winter. Camping and bonfire are suitable for this zone.

Green Ebony Scientific Reserve:

The Dominican Government declared an area of 23.1 km² as the Green Ebony Scientific Reserve on October 26^th, 1989 and designated the Progressio Foundation to be responsible for its administration. It is located in the Central Mountain Chain, between the municipalities of La Vega, Jarabacoa and Constanza. It is the only place in the world where this specie of exquisite wood can grow and is considered endangered specie. You can visit the museum available where you can observe the endemic butterflies of the zone.

The ‘Arroyazo’:

This small river or stream comes from the Green Ebony Scientific Reserve wooded zone and is extended to 4.5 Km of the main highway of Las Palmas zone. The river is mainly clear crystal cold water with unique and spectacular vegetation.

Petroglyphs site:

The site is a great sanctuary of Taino indigenous culture with a variety of Petroglyphs that recreate the life and customs of a disappeared civilization more than 500 hundreds years ago. They are located 1,635 meters above sea level and during winter temperatures can go to -2° C. This is one of the biggest Taino monuments of the Caribbean.

Tips:

• It’s advisable to make the trip on a 4 x 4 vehicle.
• Take with you clothes appropriate for mild and cold temperatures. Also would be wise to take mosquitoes repellent.
• Don’t forget your camera for great landscape pictures!