Before you go

Your trip to La Vega.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

La Vega – La Vega Destination Jarabacoa and Constanza Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional del Cibao (STI) Santiago de los Caballeros · 30 km
Terminal Caribe Tours La Vega 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

It lies on the Duarte highway, about an hour and a half from Santo Domingo and half an hour from Santiago, with frequent buses. From Jarabacoa it is about 30 km. Cibao Airport (STI) is around 30 km away.

How many days

Half a day for the cathedral, the Santo Cerro and La Vega Vieja, en route to Jarabacoa. During carnival, it’s worth staying the night in town.

When to go

On Sundays in February, for the carnival. The rest of the year the city serves as a stop on the way to the mountains; from December to April there is less rain.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Guides are helpful for the Santo Cerro and La Vega Vieja, a few kilometers to the north. In the center everything is walkable; taxis and moto-taxis are available.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in La Vega

Morning
Santo Cerro
Climb early to the Santo Cerro, visit the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes and enjoy the view of the Cibao valley.
Afternoon
La Vega Vieja
Descend to the ruins of La Vega Vieja, the first Spanish inland town, with the fort and the convent.
Late afternoon
Cathedral
In the afternoon, return to the center to see the concrete cathedral and Parque Duarte.
Evening
Dinner
At night, dine in the center before continuing to Jarabacoa.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Why is La Vega’s carnival famous?

Because of the diablos cojuelos, figures with elaborate masks and colorful capes who parade on Sundays in February, in one of the country’s oldest festivals.

What is there to see in La Vega outside of carnival?

The cathedral, the Santo Cerro and the ruins of La Vega Vieja, which can be seen in a single morning.

Is La Vega on the way to Jarabacoa?

Yes, Jarabacoa is about 30 km away, via a road that branches off the Duarte highway in La Vega.

Is La Vega far from Santo Domingo?

About an hour and a half via the Duarte highway.

Back to La Vega