Province · Noroeste: Monte Cristi e a fronteira

Dajabón

Dajabón is the northern border with Haiti: the binational market along the Masacre River, the green mountains of Loma de Cabrera and Restauración, and the hill of Capotillo, where the Restoration began.

In the photo: Church and plaza of Dajabón

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

The province

Get to know Dajabón

Dajabón lies in the northwest of the Dominican Republic, on the border with Haiti, marked in this stretch by the Masacre River. The capital, with the same name, sits opposite the Haitian town of Ouanaminthe, and local life revolves around trade between the two countries.

On certain days of the week, Dajabón’s binational market brings together thousands of Dominicans and Haitians who buy and sell clothing, food and household goods, in an intense bustle that also attracts curious visitors. Opening days and hours can change; check before you go.

South of the capital, the mountains of the Cordillera Central have rivers, waterfalls and cooler weather. In Loma de Cabrera there is a waterfall popular for bathing and a sanctuary of the Virgin of Altagracia, and nearby is the hill of Capotillo, where on 16 August 1863 the shout that began the War of the Restoration was made. Restauración and El Pino are mountain towns surrounded by pine forests.

Dajabón has no towns in the guide for now. It is about 40 minutes from Monte Cristi and can be combined with that destination.

When to go

Between December and April there is less rain, and the mountain roads are firmer. In the plain it is hot year-round; in the hills of Loma de Cabrera and Restauración the nights are cool. On 16 August, Restoration Day, there are celebrations at Capotillo.

Getting there

Dajabón is about two and a half hours from Santiago via the northwest road and about 40 minutes from Monte Cristi. From Santo Domingo, buses take around five hours. Cibao Airport (STI) in Santiago is the nearest air gateway to the northern border.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Dajabón

How does Dajabón’s binational market work?

On certain days of the week, Dominicans and Haitians meet along the Masacre River to buy and sell all kinds of goods. The days can change; check before you go.

What to see in Dajabón besides the market?

The mountains of Loma de Cabrera, with the waterfall and the sanctuary of the Altagracia, Restauración and El Pino, and the hill of Capotillo.

What happened at Capotillo?

There, on 16 August 1863, the shout was made that started the War of the Restoration, which returned independence to the country.

Is Dajabón near Monte Cristi?

Yes, about 40 minutes by car; the two can be combined in the same itinerary.

Tap a province to see its destinations. Limites: Oficina Nacional de Estadística / OCHA-HDX / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.