Province · Santo Domingo e arredores

Monte Plata

Monte Plata is the green inland area north of Santo Domingo: waterfalls such as Salto Alto and Salto de Socoa, the sanctuary of the Cristo de Bayaguana and sugar‑cane and cacao farms, less than two hours from the capital.

In the photo: Salto Alto, in Bayaguana (Monte Plata)

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 Monte Plata

Monte Plata lies to the north and northeast of Santo Domingo, in a region of hills, rivers and farms. The capital, of the same name, was founded in the early 17th century with families brought from Monte Cristi and Puerto Plata, hence the blend of the two names. The economy is rural, based on sugar cane, cacao, fruit and cattle.

For travelers, the province is the land of waterfalls near the capital. Salto Alto, near Bayaguana, has three water jets falling into a pool, in the middle of the forest, and Salto de Socoa, beside the Autopista del Nordeste, drops into a circular green‑water pool. Both are day trips from Santo Domingo.

Bayaguana is also a center of devotion: the church of Santo Cristo de los Milagros, from the 18th century, draws pilgrims, especially at year‑end when the feast of the Cristo brings processions and the tradition of the toros, cattle offered to the sanctuary.

Monte Plata has no towns in the guide and is crossed by travelers going from Santo Domingo to Samaná on the Autopista del Nordeste; it can be a riverside bathing stop along the way.

When to go

From December to April it usually rains less and the tracks to the waterfalls are firmer. After heavy rains the rivers become full and turbid, and swimming may be prohibited. In Monte Plata, the hurricane risk runs from June to November, and August to October are the wettest months. The feast of the Cristo de Bayaguana takes place at the end of the year.

Getting there

The Autopista del Nordeste, which connects Santo Domingo to Samaná, crosses the province: Salto de Socoa sits beside it, a little more than an hour from the capital. The towns of Monte Plata and Bayaguana are about an hour and a half from Santo Domingo, with buses from the capital. The nearest airport is Las Américas (SDQ).

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Monte Plata

Which waterfalls are in Monte Plata?

The most visited are Salto Alto, near Bayaguana, and Salto de Socoa, beside the Autopista del Nordeste. There are others on rivers and in regional parks.

Can you do a return day trip from Santo Domingo to Monte Plata?

Yes, the waterfalls are one to two hours from the capital, and there are organized tours that combine Salto Alto, Salto de Socoa and Bayaguana.

What is the Cristo de Bayaguana?

An image of Christ venerated in Bayaguana’s church, from the 18th century, a pilgrimage center with a major festival at year‑end.

Do you need a car for Monte Plata’s waterfalls?

Advice: Salto de Socoa is on the highway, but Salto Alto requires a secondary road. Without a car, hire a tour or a motoconcho in Bayaguana.

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