Discovering Paradise
Constanza
Visit Constanza, a mountain valley town known for its cool climate and agricultural bounty.
☀️November to March
🌡️18°C (64°F)
✈️Cibao International (STI) — 2 hr drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
18°C (64°F)
☀️
Best Months
November to March
✈️
Nearest Airport
Cibao International (STI) — 2 hr drive
Constanza is the Dominican Republic's mountain surprise — a fertile valley at 1,200 meters elevation where the temperature drops to near-freezing at night and strawberries grow in neat rows alongside the road. It's the agricultural heartland of the country, producing most of the vegetables, flowers, and temperate fruits consumed on the island.
If you think the DR is only beaches and resorts, Constanza will change your mind. Pine forests, mountain streams, waterfalls, and the highest peak in the Caribbean (Pico Duarte, 3,098m) are all accessible from here.
The valley was settled by Japanese immigrants in the 1950s, and their agricultural influence is still visible today. The mix of Dominican, Japanese, and Hungarian immigrant heritage gives Constanza a unique cultural identity found nowhere else on the island.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
12° — 25°
💧💧
Aug
15° — 27°
💧💧💧
Dec
10° — 22°
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Feb
9° — 23°
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Jan
9° — 22°
💧💧
Jul
15° — 27°
💧💧💧
Jun
15° — 26°
💧💧💧
Mar
10° — 24°
💧💧
May
14° — 25°
💧💧💧
Nov
12° — 24°
💧💧
Oct
14° — 25°
💧💧💧
Sep
15° — 26°
💧💧💧
Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
Constanza is in the heart of the Cordillera Central mountains. Getting there is an adventure in itself.
From Santo Domingo
The drive takes about 2.5 hours via Bonao and the mountain road. The final ascent winds through dramatic switchbacks with valley views. Caribe Tours runs a daily bus from Santo Domingo (RD$350).
From Jarabacoa
A scenic 1.5-hour mountain drive connects Jarabacoa to Constanza. The road is paved but narrow with sharp curves — beautiful but requires careful driving.
Important Notes
A 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially in the rainy season (May-November) when mountain roads can become muddy. Some roads to waterfalls and hiking trailheads are unpaved.
Nearest Airport
Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago is about 2.5 hours north. From there, you'll need a rental car or private transfer.
Constanza's hotels and cabins lean rustic and mountain-cozy — think fireplaces, not infinity pools.
Mountain Lodges
Hotel Altocerro is the premier option — a mountain lodge with heated rooms, a restaurant, and panoramic valley views. Rates from US$80-150/night. It's the best base for exploring the area.
Cabins & Eco-Lodges
Numerous cabin-style accommodations are scattered through the valley and hillsides. Many have fireplaces (you'll need them — temperatures drop to 5-10°C at night), kitchens, and garden areas. Rates from US$40-80/night.
In Town
Simple hotels in Constanza town offer basic rooms from US$20-40/night. They're nothing fancy but clean and convenient for accessing restaurants and shops.
Pro tip: Bring warm clothing regardless of season. Nights in Constanza are genuinely cold by Caribbean standards.
Pico Duarte
The highest peak in the Caribbean (3,098m / 10,164ft) is accessible from Constanza via the La Compartición trail. The trek takes 2-3 days roundtrip with a mandatory guide and mule support. Book through local operators or the national parks office.
Aguas Blancas Waterfall
The tallest waterfall in the Caribbean at 83 meters. A moderate hike through pine forest leads to the base where you can swim in the cold pool. The trail starts about 30 minutes from town by car.
Valle Nuevo National Park
A high-altitude park (2,200m+) with pine forests, alpine meadows, and the geographic center of the island. The landscape looks more like the Andes than the Caribbean. Camping is possible with permits.
Strawberry Picking
Constanza produces almost all of the Dominican Republic's strawberries. Farms along the main road sell fresh berries and allow visitors to pick their own (December-March is peak season).
Japanese Garden
A small botanical garden honoring the Japanese colonists who settled Constanza in 1956. It's a peaceful spot with koi ponds, bridges, and manicured gardens — surreal to find in the Caribbean mountains.
- Pack layers and a jacket. Constanza regularly drops to 5-10°C (40-50°F) at night, even when the coast is 30°C. Bring warm clothes.
- Buy fresh vegetables. The Saturday morning market has the freshest produce in the entire country — lettuce, carrots, garlic, potatoes — all grown locally.
- Rent a 4WD. You'll need it for waterfalls, Pico Duarte trailheads, and Valle Nuevo. Sedans can handle the main road to town but not much beyond.
- Try the fresh-cut flower shops. Constanza grows most of the DR's commercial flowers. You can buy massive bouquets of roses, lilies, and hydrangeas for a fraction of city prices.
- Best time to visit: December-March for strawberry season and the clearest mountain views. Avoid September-October when heavy rains can make mountain roads dangerous.
- Don't skip the local restaurants. Chivo liniero (free-range goat stew) is the regional specialty. It's hearty, warming, and perfect after a mountain hike.
Sample Itineraries
Mountain Valley Day
Strawberries, waterfalls, and cool mountain air.
🌅 Morning3h
Aguas Blancas Waterfall
Hike to the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean (83m) through pine forest. Swim in the cold pool at the base.
Aguas Blancas
☀️ Afternoon2.5h
Strawberry Farm & Japanese Garden
Pick fresh strawberries (Dec-Mar) then visit the Japanese garden honoring Constanza's immigrant settlers.
Constanza valley
🌙 Evening2h
Mountain Dining
Dinner of chivo liniero (free-range goat stew) — the regional specialty, hearty and warming in the cool mountain air.
Constanza town
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Guagua from La Vega(RD$150-200)
Minibuses from La Vega. Scenic mountain road (1.5 hr).
Private Transfer(US$100-150)
From STI airport or Santo Domingo.
Rental Car (4WD)(US$45-65/day)
4WD recommended for mountain roads, especially to Valle Nuevo.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$25-40
Mid-rangeUS$50-90
LuxuryUS$100-200
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Constanza is very safe — small agricultural town
- ✓Temperatures can drop below 5°C (41°F) at night — bring warm clothing
- ✓Mountain roads are steep and winding — experienced drivers only
- ✓Valle Nuevo roads require 4WD
- ✓Altitude sickness rare but drink plenty of water
📶 Connectivity
Moderate. 4G in town. Signal drops in mountains. WiFi in hotels.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
Landscape of mountains at Constanza, Dominican Republic
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold does it get in Constanza?
Constanza regularly drops to 5-10°C (40-50°F) at night, and occasionally near freezing during December-February. This is genuinely cold by Caribbean standards. Bring a warm jacket, long pants, and layers — you'll need them.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
A 4WD is recommended, especially for reaching waterfalls, Valle Nuevo, and during the rainy season (May-November). The main road to Constanza town is paved and passable by sedan, but attractions beyond town require higher clearance.
What's the strawberry season?
December through March is peak strawberry season. Farms along the main road sell fresh berries and allow visitors to pick their own. The Constanza valley produces almost all of the DR's strawberries.
Can I climb Pico Duarte from Constanza?
Yes, the La Compartición trail starts near Constanza. The trek takes 2-3 days roundtrip with a mandatory guide and mule support. Book at least a week in advance through local operators or the national parks office. The climb is not technically difficult but requires good fitness.
Is there good food in Constanza?
Yes — try chivo liniero (free-range goat stew), the regional mountain specialty. Fresh vegetables are exceptional here since Constanza grows most of the DR's produce. The Saturday market is a food lover's paradise.
Nearby Destinations
Explore more places near Constanza
Plan Your Constanza Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Cibao International (STI) — 2 hr drive