Discovering Paradise
San Francisco de Macorís
The cacao capital of the Dominican Republic, San Francisco de Macorís sits in the lush Cibao Oriental region where most of the country's premium cacao is grown. Visitors can tour working cacao plantations, taste artisan chocolate, and explore the vibrant commercial center of the northeast interior.
☀️November to April
🌡️28°C (82°F)
✈️Cibao International (STI) — 1 hr drive
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
28°C (82°F)
☀️
Best Months
November to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
Cibao International (STI) — 1 hr drive
San Francisco de Macorís is the cacao capital of the Dominican Republic — the bustling commercial heart of a region that produces some of the finest cacao beans on earth. In the lush Cibao Oriental valley surrounding the city, thousands of hectares of cacao trees grow under the shade of towering tropical hardwoods, creating a landscape that is both agriculturally productive and strikingly beautiful.
The Dominican Republic is one of the world's top cacao exporters, and a significant portion of that output comes from the plantations around San Francisco de Macorís. Premium chocolate makers from Belgium, Switzerland, and the United States source their beans from this very region. Visiting here means going straight to the source — walking through working plantations, cracking open fresh cacao pods, and tasting artisan chocolate made from beans harvested that same week.
Beyond cacao, San Francisco de Macorís is a dynamic, prosperous city with a vibrant commercial center, excellent restaurants, and a lively nightlife scene that rivals much larger Dominican cities. It's a place where agricultural tradition meets modern urban energy — a combination that gives visitors a fascinating and nuanced portrait of Dominican life in the interior.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
20° — 31°
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Aug
22° — 33°
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Dec
19° — 29°
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Feb
18° — 29°
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Jan
18° — 29°
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Jul
22° — 33°
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Jun
22° — 32°
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Mar
19° — 30°
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May
21° — 31°
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Nov
20° — 30°
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Oct
21° — 31°
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Sep
22° — 32°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
San Francisco de Macorís sits in the northeastern Cibao Valley, in Duarte Province, at the crossroads of major routes connecting the interior to the north coast and Samaná.
By Air
Cibao International Airport (STI) in Santiago is about 1.5 hours west and has the most flight options. El Catey Airport (AZS) in Samaná is about 1.5 hours east. From Santo Domingo's Las Américas Airport (SDQ), the drive is about 2.5 hours north.
By Car
From Santo Domingo, take the Autopista del Nordeste — a modern highway that cuts travel time to about 2-2.5 hours. From Santiago, head east through Moca and La Vega on well-maintained roads — about 1.5 hours. The drive from Nagua on the north coast takes about 1 hour through scenic mountain passes.
By Bus
Metro and Caribe Tours both run frequent daily service from Santo Domingo directly to San Francisco de Macorís. The journey takes about 2.5-3 hours and buses are modern and air-conditioned. From Santiago, local guaguas depart regularly from the main terminals.
Getting Around
The city center is navigable on foot, though motoconchos and taxis are plentiful for getting around. For cacao plantation visits in the surrounding countryside, a rental car or arranged transport through a tour operator is recommended.
As the largest city in the northeast Cibao, San Francisco de Macorís offers more accommodation options than its smaller neighbors.
City Hotels
Several comfortable mid-range hotels are located in the city center, offering air-conditioned rooms, WiFi, parking, and on-site restaurants. Expect to pay US$40-80/night for clean, modern rooms. Hotel Las Caobas and Hotel Gran Almirante are popular choices with business travelers and visitors alike.
Boutique & Guesthouses
A growing number of smaller guesthouses and apart-hotels provide more intimate stays with kitchenettes and local character. These are ideal for longer visits — especially if you're spending several days exploring cacao plantations and the surrounding countryside.
Rural Cacao Stays
Some cacao cooperatives and fincas in the hills outside the city are developing agritourism accommodations. These rustic but charming stays put you directly on the plantation, often with meals prepared from local ingredients. Inquire through local tour operators or directly with cooperatives like CONACADO.
Cacao Plantation Tours
The must-do experience. Visit working plantations where cacao has been cultivated for generations. You'll walk through shaded groves, learn about organic farming practices, crack open ripe cacao pods, taste the sweet pulp surrounding the beans, and follow the fermentation and drying process that transforms raw beans into exportable cacao. Several cooperatives and private fincas offer structured tours.
Chocolate Making Workshops
Go beyond the plantation and learn the art of chocolate making. Several artisan producers offer hands-on workshops where you roast, grind, and temper cacao beans into finished chocolate. You'll leave with a deep appreciation for why Dominican cacao is prized worldwide — and a bag of chocolate you made yourself.
Parque Duarte & City Center
The central park is the heart of city life — shaded benches, a gazebo where musicians sometimes perform, and surrounding streets lined with shops and restaurants. It's a wonderful place to people-watch and absorb the energy of a prosperous Dominican city.
Nightlife & Dining
San Francisco de Macorís has a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and live music venues. The restaurant scene is equally strong, with options ranging from traditional comedores to modern eateries. The city is known for excellent chivo (goat) dishes and fresh river shrimp.
Gateway to the Northeast
The city is a strategic base for exploring the broader northeast — day trips to Nagua and the north coast, the mountains of Cordillera Septentrional, and the agricultural heartland of Duarte Province are all within easy reach.
- Book plantation tours in advance. While some fincas accept walk-ins, the best experiences are arranged ahead of time through local cooperatives or tour operators in the city.
- Cacao harvest peaks from March to June and again from September to November. Visit during these periods to see plantations at full activity.
- Buy chocolate locally. Small-batch Dominican chocolate from this region is exceptional and far cheaper than what you'll find exported abroad. Look for brands like Kahkow and Oko Caribe.
- Try the chivo liniero. San Francisco de Macorís is famous for its goat dishes — the slow-cooked chivo is a regional specialty you shouldn't miss.
- Spanish is essential here. This is a Dominican commercial city, not a tourist zone. Few people speak English, but the locals are warm and patient with visitors making an effort.
- Use the Autopista del Nordeste. The modern highway from Santo Domingo makes the trip fast and comfortable — a vast improvement over the old mountain roads.
Sample Itineraries
Chocolate Capital Day
Cacao plantations, chocolate workshops, and the energy of a thriving Cibao city.
🌅 Morning2.5h
Cacao Plantation Tour
Visit one of the major cacao plantations surrounding the city. Walk through the shaded cacao groves and learn why Dominican cacao is prized worldwide.
San Francisco Cacao Farms
Midday2h
Chocolate Workshop
Participate in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop. Go from roasted cacao bean to finished chocolate bar using traditional Dominican methods.
San Francisco de Macoris
Tip: Several operators offer workshops. Ask your hotel for the latest recommendations.
☀️ Afternoon2h
City Exploration
Walk through the bustling commercial center. This is a prosperous Cibao city with a lively atmosphere, good shopping, and genuine Dominican urban life.
San Francisco de Macoris Center
🌙 Evening1.5h
Cibao Valley Dinner
End the day with dinner at a popular local restaurant. The city has a growing food scene influenced by its cacao wealth.
San Francisco de Macoris
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Guagua(RD$150-250)
Minibuses from Santiago. About 1 hour.
Caribe Tours Bus(RD$250-350)
From Santo Domingo. About 2.5 hours.
Taxi(US$50-80 from STI)
From Cibao International Airport.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$20-30
Mid-rangeUS$35-60
LuxuryUS$70-130
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓Known for cacao and agriculture — friendly, safe city
- ✓Use standard city precautions
- ✓Visit cacao farms and chocolate factories — fun tours
📶 Connectivity
Good. 4G coverage. WiFi in hotels and restaurants.
💰 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is San Francisco de Macoris called the cacao capital?
San Francisco de Macoris and the surrounding Duarte province produce the majority of the Dominican Republic's cacao, which is among the finest in the world. The warm, humid climate and fertile soil of the Cibao Valley create ideal growing conditions. Dominican cacao is prized by artisan chocolate makers worldwide, and the city is the commercial hub of this industry.
Can I take a chocolate workshop or cacao tour?
Yes, several cacao farms and cooperatives in the San Francisco area offer tours that include walking through cacao groves, learning about fermentation and drying, and tasting raw cacao and finished chocolate. Some offer hands-on workshops where you make your own chocolate. Tours range from RD$500-2,000 (US$9-35). Contact Chocal Cooperative or ask locally for current options.
How do I get to San Francisco de Macoris?
San Francisco de Macoris is about 135 km (2 hours) north of Santo Domingo via the Autopista Duarte and then northeast. Caribe Tours runs multiple daily buses for around RD$350-400 (US$6-7). From Santiago, the drive is about 1.5 hours east. The closest airport is Cibao International (STI) in Santiago, about 90 km west.
How many days should I spend here?
One to two days is sufficient. Spend a day on a cacao tour and exploring the city center. If you combine it with Salcedo (Mirabal Sisters Museum) or Moca, plan for two days in the area. The city has good hotels and restaurants that serve as a comfortable base for exploring the eastern Cibao.
What else is there to do in San Francisco de Macoris?
Beyond cacao, the city has a vibrant market, a pleasant central park, and a growing culinary scene. The surrounding countryside offers rice paddies, river swimming spots, and mountain foothills. The nearby Salto de la Jalda, the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean at 120 meters, can be accessed on a guided hiking excursion from the area (plan a full day for this trip).
What local food should I try?
Try the local cacao-based hot chocolate drink, which is rich and aromatic. The area is also known for excellent Dominican staples: sancocho (hearty stew), mangu (mashed plantains), and fresh river crayfish when in season. A good meal at a local restaurant costs RD$300-600 (US$5-10). Street vendors sell cacao fruit and fresh tropical juices.
Nearby Destinations
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Plan Your San Francisco de Macorís Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: Cibao International (STI) — 1 hr drive