The Dominican Republic has destinations for all tastes: cold, hot, populated, deserts, highlands and plains. If you prefer the warm and exotic, we present Montecristi, a province with beaches, rivers, mangroves, cays, migratory birds, wild landscapes, salt reserves, rice plantations, aloe vera, bananas and the best goat you will ever taste.
This northwestern jewel is located 162 kilometers from the Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata and 272 kilometers from the city of Santo Domingo.
Undoubtedly, an ideal destination for those seeking adventures out of the ordinary, connecting with the land, the sea and the sun.
Below we share ten of its most attractive tourist attractions, take note so you don’t miss anything!
1. Trail of the Crosses
This activity consists of walking a mountain called “El Morrito”. During the tour there are several stops of the Stations of the Cross that tell the story of the falls of Jesus Christ before being crucified. When you reach the top you will find viewpoints and swings to swing with the breathtaking view of El Morro, its beach and Cabra Island.
2. The platform
In the middle of the mangroves there is a recently remodeled platform where visitors can stop to share with family and friends, and enjoy the breathtaking view of El Morro. To get there you must take a boat from the Juan de Bolaños beach or from the Nautical Club, without a doubt a unique view.
3. The mangroves
In Montecristi is the Estero Balsa National Park where you will find the most extensive mangroves of the Dominican Republic, but also there is located the El Morro National Park, which is surrounded by a large area of mangroves; these can be seen while traveling the road leading to El Morro Beach or by boat, through a network of inland waterways. When visiting by water, don’t forget to stop at the platform and enjoy a dip in the natural pool.
4. Montecristi Pier
On Juan de Bolaños beach, where the boardwalk of Montecristi is located, there is a pier that has an impressive view that includes the mountain of El Morro, this space is perfect for taking pictures and enjoying the fun that the pier has around it.
5. The clock of Montecristi
Located in San Fernando de Montecristi, the clock in the form of a mini version of the Eiffel Tower, was designed by the French engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, the same who designed the Eiffel Tower, this clock is a symbol of freedom. This destination has become an obligatory stop for tourists visiting the city, so it is mandatory that upon arriving in the town of Montecristi you take a walk through the Central Park, where the clock tower is located.
6. San Fernando Church of Montecristi
Right in front of the clock is the beautiful San Fernando Parish, which stands out for its tinted windows and an altar made of mahogany, attracting visitors for its beautiful architectural design inspired by the nineteenth century. The church is located in front of the Plaza Duarte.
7. El Morro Beach
One of the hallmarks of this destination is the magical El Morro beach, characterized by its strong waves and fine brown sand that is sometimes covered with white stones.
This beach is also known for looking like a small mountain in the water in the shape of a shoe. Among the different activities that can be done here are diving and fishing.
Just before going down to the beach there is a new picnic area and two cool viewpoints to share and take pictures.
8. Goat Island
In front of the Morro there is a small white-sand cay that is great for camping, hiking through its old salt flats and enjoying its warm waters. The only way to get there is by boat from the port. Upon arrival you find a panorama of vegetation and a beach of calm waters suitable for spending a pleasant time with your friends or family, from there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Monte Cristi National Park.
9. Máximo Gómez Museum
If you like culture, or want to know a little more about Dominican history, here you will find the Máximo Gómez and José Martí House Museum. This is literally the house where Máximo Gómez lived and where he met with José Martí and other patriots to write the Montecristi Manifesto, which proclaimed Cuba’s independence.
10. Salinas de Montecristi
When you visit Montecristi make a stop at the salt mines, here you can learn more about its importance in the economy of the city, witness how sea salt is produced and, if you are lucky and at that time they are beautiful, take some spectacular photos of the salt on the ground as a reflection of what is on earth.
We remind you that this forgotten province has a lot to offer, dare to discover it!
Source: Diariolibre.com
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