Constanza

About

Nestled in a valley 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) up in the Cordillera Central, Constanza holds the title of the highest altitude town in the Caribbean. The remote valley was sparsely inhabited, and Constanza itself wasn’t founded until 1894. Today, it’s a favorite retreat for nature lovers and Dominicans looking to escape the summer heat, with year round temperatures averaging between 5°C-25°C (41°F-77°F). The cozy town center is brimming with bars and restaurants, while the central park is the spot to be for just hanging out. But look outside of town and you’ll find farms to tour, and a local version of Christ the Redeemer, which offers views across the valley. Plus, there are four national parks to explore, like the Valle Nuevo National Park, which is the source of some of the country’s major rivers, and the humid Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve, which is home to over 80 species of orchids.