Your All-In-One Guide To Touring Higüey, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic

Discover Higüey’s Unique History and Culture

Higüey is a thriving city full of gorgeous architecture, spiritual beauty, natural wonders, and colorful culture. We invite you to dive in, and learn what this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer.

Indigenous Taino Culture Shapes Higüey’s History

Higüey gets its name from the word for “sun,” in Arawaken, the language of the indigenous Taino people.

The Taino began cultivating the land around the Yuma River around 600 AD, creating the Caíçimu-Higüey kingdom of Taíno and maintaining it for centuries. The impact of the culture they built is still felt in modern-day Higüey, centuries later.

Salvaleón de Higüey Founding and Independence

Juan de Esquivel conquered the Caribbean islands, officially founding Salvaleón de Higüey for Spain in 1503. Higüey remained a Spanish colony until 1822, when the nation of Haiti drove the Spanish out.

In 1844, the Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti, and Higüey became the capital of the new DR province of La Altagracia.

What To Do, Explore, and Experience In Higüey, DR

There are numerous activities and destinations to explore in Higüey. If you’re seeking recommendations, why not try one of these?

Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia

The Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is a minor basilica and cathedral dedicated to the patron saint of the nation of the Dominican Republic. The cathedral hosts an iconic arch, and the structure as a whole is designed to withstand the onslaught of hurricanes.

Its interior is filled with intricate frescoes, and it displays a blessed artwork of the Virgin Mary, painted in 1571.

Feast of Our Lady of Altagracia

Each year, the basilica hosts the public holiday Dia de la Altagracia on January 21st. The feast day honors the patron saint with song, dance, festivals, food, and candlelight vigils.

Monkeyland

Monkeyland is a nature preserve dedicated to the protection of primates in Higüey. Visitors can interact with, feed, and, sometimes, even pet squirrel monkeys, who roam freely in the park. Engaging with the monkeys, exploring the preserve, and riding Monkeyland’s zipline makes for an unforgettable family experience.

Boat Tour and Swimming In Yuma River, River Maimon

Two rivers flow through Higüey: the Yuma and the River Maimon. Travelers can enjoy boat tours, guided nature exploration, and even freshwater swimming in the destination’s rivers.

While exploring, some travelers make a short trip to the nearby Boca de Yuma nature preserve, where you can explore the semi-crystalline cave, Cueva de Bernard.

Explore Higüey’s Dominican Market

The open-air markets in Higüey offer fresh food, artisan crafts, fashion, and unexpected finds. It’s the place to truly immerse yourself into daily life in the city.

Spend an afternoon perusing the stalls at your own pace. Or, join a walking tour of Higuey’s bazaars and souks, and listen as guides unveil local culture and folklore as you shop.

Dine On Authentic Taino, Caribbean Cuisine

Taino culinary arts are an unmissable part of Higüey’s culture.
Whether you’re looking to try pan-roasted pollo jibaro, classic plantain dishes like mofongo with consomme sauce, or even snack on some yuca fries, the food is sure to surprise and delight.

Visit Higüey and More On Caravan’s Exclusive, All-Inclusive Tour of Dominican Republic

Traverse Higüey in the Dominican Republic, and discover why so many make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia each year. Experience centuries-old architecture, authentic Taino cuisine, bustling markets, and breathtaking natural wonders.

Caravan’s Escorted, 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour

Caravan invites guests to experience Higüey on our all-inclusive, escorted Dominican Republic trip. Check out the details here: Dominican Republic 7-Day Tour (Itinerary & FAQs). We offer fully guided sightseeing throughout. Each locale, attraction, hotel and meal is carefully chosen by our travel experts.

Fees for each excursion and activity, meals listed on the itinerary, bottled water, and transportation are included in the tour’s price.

Caravan also offers Tour Cancellation Protection. This gives each of our guests peace of mind, should anyone have to cancel their spot on the trip before the day it begins.

To learn more about the 7-Day Dominican Republic Tour, or to make a reservation, please call Toll-Free at 1-800 227-2826 or 312-321-9800. Or, visit these pages to learn more.

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Why Travel with Caravan?

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You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.

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For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.

Caravan's Proud History

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Great Hotels

Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.

Meals

Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.

Complete Sightseeing

Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.

Fully Guided by Tour Directors

All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.

All-inclusive

Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.

Shopping Freedom

Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.

Great Value, Book Early

Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. Most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best airfare.

How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?

Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.

Trade Association Memberships

Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).

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