gap year abroad in the dominican republic for U.S. high school graduates

Santiago de los Caballeros, the Dominican Republic's second-largest city, lies at the foot of the Cordillera Central mountains. Santiago has the country's best museum, the Centro Leon, which houses a renowned contemporary art collection and a regional anthropology exhibit, both of which are considered to be among the best in the country. Centro Leon also serves as a cultural center, offering artistic workshops and seminars as well as concerts, film festivals, and temporary exhibits.

On a hill overlooking Santiago is its most visible and recognizable sight, an eight-story marble monument dedicated to the Heroes of the Restoration. The view of the city and surrounding mountains from the top is impressive. Besides the allure of the view, Santiaguero families often gather here to fly kites on breezy days.

Carnaval is its most popular festival and Santiago's colorful parades are among the most famous in the country. The traditions of its artistic and extravagant caretas or carnival masks, has blossomed into an annual competition leading up to this big fiesta. The celebration lasts the entire month of February. Baseball fever, however, is high all year round in Santiago, whose local team, Las Aguilas, is one of the two best in the country.

Because of its proximity to the mountains, Santiago serves as a base for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking in the nearby mountains, river rafting, horseback riding and canyoning.

what will your story be in the dominican republic?

Find out why Santiago is a haven for lovers of outdoor activities and observe how the colorful parades and extravagant fiestas make the festival of Carnaval famous throughout the country.

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