TCS Experiences Catalogue

W W W. D I S C O V E R C I B A O . C O M

MEMBERS INSTITUTIONS Project for Enhancing the Mechanism for Sustainable Community based tourism development in the North Region (Sustainable Community Tourism Project) Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development (MEPyD) Technical and Professional Training National Institute (INFOTEP) Japan International Cooperation Agency in Dominican Republic (JICA)

2019 First edition

MAIN OFFFICE Cayetano Germosén ave. with General Gregorio Luperón ave. Mirador Sur, Santo Domingo, D. N. Dominican Republic.

P. O. Box 497. Tels.: 809-221-4660 ext. 4360,

I N T R O D U C T I O N

The Sustainable Community Tourism Project invites you to learn about the community tourism products in the North Region or Cibao from the perspective of an expanded and diversified destination that combines business opportunities and community development.

Aligned with the new global trend of sustainability, Sustainable Community Tourism is based on principles of empowerment, equitative benefit distribution and product diversification, through experiences for authentic connection between tourists and local communities as an added value to the current offer.

This catalogue is intended to serve as an introduction to Sustainable Community Tourism in the North Region or Cibao of the Dominican Republic.

GRUPO ''LAS BRUJAS, IMBERT

I

N 8-11

D

E

X

LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES SECTION. ADVENTURE

16-19

24-27

-12 Jamao Ecotours -13 Cabarete Cave Guides Association -14 Damajagua Waterfall Guides Association -15 El Limรณn Waterfall Ecotourism Community Association

ENJOY SAND COLORS TONES SECTION. BEACH

- 20 Marine Guardians of Manzanillo Bay

- 21 Association of Beach and Handicraft Vendors of Villa

Magante

- 22 Estero Hondo Guides Association

- 23 Coastal Nautical Union of Nagua and San Juan River

CULTURAL FLAVORS SECTION. GASTRONOMY

-28 Border Beekeepers Association Dajabรณn

-29 Chocolala

30-33

FEEL THE ENERGY SECTION. MUSIC

-35 UMPC Guananico

36-39

DISCOVERY OF AMERICA SECTION. HISTORY

-40 Association of Petrified Wood Artisans of Imbert

-41 Higuerito Craftsmen Association

JAMAO ECOTOURS, ESPAILLAT

DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES

SUPPORT PRESERVATION

UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

A D V E N T U R E A memory from an adventure becomes everlasting when triggered through joy, excitement, and pure adrenaline. This is what adventure seekers look for. Imagine sailing on boat through the mangroves as the sun falls before your eyes, or walking through the night under the stars, to collecting fresh honey with your bare hands.

These are just some examples of the wonders that are waiting for you in the North Region or El Cibao.

Most of these activities are only reachable through the local communities hands, who organized under Sustainable Community Tourism are able to present rich and unforgettable experiences for tourism.

SCT EXPERIENCES 9

JAMAO ECOTOURS, ESPAILLAT

SCT EXPERIENCES 11

JAMAO ECOTOURS

LOCAL GROUP

ESPAILLAT

Jamao al Norte is the town with the bluest rivers in all of the Dominican Republic, located between the mountains of the North Mountain Range.

EXPERIENCE

Kayak In

JAMAO

The kayak excursion in the Jamao river is a relaxing experience atractivo where five (5) kilometers of clear water and beautiful sandbanks are covered. RESERVATION

More than 18 waterfalls and more than 60 puddles in turquoise waters.

RESERVATON FIT 6 HRS

HARD

CANYONING IN

5 to 30 PEOP.

Rappelling MAGICAL MUSHROOM

ESPAÑOL

FAMILY 5 AEASY 30 PERS. 30 PERS. 5 TO INGLES 3 HRS

It descends 20 meters with rappel on a masterful structure formed by the strong currents of the river.

ARROYO FRIO

RESERVATON

FIT

HARD

5 to 30 PEOP. 5 HRS

We are a community project that protects the environment and at the same time we look for alternatives so that others can enjoy it in a sustainable way.

12 SCT EXPERIENCES

LOCAL GROUP

CABARETE CAVES GUIDES ASSOCIATION

PUERTO PLATA

Walk through a route of abundant vegetation and immersion in several underground caves with lagoons that interconnect. It is an experience that will put you in direct contact with nature and adventure.

EXPERIENCE

ESPAÑOL INGLES

CABARETE CAVES

90 minutes experience in a protected natural area with species diversity and impressive underground caves

NO RESERVATION FAMILY

EASY 1 TO 60 PERS. 90 MIN.

Entering underground several meters deep to observe the rock formations, feel the silence and peace that are experienced there, is simply an experience not to be missed.

Geological formations and lagoons of crystalline waters where you can take a dip.

SCT EXPERIENCES 13

LOCAL GROUP

DAMAJAGUA FALLS GUIDES ASSOCIATION

PUERTO PLATA

The visitor will have the opportunity to enter into the natural beauty of interpretative trails surrounded by different species of flora and fauna, and submerge in its crystalline pools and impressive waterfalls.

EXPERIENCE

DAMAJAGUA WATER FALLS

Complex of 27 waterfalls with guided adrenaline rides, hiking, descents and swimming. RESERVATION

12+

HARD

The Damajagua Falls are located 20 kilometers from Puerto Plata. They start at the head of the Loma Bajabonico, traveling about 7 kilometers between the mountains and, for its exceptional beauty is one of the most impressive places that has the Amber Coast and the Dominican Republic for fans of adventure tourism.

14 SCT EXPERIENCES

1 to 60 PEOP. 3 HR.

EL LIMON WATERFALL ECOTOURISM COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

LOCAL GROUP

SAMANÁ

El Limón offers an adventurous journey through its jungle landscape, before reaching its waterfall that falls from the high part of the Sierra de Samaná, at an altitude of 40 meters (130 feet).

EXPERIENCE PATHS TO

EL LIMON F

A

L

L

S

This tour can be done on foot or on a horse up to the waterfall which has a 50 mts free fall and then a swimming pool which becomes an excellent spa.

RESERVATION

FAMILY

MEDIUM

1 TO 100 PERS. 3 HR

Community association made up of 272 members of five communities that carry out joint activities for the improvement and sustainable management of ecotourism activities in El Limón Falls.

SCT EXPERIENCES 15

EL VALLE BEACH, SAMANÁ

SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY

B

E

ENGAGE IN LOCAL ACTIVITIES

A

SHARE WITH LOCALS

C

H

Beaches have become one of the most important natural resources available in the Dominican Republic for tourism. In the North Region or Cibao exist several beaches that display unimaginable beauty and most of them count with rich gastronomic experience, offered by locals, based mainly on seafood and fish caught and prepared by their own hands.

The Sustainable Community Tourism as a proposal also integrates fishing and offshore excursions offered by local fishermen which in turn enable new experiences to stunning seascapes, coastal lagoons, mangroves, coral reeves, keys, and isles. These activities bring an extraordinary opportunity for getting involved with common local activities and sink into traditions of the Atlantic coastline in the Hispaniola Island.

SCT EXPERIENCES 17

EL MORRO BEACH, MONTECRISTI

SCT EXPERIENCES 19

LOCAL GROUP

MARINE GUARDIANS OF MANZANILLO BAY

MONTECRISTI

It is a fun experience that starts at the Estero Balsa pier, crossing a channel between mangroves where you can observe birds and other natural wonders that will relax your senses.

EXPERIENCE NATURE TRAIL

IN Kayak

If you visit Pepillo Salcedo (Manzanillo) you can't miss the Kayak experience!

Step into one of the best-preserved mangrove forests in the Caribbean.

RESERVATION

FAMILY

EASY

2 to 11 PERS.

You can enjoy a light tour without much effort, guided by the group "Marine guardians of Manzanillo Bay" who will allow you to enter the beautiful green channels of the park.

20 SCT EXPERIENCES

3 HR

LOCAL GROUP

ASSOCIATION OF BEACH VENDORS AND ARTISANS OF VILLA MAGANTE

E S PA I L L AT

This idyllic place is part of the Emerald Bay, place "La Yagua". Its golden sands and warm, transparent waters give it the typical appearance of a tropical paradise.

EXPERIENCE FISH BOULEVARD

Rogelio BEACH

It stands out for being a good place to spend a great day at the beach with the whole family.

NO RESERVATION

FAMILY

EASY

ANY 60 MIN.

Rogelio beach is a very busy resort where there is no lack of service. The shore and water always look clean and has numerous houses that give some tourist air to the place.

SCT EXPERIENCES 21

LOCAL GROUP

ESTERO HONDO

PUERTO PLATA

GUIDES ASSOCIATION A Tour to explore the trails within the Estero Hondo Marine Sanctuary and get to know the biodiversity that mixes the mangroves and the sea, as well as the curiosities that can be discovered of the manatee, the main protected species in the area.

EXPERIENCE

MEET THE

MANATEE

A Tour through trails full of biodiversity and observation of the manatee, an endangered and protected species within the Estero Hondo .

FAMILY

EASY

1 TO 60 PERS. 1 HR

Let the local guides tell you all about the area and their experience of a lifetime in this environment of rich biodiversity.

22 SCT EXPERIENCES

RESERVATION

LOCAL GROUP

COASTAL NAUTICAL UNION OF NAGUA AND SAN JUAN RIVER

MARÍA TRINIDAD SÁNCHEZ

The Grigri Lagoon is a coastal wetland with mangrove that allows navigation. A group of fishermen started boat excursions in the mangrove area and at the mouth of the sea, becoming a real attraction in the North

EXPERIENCE

GRIGRI

LAGOON

Boat trip, observation of mangroves, birds, fish and other species, visit to the Cave of the Swallows and swim in the natural swimming pool located within the path.

NO RESERVATION

FAMILY

EASY

6 + PERS. 45 MIN.

Fishing tours, diving, visit to the mangroves. 22 boats, 40 active captains, provided with motor, oars, life jackets for the excursionists.

SCT EXPERIENCES 23

P R OV I N C I A

LA VEGA VIEJA, LA VEGA

LEARN LOCAL RECIPES

SUPPORT THE VALUE CHAIN

UNIQUE FLAVORS

G A S T R O N O M Y Throughout generations, the way locals prepare their food, choose ingredients and reinvent their recipes have transcended into establishing local gastronomical landmarks. One great example is the Northwestern “Chivo Liniero” goatswhich are fed solely of a native kind of oregano plants to achieve, later on, the exclusive texture and flavor of the infamous “Chivo Guisado Liniero” - a classic stewed goat of this area. You cannot experience such a delicacy anywhere else in the country.

Sustainable Community Tourism takes you to the villages of the North Region or Cibao where traditions prevail, and where you will be able to enjoy the secrets and origins of their flavors. Imagine that this could happen both inside a typical wood countryside home or in a local cozy farm.

SCT EXPERIENCES 25

SCT EXPERIENCES 27

LOCAL GROUP

BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION IN DAJABON BORDER

DAJABÓN

Dajabon is a border city characterized by the coexistence of several nations. In addition to the sweetening Honey Route, you have the option of visiting the border and the highest area of the province, comprising pine groves and a pleasant climate.

EXPERIENCE

HONEY PRODUCTION

Know the most important pollinator species on the planet! Come to the "Honey Route" in Dajabon and sweeten your life naturally with TASTE. RESERVATION

EASY

1 TO 20 PERS. 45 MIN.

THE VISITOR MAY: Try different types of honey Know the honey liqueur or mead

Understanding how a honeycomb works

28 SCT EXPERIENCES

FAMILY

Know all the products produced by bees (pollen, propolis, royal jelly, honey and wax) Acquire products made from honey such as soap

LOCAL GROUP

CHOCOLALA

PUERTO PLATA

Enjoy a walk through a cocoa plantation and a pure organic chocolate made from cocoa that grows in a virgin environment of the Altamira Mountains.

EXPERIENCE

CHOCOLATE TOUR

Mini tour that transports you from the plantation and industrial processing of the cocoa to the enjoyment of a rich chocolate and tasting of derivative products. RESERVATION

FAMILY

EASY

1 TO 30 PERS. 30 MIN.

You will be able to enjoy the process of the Chocolala chocolate factory, operated by women from the community who produce various cocoa products through an industrial process, such as powdered cocoa, gofio, coated cocoa, tablets, chocolatines, among others, which complete a total of 17 different products.

SCT EXPERIENCES 29

P R OV I N C I A

SON IN LOS PEPINES, SANTIAGO

INTEGRATE TO THE CULTURE

M

U

KNOW THE ORIGINS

S

ENJOY THE LOCAL ENERGY

I

C

Dominicans are happy people by nature, but the inhabitants in the North Region or Cibao are considered the happiest among all.

This is where the Meregue Típico was born; which is an upbeat merengue antecessor that is no other than contagious to the hips.

Cibaeños carry the beat of the handcrafted tambora drums in their body, the accordion sounds initially inherited from Spaniards, and the irresistible “shhhh” rhythm of a well-played güira. This exquisite combination brings the unique touch to any good merengue.

There’s nothing more exciting than playing and dancing along with a cibaeño to their genuine music.

Under the Sustainable Community Tourism scheme, communities invite you to experiment their music, learn about their origins and understand how its rhythms influence their daily life.

SCT EXPERIENCES 31

MURALS IN LOS PEPINES, SANTIAGO

SCT EXPERIENCES 33

34 SCT EXPERIENCES

HACIENDA CUFA, PUERTO PLATA

LOCAL GROUP

UMPC GUANANICO

PUERTO PLATA

Visit the Taino Museum, where you can discover the origins of Dominican music, then Hacienda Cufa offers a cocoa tour where you can feel the culture of the Dominican family and how the music was part of the work of the field

EXPERIENCE

DOMINICAN MUSIC

IN HACIENDA CUFA

Interactive excursion with 5 senses that takes you to discover through the life of the countryside, cocoa and Dominican music the secret of happiness.

RESERVATION FAMILY

EASY

10 TO 30 PERS. 3 HR

HACIENDA CUFA is a rural ecotourism project, which

seeks to promote ecotourism, care of nature and the environment. Its objective is to develop an offer of ecological family tourism, through training, conservation and development of organic agriculture.

Prepare yourself for a meeting with Dominican master musicians from Guananico, birthplace of the typical merengue of the Puerto Plata province, where you will be able to dance, play and differentiate Dominican rhythms.

SCT EXPERIENCES 35

LA ISABELA MUSEUM, LUPERÓN

LISTEN TO LOCAL TALES

FEEL LOCAL PRIDE

H

I

S

T

AID TO PRESERVE THE HERITAGE

O

R

Y

The North Region or Cibao carries worldwide remarkable events from the Spanish occidental colonization in its history. La Isabela was the first land where Spanish colonizers started their journey to a new world. This represented a historical landmark for both the indigenous inhabitants and the European societies, whose memories still remain tangible or intangible on many parts of this region. “History is not only true when narrated how it happened, but also when narrated in perspective to what could have been�.

J. Mario Simmel (translated from Spanish) To know the history from the locals, not only means to create knowledge, but also experience local pride and how it influenced their culture. Under the Sustainable Community Tourism scheme, locals invite visitors to participate in local activities, listen to myths, legends, and tales, in addition to knowing the Hispaniola Island history; altogether a formal and fun presentation to their local culture.

SCT EXPERIENCES 37

SAN FELIPE FORTRESS, PUERTO PLATA

SCT EXPERIENCES 39

LOCAL GROUP

HIGüERITO CRAFTSMEN ASSOCIATION

E S PA I L L AT

The visitor will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in the process of making the clay pieces, especially the lime dolls, carefully molded by local artisans and buy the same and other crafts that are made there.

EXPERIENCE

HIGUERITO

Visit to artisan center.

HANDICRAFT CENTER

The vibrant colors of the dolls like yellow, green, red or blue represent our island origin; the symbols like the flowers, the bible, the apron or the macuto, religiosity and hospitality of Dominicans. The faceless dolls of El Higüerito have traveled the world and in many places are treasured for pride of Dominican craftsmanship.

40 SCT EXPERIENCES

NO RESERVATION

FAMILY

EASY

1 TO 30 PERS. 45 MIN.

LOCAL GROUP

ASSOCIATION OF PETRIFIED WOOD CRAFTSMEN OF IMBERT

PUERTO PLATA

The visitor will have the opportunity to know the process of elaboration of the pieces in petrified or imberlita's wood, carefully carved by the local craftsmen and to buy the same ones within a wide range of designs and themes linked with the nature and Dominican culture

EXPERIENCE

Handcrafted Square of Petrified Wood

Visit to a petrified wood handicraft site.

NO RESERVATION FAMILY

EASY

1 TO 30 PERS. 30 MIN.

For more than ten years, through its crafts, promote the culture of our country achieving national and international recognition as a symbol of the cultural heritage of DR.

Within the handcrafted offer, a special and unique line of replicas of Taino stamps stands out, contributing to the preservation and diffusion of the heritage of pre-hispanic culture.

SCT EXPERIENCES 41

CREDITS: Writing and Content Sustainable Community Tourism Project in the North Region Supervision Department of International Promotion, Ministry of Tourism.

Supervision Department of Planning and Projects, Ministry of Tourism.

Design and Layout Alberto Calderón Photography Sustainable Community Tourism Project Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic Samaná Tourism Cluster Santiago de los Caballeros City Hall Francisco Alvarez Local groups, respectively.

Published in March 2019 by the Sustainable Community Tourism Project for the North Region. ©All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part, transmission of any kind by any means, electronic or mechanical, photocopying, recording or storage of data and information retrieval system without the written consent of the authors is forbidden.

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