Learn About the Dominican Cigar Town and the Currency of the Dominican Republic
In this post, you’ll finally understand where the legendary cigar factories of the Dominican Republic are truly located.
When most travelers think of the Dominican Republic, they imagine Punta Cana’s white-sand beaches, La Romana’s luxury resorts, or Santo Domingo’s lively streets. But here’s the secret that every true cigar lover should know — the cigar factories aren’t there.
The real soul of Dominican cigar making lies in Santiago de los Caballeros, a charming city nestled in the heart of the island. 🌿 It’s a place filled with heritage, craftsmanship, and the warm spirit of the authentic Dominican Republic.
In this article, I’ll take you inside Santiago, show you where the best cigar factories are located, and give you a glimpse of the city’s vibrant culture and timeless traditions that make it the beating heart of Dominican cigar manufacturing.
Get ready to discover a side of the Dominican Republic most tourists never see — the true home of hand-rolled cigars and the artisans who bring them to life. 🇩🇴🔥
WHERE ARE THE CIGAR FACTORIES LOCATED?
The most famous cigar factories in the Dominican Republic are found in the heart of the Cibao region, within the municipality of Tamboril and the historic town of Santiago de los Caballeros. This northern region is often called the Cigar Capital of the World, and once you breathe in the aroma of freshly rolled tobacco here, you will understand why. 🌿
In Tamboril, you will step into a world where craftsmanship and tradition meet in perfect harmony. It is home to legendary names such as Tabacalera Palma (producers of La Galera and La Instructora cigars), Tabacalera La Flor (La Flor Dominicana), as well as La Aurora and Black Bird Cigars. Each factory carries a story, a family legacy, and a passion passed down through generations.
You will also find Artista Cigars, another proud Tamboril name, where every cigar reflects Dominican artistry and dedication.
Further west of Santiago, the tradition of excellence continues with Tabacalera La Alianza (EP Carrillo), the prestigious Fuente factory, and Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera. Each of these names contributes to the rich identity of Dominican cigar manufacturing, combining quality, heritage, and pride.
For every cigar aficionado, this region is not only a destination; it is a pilgrimage to the beating heart of Dominican cigar culture. ✨
THE NEIGHBORHOODS of Santiago De Los Caballeros
Santiago is a vibrant and dynamic city with more than 1.3 million inhabitants. It is a place of contrasts, where every neighborhood offers a different rhythm and a unique atmosphere. Some areas are known for their elegant hotels and boutique stays, perfect for travelers exploring the heart of the Dominican Republic. Others are famous for their restaurants, cafés, and cultural attractions, where visitors can experience the warmth, music, and authentic spirit of Dominican life.
From its lively streets to its peaceful tobacco valleys, Santiago de los Caballeros captures the essence of the island — a city where tradition and modernity coexist beautifully, and where every visitor feels the pulse of the Dominican cigar capital. 🌿✨
| Los Jardines | Los Jardines is the center of Santiago. You are 25 minutes from Tamboril. This is also where the Caribe Tour and Metro Bus bus companies are located. The Cabinet Tobacco Boutique de Santiago and famous restaurants are also located there. |
| Los Cerros de Gurabo | Los Cerros de Gurabo is the area where many restaurants and shops are located. There you will find friendly restaurants like Puros y Carnes, as well as Centro León which sells good sandwiches! |
| Pontezuela | Pontezuela is an area located on the Carrera Duarte. On this main street, you will find trendy bars and restaurants like Maru Restaurant the Bendito Café or the Calcalí café in Pontezuela. I recommend the La Catalina where Maru is located. |
| Airport Area | To the south-east of Santiago is the Cibao international airport, which serves certain North American cities (such as New York) and more recently Madrid with Air Europa. |
| Villa Olga | Villa Olga is a lovely place with many restaurants and shops. There are places to have breakfast, the Saga restaurant (from Los Reyes) and the All in Drinks wine merchant which sells rums at the best prices. All Drinks now has a rooftop bar. |
| La Trinitaria | La Trinitaria is a residential area and in the center of Santiago. You will find many cosy AirBnB’s there. |
| Industrial Zone | The industrial zone is to the west of the city. This part is not touristy. There are many free zones, including two where there are some Tabacaleras such as Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera EP Carillo, Arturo Fuente or General Cigar. |
| The monument and historic center of Santiago | The Restoration monument and the historic center are areas with many friendly bars and restaurants like El Tablon or Zumbador Arts bar! |
The Peso Dominicano
The Dominican Republic has its own currency called the Dominican peso. Although sometimes dollars are accepted, it is more common to pay in Dominican pesos. To get its value in relation to the euro or Canadian dollar, look on the internet or download the “Currency” application available on the Play Store and the App store.
Although it is best to withdraw money at a bank (Popular, BanReservas), you can exchange your money for Dominican pesos at exchange offices. ✨
- https://www.puntacanaadventures.com/fr/punta-cana-currency/ ↩︎
The Journey into the Heart of Dominican Cigars Continues
Santiago de los Caballeros and Tamboril together form the living soul of the Dominican cigar industry. From the world-renowned factories of La Aurora, La Flor Dominicana, and Tabacalera Palma, to the hidden gems that keep the island’s tradition alive, every corner of this region tells a story of passion, craftsmanship, and heritage. 🇩🇴✨
You now know where the best cigar factories in the Dominican Republic are located, and you have discovered the cultural richness that makes Santiago so unique. But this is only the beginning of your journey.
In the next post, you will learn how to make your visit unforgettable — from choosing the best hotels in Santiago for every budget, to understanding how to organize your tour of the cigar factories like a true aficionado. Get ready to walk through tobacco fields, meet the artisans, and live the full Dominican cigar experience. 🌿🔥
NEXT CHAPTER – Hotels in Santiago and organize your visit of the Cigar Factories –> Not yet available but can be found in CigGuide
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