Higuey


Higuey, Dominican Republic
Photo by: eonaxon , Creative Commons

Higuey is an active town that is populated with 150,000 settlers. One of its most popular sites is the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia, which is the abode of the Virgin Mary that attracted religious pilgrims from all around Dominican Republic looking for redemption and miracles. Even though Higuey doesn’t boast of many tourist attractions, the basilica offers a lot of mystery and splendid history.

Higuey is the focal point of the south eastern corner of the country. In the center of the province of La Altagracia, the town of Higuey is the core of agriculture. Its local economy is supported by growing produce such as sugar, coffee, rice and other agricultural products as well as the cattle and pork. Transportation comes together in Higuey and if you are going anywhere in the south eastern area, there’s likely a bus in town that can take you there. Transportation from neighboring towns of Sabana del Mar, Santo Domingo and La Romana make stops here to pick up and unload passengers. The former settlers of Higuey called the region the birthplace of the sun since sun rays are very intense here and if you are visiting, you must not forget to wear sunscreen even when indoors.

Locating the bus station in Higuey is very easy. You can find it right in front of the basilica, which makes it very accessible to spot different bus transfers and schedules. The guagua station, a station for minibuses, is located east of the church. You also have the option of timing your visit to Higuey to coincide with the event called Dia de la Altagracia which happens every January 21st, when thousands of religious pilgrims flock to the basilica to offer prayers to the Virgin Mary. This is not only a day for Catholics but it is also an event celebrated with dancing, music and booze.

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