In The Beginning: Higuey was founded by Columbus, governed by Ponce de Leon, and the distant locale left it unscathed during the French Haitian occupations. What you''ll find today is much of the same - an authentic, thriving Dominican city, basically in the middle of nowhere; passed over from outside development and the tourism industry. You Can''t or Won''t Miss the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia which is the Holy Mecca for Dominican Catholics. This towering concrete cathedral is an architectural wonder uniquely designed and certainly worth your time to stop and explore.
Market Junkies, you''ll definitely want to have your gamut of senses overwhelmed and assaulted at Higuey''s vibrant display of daily commerce in what I consider the DR''s best Outdoor Market, and perhaps in all the Caribbean! It''s also the place to head if you''re looking for a quick, inexpensive wealth of dining and snacking opportunities.
Jake the Rat - follow in my footsteps as I take you on my most defining experience for Higuey the day I went in search of queso blanco; White Cheese. ${QuickSuggestions} Higuey is pronounced "Í-whay" remembering that the Spanish "i" is pronounced "ee."
Along the main arteries, you''ll pass several small locally owned hotels but likely have little reason to consider staying here. Dining options are also limited to the local standard fare; comida creolle. Don''t expect to find fast-food and other American franchises that are beginning to pop up in Dominican cities, as this area has so far been passed over.
Uncommon souvenir purchases came be found along Avenida Laguna Llana and within the Basilica''s southern parking lot from the hordes of vendors selling Catholic-related religious icons and locally hand-crafted items depicting the Cathedral.
Resort Tourists staying in the Punta Cana/Bavaro used to flock to Higuey for exchanging currencies, making phone calls, and other related assistance, but overdevelopment of the area has replaced the need for making the 1+-hour trip. Should you require any of these services, you''ll find them clustered around the town''s Central Plaza area.
My other Dominican Journals can help you plan your time within the country''s southeastern region, including my upcoming one for the nearby Costa del Coco. ${BestWay} Higuey serves as a connecting point for the southeastern region, and most travelers will only find themselves passing through on the way to somewhere else. I''ve included Detailed Route Info for those using public transportation - including gua-gua terminals, and for drivers.
Once in the central area, everything is within easy walking distance. Lonely Planet''s DR guidebook''s city map is an adequate source to help you get your bearings and find anything you''ll care to see.
For drivers, the parking lot entrance to the Basilica is on the southern end of the compound along Avenida de la Altagracia/Highway 4. Parking is free, and I would suggest leaving your transportation here and walking to any where else you care to go.
Should you decide to take a motoconcho, a ride any where within the city center should never cost more than RD10.
Sometimes just getting there can turn into the better of the experience as you discover On The Road To Higuey.