Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Basílica de Higüey; Altos de Chavón. Hero photo: Original uploader was Niedźwiadek78 (Michał Sulczyński) at pl.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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These two stops are the culture day from the resorts. One is a stone village that was built to look older than it is. The other is a real pilgrimage church, and 21 January is the feast day when Higüey is busiest. Go because you want to see them, not because a tour poster called them ancient.
Altos de Chavón
A cultural village with an amphitheatre, church, shops and river views.
It was built in the late 20th century in a Mediterranean style, above the Chavón river near La Romana.
Higüey Basilica
The modernist basilica, with its tall concrete arch, is the main pilgrimage site in the Dominican Republic, especially on 21 January, the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia.
Getting there
By tour or taxi. Higüey is the provincial capital, inland from the resorts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Altos de Chavón historic?
No. It was built in the late 20th century in an old style.
When is Higüey busiest?
On 21 January, the feast of Our Lady of Altagracia, when the basilica is the country’s main pilgrimage stop.
