Plaza Chavon
1 / 10

Altos de Chavón

4.7
·5k reviews·La Romana, Dominican Republic

A recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River, offering stunning architecture, an amphitheater, and artisan shops.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, best light for photos

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Plaza Chavon

Altos de Chavón

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River, offering stunning architecture, an amphitheater, and artisan shops.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"A hidden Mediterranean village in the heart of the Caribbean, where time slows down and stone-paved streets tell stories."

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets can be uneven. Prioritize comfort for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Plan for Dining

Non-resort guests can't dine after 5 PM. Plan accordingly or get invited by a resort guest! :knifeforkplate:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amphitheater

Amphitheater

Central village

A 5,000-seat venue carved into the hillside, once graced by Frank Sinatra and Elton John.

Artisan Shops & Galleries

Artisan Shops & Galleries

Cobblestone streets

Discover handcrafted treasures, from pottery to textiles, reflecting local artistry.

St. Stanislaus Church

St. Stanislaus Church

Village center

A beautiful, small church housing a relic sent by Pope John Paul II.

Chavón River Valley Views

Chavón River Valley Views

Village overlooks

Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the winding river and lush landscape.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Entry Fees & Access

Outside visitors pay an entry fee (approx. $25-$50 USD) to access Altos de Chavón within the Casa de Campo resort. Resort guests have free access. Plan your visit around dining restrictions after 5 PM for non-guests.

Best Time to Explore

Arrive early for fewer crowds and optimal photo ops. Sunset offers a magical glow over the Chavón River valley. Comfortable shoes are a must for uneven cobblestone paths.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Magical sunset glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📱❌|#badbunny #badbunnypr #elconejomalo #benoposting #rd #republicadominicana #dominicanrepublic #sbg #casadecampo #sbgcasadecampo #laromana #altosdechavon #altosdechavonrd #onnos #fy #fyp #fypシ #parati#paratii #paratipage #pt #viral #foryou #foryoupage #foryourpage #viral #foryour #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii #paratitiktok #paratiiiiii
@beno.posting
73.8K likes • 1M views

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets can be uneven. Prioritize comfort for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Plan for Dining

Non-resort guests can't dine after 5 PM. Plan accordingly or get invited by a resort guest! :knifeforkplate:

Todo o nada…💯 #eladiocarrion #altosdechavon #sauceboyz #laromana #paratiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
@imnotwilly__
49.1K likes • 266.8K views
✨ Altos de Chavón, pueblito Europeo en el Caribe. 😍🏰. ¿Lo has visitado anteriormente? 📥 • • • #republicadominicana #altosdechavon #destinos #parejas #laromana #casadecampo #casadecamporesort
liannalizeth
245 likes • 10.6K views

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and get the best photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Explore the Museum

Discover pre-Columbian artifacts for a dose of history. :museum:

Altos De Chavón. Has visitado este hermoso lugar, estilo medieval? @laromanadesdeelaire #depauladrone #air2s #laromana #casadecampo #altosdechavon #mydr #godomrep #turismord #republicadominicana #dominicano #djiglobal #droneglobe #rdporloalto #rdlotienetodo
depauladrone
2.1K likes • 44.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Cobblestone streets can be uneven. Prioritize comfort for exploring! :athletic_shoe:

Plan for Dining

Non-resort guests can't dine after 5 PM. Plan accordingly or get invited by a resort guest! :knifeforkplate:

Arrive Early

Beat the crowds and get the best photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:

Explore the Museum

Discover pre-Columbian artifacts for a dose of history. :museum:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Altos de Chavón is widely praised as a unique and beautiful destination, often described as a 'hidden Mediterranean village' in the Caribbean. Visitors are captivated by its stunning architecture, the impressive amphitheater, and the breathtaking river valley views. While some note the entry fee and dining restrictions for non-resort guests after 5 PM, the overall experience is considered a must-visit for its charm and historical ambiance.

"This place is an oasis. If you are interested in craftsmanship, history and supporting local artisans, this is the place. We absolutely loved the church, the amphitheater, and the museum was the highlight for us. Learning about the local indigenous culture and seeing original artifacts.
If you want an experience that’s a little more special… and to find a souvenir that really means something, this is the place.
There are small boutiques, and artists studios to visit. We didn’t eat there, but there are restaurants as well."

Garret Miller

"What an amazing place! It is such a romantic and magical place! Had the opportunity to celebrate our wedding anniversary and had the most delicious dinner with an out of this world view!!"

Crismarlyn Jimenez

"This is a place you have to visit once in your lifetime. An amphitheatre that is carved in the stone, just look at the pictures and judge for yourself, also if you like golf you can enjoy the best golf course in the Caribbean and possibly all Latinoamérica in Casa De Campo as well."

Ramon Valdez

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Amphitheater
River valley views

What People Dislike

Entry fee for non-guests
Dining restrictions after 5 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Altos de Chavón is located within the Casa de Campo resort. If you are not staying at the resort, you will need to pay an entrance fee to access the village. Taxis and private transportation are readily available to take you to the resort's entrance.

Yes, Altos de Chavón is a cultural village located within the grounds of the Casa de Campo resort, which is near La Romana in the Dominican Republic. It's a popular day trip destination from La Romana.

Yes, you can drive to Altos de Chavón. Parking is available near the entrance, particularly close to Onno's Café. The village itself is best explored on foot.

Taxis or ride-sharing services are the most convenient ways to travel between La Romana and Altos de Chavón. The journey is relatively short.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Outside visitors typically pay an entry fee ranging from $25 to $50 USD per person, which may include access to certain areas or activities. Guests staying at Casa de Campo resort have free access.

The village is generally open daily, but specific hours for shops, galleries, and the museum can vary. It's advisable to check for any event schedules, especially if you plan to dine after 5 PM.

For general entry, advance booking is usually not required, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or contact them for any special events or concerts where tickets might be necessary.

Yes, a significant restriction is that non-resort guests are generally not allowed to dine in the village after 5 PM unless invited by a resort guest. Plan your visit accordingly.

Absolutely! While it's part of the Casa de Campo resort, Altos de Chavón is open to the public with an entrance fee for non-resort guests. It's a popular destination for day-trippers.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Explore the 16th-century Mediterranean-style village, visit the amphitheater, browse artisan shops and galleries, discover the archaeological museum, and enjoy stunning views of the Chavón River valley. You might even catch a wedding or concert! Reddit

Yes, Altos de Chavón is incredibly picturesque with its stone architecture, charming streets, and river valley views. Arriving early or during sunset offers the best light and fewer crowds for stunning photos. Reddit

Designed in the late 1970s by Dominican architect José Antonio Caro and Italian designer Roberto Coppa, it's a tribute to 16th-century Mediterranean villages, built entirely by local artisans using traditional methods.

While it's more of a cultural and scenic destination, children can enjoy exploring the village, visiting the museum, and imagining life in a historic setting. The open spaces can be fun for them to wander.

You'll find a variety of artisan shops selling handcrafted goods, including pottery, textiles, jewelry, and artwork. There are also galleries showcasing local and international art.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options include Alegría for varied menus with river views, Onno's Café for cocktails and bites near the amphitheater, Chilango Taquería for tacos, La Piazzetta for Italian, and Dye Fore Bar for drinks with panoramic views. Reddit

Generally, no. Non-resort guests are typically not permitted to dine in the village after 5 PM unless they are invited by someone staying at Casa de Campo. Plan your visit for lunch or earlier in the day. Reddit

You can find a range of cuisines, including Dominican, Mediterranean, Italian, and Mexican-inspired dishes, along with casual café fare and cocktail bars.

While some restaurants offer fine dining, places like Onno's Café or Chilango Taquería can be more budget-friendly for lighter meals or snacks. Prices can be higher due to the resort location.

📸 📸 Photography

The amphitheater, the cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, the St. Stanislaus Church, and the viewpoints overlooking the Chavón River valley are all prime photography locations. Reddit

Early morning offers fewer crowds and soft light, while sunset provides a magical golden hour glow over the landscape. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted within private resorts and cultural sites. It's best to check with the resort management or local authorities before attempting to fly a drone.

While dedicated photography tours might not be common, the village's photogenic nature makes it easy to capture stunning shots independently. Consider hiring a local photographer for a personalized session.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Altos de Chavón offers a visually engaging experience for families. While it's not a theme park, the unique architecture and open spaces can spark children's imaginations. Exploring the cobblestone streets, visiting the amphitheater, and browsing the artisan shops can be an adventure. The archaeological museum provides an educational element, offering a glimpse into ancient history. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as dining options might be limited for younger palates or budget-conscious families, especially if visiting after 5 PM when restrictions apply for non-resort guests.

💰 Budget Travelers

Visiting Altos de Chavón involves an entrance fee for non-resort guests, which can be a consideration for budget travelers. To maximize value, focus on enjoying the scenic beauty and architecture without necessarily indulging in expensive dining or shopping. Arriving early for lunch rather than dinner can help avoid the 5 PM dining restriction for non-guests and potentially offer more affordable meal options. Exploring the free-to-access areas like the amphitheater exterior and river viewpoints offers plenty of visual appeal without additional cost.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Altos de Chavón is a photographer's dream, offering stunning Mediterranean-inspired architecture set against the backdrop of the Chavón River valley. The best times for photography are early morning to capture soft light and avoid crowds, or during sunset for a magical golden hour glow. Wander through the cobblestone streets, capture the details of the artisan shops, and frame the impressive amphitheater. The unique blend of old-world charm and natural beauty provides endless opportunities for memorable shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture and Design

Altos de Chavón is a remarkable feat of architectural design, meticulously crafted to resemble a 16th-century Mediterranean village. Dominican architect José Antonio Caro and Italian designer Roberto Coppa led the project, which was completed in the late 1970s. The entire village was built by local artisans using traditional techniques, with limestone forming the primary building material. This commitment to authentic craftsmanship gives the village its timeless charm and a sense of genuine history, despite being a relatively modern creation. The attention to detail in the cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and terracotta roofs is evident throughout.

The design intentionally evokes a sense of stepping back in time, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding tropical landscape. The village is perched dramatically above the Chavón River, providing spectacular panoramic views that enhance its picturesque quality. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the village also houses a prestigious design school affiliated with Parsons, making it a vibrant hub for art and creativity. This blend of historical inspiration and contemporary artistic influence makes Altos de Chavón a unique cultural destination.

The Amphitheater: A Stage for Legends

The heart of Altos de Chavón is its stunning open-air amphitheater, carved directly into the hillside. This iconic venue has a seating capacity of 5,000 and has hosted some of the world's most renowned performers since its grand opening in 1982 with Frank Sinatra. The list of artists who have graced its stage reads like a who's who of music legends, including Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Juan Luis Guerra, Sting, Plácido Domingo, Luis Miguel, and Marc Anthony. The amphitheater's design ensures impressive acoustics, and its dramatic backdrop makes for an unforgettable concert experience, especially under the stars.

Attending a concert here is often cited as a highlight by visitors, offering a chance to experience the magic of live music in a truly unique setting. Even when no events are scheduled, the amphitheater itself is a sight to behold, showcasing the impressive stonework and the scale of the venue. Its presence solidifies Altos de Chavón's reputation not just as a beautiful village, but as a significant cultural and entertainment landmark in the Caribbean.

Art, Culture, and History

Altos de Chavón is more than just a pretty village; it's a thriving center for art, culture, and history. The archaeological museum within the village is a treasure trove, housing thousands of artifacts from pre-Columbian cultures of the Dominican Republic. This provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's ancient past, complementing the village's Mediterranean aesthetic. For those interested in hands-on experiences, art studios offer workshops in pottery, weaving, and silkscreen printing, allowing visitors to engage directly with the creative spirit of the place.

The village is also home to numerous art galleries and artisan shops, showcasing the talents of local craftspeople. You can find everything from intricate ceramics and vibrant textiles to unique jewelry and paintings. On certain weekends, artisan markets spring up, often accompanied by live music, further enhancing the lively cultural atmosphere. The presence of the design school also contributes to a dynamic artistic environment, where students' work is often on display, adding a contemporary layer to the historical ambiance.

You may also like