Visit Altos de Chavón, a must-see in the Dominican Republic

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• History of Altos de Chavón

• Top Attractions at Altos de Chavón

• Cultural Events and Concerts at Altos de Chavón

• Dining with a View at Altos de Chavón

• Practical Information for Visiting Altos de Chavón

Introduction

Visiting Altos de Chavón feels like walking into a storybook. This beautiful village was built in the 1970s and looks just like a town from the 1500s in the Mediterranean.

It sits on top of a limestone cliff above the Chavón River in the Dominican Republic. Today, it is one of the most popular places to visit in La Romana.

You can walk on cobblestone streets, see old-style stone buildings, and enjoy incredible river views and tropical nature.

Altos de Chavón is full of history, art, and culture. Whether you explore the little shops, take pictures, or just relax and enjoy the view, it is a place that will inspire you.

History of Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón may look very old, but its story actually started not so long ago. In 1976, Charles Bluhdorn, a Gulf+Western executive, and Roberto Copa, an Italian architect, dreamed of creating a village that looked like it came from the 1500s right in the Caribbean.

The idea came to life when a new road project blasted through a mountain, leaving behind lots of limestone. Instead of throwing the stone away, Bluhdorn decided to use it to build the village.

Local artisans worked for years to create every detail by hand, from the cobblestone streets to the iron lanterns. Even though it was built in modern times, it looks and feels like a real old-world town.

The buildings were crafted by hand using coral stone, bricks, and traditional materials. Terra-cotta tile roofs, wrought-iron details, and ivy-covered limestone walls give the village a charming old-world look.

By day, the Caribbean sun makes the pastel stone buildings glow. At night, lanterns light up the narrow streets, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere.

Altos de Chavón officially opened in August 1982 with a huge concert featuring Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, and Santana at its amphitheater.

What started as a dream turned into a special cultural center for the Dominican Republic, led today by Bluhdorn’s daughter, Dominique.

Top Attractions at Altos de Chavón

There is plenty to see and do when you visit. Here are some highlights you should not miss:

✅Roman-Style Amphitheater

In the center of the village, you will find a 5,000-seat open-air amphitheater built from stone. Frank Sinatra opened it in 1982, and many famous artists like Carlos Santana, Andrea Bocelli, and Elton John have performed here.

Even if you do not catch a show, walking around the stone seats is a special experience. The acoustics are amazing, and it is said you can whisper on the stage and still be heard at the very back

.✅St. Stanislaus Church

This small coral-stone church sits on the main plaza and looks like it belongs in a postcard. Built in 1979, it honors St. Stanislaus, the Polish patron saint linked to Pope John Paul II, who sent a relic from Poland for the church.​

The church remains active today, with weekly Catholic mass. Thanks to its beautiful fountain plaza and peaceful setting, it is also a popular wedding spot. Visitors are welcome inside during posted hours to admire its simple but charming interior and stained-glass windows.​

While many believe that Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley were married here, this is a common myth. In reality, their civil ceremony took place in La Vega at the home of a local justice of the peace. However, the couple did stay at Casa de Campo during their visit, adding to the church’s allure as a romantic destination.

✅Archaeological Regional Museum

History lovers will enjoy this small museum located near the plaza. It houses more than 3,000 artifacts, including pottery, tools, and jewelry from the Taíno people and other early cultures of the island.

Exhibits are in both English and Spanish, and some pieces have even been displayed in museums in New York and Paris. It is a great place to cool off and learn about the island’s early history. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and is closed on Mondays.

✅Art Galleries and Design School

Altos de Chavón is known as a center for art and education. It is home to the Altos de Chavón School of Design, affiliated with Parsons School of Design in New York.

You will often find student exhibits and art shows featuring Dominican and international artists. There are also galleries where you can browse or buy paintings, sculptures, and handmade crafts.

If you pass by the workshops, you might see artisans creating pottery, textiles, and other pieces. It is a perfect place to pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

✅Shops and Boutiques

Altos de Chavón offers charming boutiques and craft shops along its cobbled streets. Many stores sell handmade goods like ceramics, woven textiles, cigars, jewelry, and carved wooden art.

A popular shop, Artisan Chavón, sells items made right in the village’s workshops. You will also find fashion boutiques with beachwear and small galleries with fine art.

Shopping here is a relaxing experience, and many shops stay open into the early evening, around 7:00 pm.

✅ Views of the Chavón River

One of the highlights of visiting Altos de Chavón is the stunning view of the Chavón River. From the plaza and near the amphitheater, you can enjoy breathtaking scenes of the river winding through green valleys before reaching the Caribbean Sea.

The Chavón River has a long history. During colonial times, it was used to transport precious wood from the island’s interior. Today, it is famous for its beautiful landscapes and peaceful waters.

The river is also a movie star! Parts of the famous movies Apocalypse Now and Rambo: First Blood Part II were filmed along the Chavón River because of its lush jungle-like scenery. Visitors can even take boat tours or kayak trips to explore it up close and enjoy the nature all around.

Cultural Events and Concerts at Altos de Chavón

Altos de Chavón is not just a beautiful village. It is a lively cultural center that hosts some of the Dominican Republic’s best events and concerts.

The main stage is the famous stone amphitheater. Since Frank Sinatra performed at its opening in 1982, this venue has welcomed world-famous artists like Sting, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Estefan, and Juan Luis Guerra.

Watching a concert here is a magical experience. The open-air setting, stone seats, and views of the Chavón River create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Concerts are usually one-night-only events that attract fans from across the island. If you are visiting, check the event schedule ahead of time. Tickets are often available through the Casa de Campo resort or online.

Beyond the big concerts, Altos de Chavón also hosts smaller cultural events. The Cultural Center Foundation organizes art shows, workshops, and community events throughout the year. You might catch an open-air classical music recital, a dance performance, or a colorful folkloric show like "Kandela," which highlights Dominican music and traditions.

There is also a lively artisan market once a month, usually on the last Saturday. Local vendors set up stalls in the plaza to sell crafts, artwork, gourmet foods, and handmade souvenirs. Live music often adds to the festive feeling, making it a fun way to meet locals and explore Dominican culture.

For nightlife, the atmosphere is casual and artsy. Some weekends, you might find live music at one of the restaurants or bars. The Génesis Nightclub, once famous in the 1980s and now revived, offers late-night dancing if you want to keep the evening going.

Whether you attend a big concert or a small cultural event, Altos de Chavón always offers something special to enrich your visit.

For the latest event schedules and ticket information, visit the official Casa de Campo events calendar: https://www.casadecampo.com.do/events/.

Dining with a View at Altos de Chavón

After a day of exploring, you will definitely want to relax and enjoy a good meal. Even though the village is small, it has several great restaurants and cafes, many with beautiful views of the Chavón River or the charming plazas.

You can find a variety of food here. For example, La Piazzetta is a cozy Italian restaurant known for homemade pasta and fine wines. It is set in a rustic building with stone archways and a lovely terrace. If you are in the mood for something casual, Chilango Taquería near the main plaza serves tasty tacos and margaritas.

There is also a casual cafe offering sandwiches, coffee, and light meals, as well as a bar overlooking the Dye Fore golf course where you can enjoy a drink with an amazing view.

One of the best times to dine in Altos de Chavón is at sunset. As the sun goes down, the stone buildings glow warmly, and the village lights up beautifully. Most restaurants open for lunch, but the main dining scene starts in the late afternoon and continues into the night.

Some evenings, you might hear live music while you eat, like a solo guitarist or a Latin jazz trio playing under the stars.

If you plan to visit in the evening, it is a good idea to reserve a table in advance, especially on weekends. Sometimes, booking through the resort even covers your entrance fee to the village.

You do not have to sit for a full meal if you do not want to. You can grab a drink, enjoy some ice cream, and find a bench in the plaza to soak up the atmosphere.

The dining style here is upscale but relaxed. You can dress up a little, but the mood is always Caribbean casual. After dinner, you can enjoy a nightcap at a wine bar or head back to Génesis Nightclub if you feel like dancing.

It is the perfect ending to a day full of culture, great views, and unforgettable moments.

Practical Information for Visiting Altos de Chavón

✅Location

Altos de Chavón is located in La Romana, on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It sits inside the exclusive Casa de Campo resort, about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown La Romana.

The village is about a 50-minute drive from Punta Cana and about the same from Santo Domingo’s Las Américas Airport (SDQ). You can reach it by rental car, taxi, or an organized tour. If you drive, head to Casa de Campo and let the gate staff know you are visiting Altos de Chavón.

✅Entrance and Fees

Since Altos de Chavón is inside a private resort, visitors who are not staying at Casa de Campo must pay a day pass fee. The current cost is about $50 USD for adults and $25 USD for children ages 4 to 12.

This fee gives you access to Altos de Chavón and also to Casa de Campo’s other attractions like the Marina and Minitas Beach for the day. Bring a valid ID for entry.

If you have a dinner reservation at one of the Altos de Chavón restaurants or tickets for a show, mention it at the gate, as sometimes the entrance fee may be waived. Resort guests and villa owners can visit for free.

✅Hours

Altos de Chavón is open all day for walking around. However, most attractions and shops follow these general hours:

• The Archaeological Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Mondays).

• Art galleries usually open around 10:00 am and stay open into the evening.

• The St. Stanislaus Church is open during the day and holds public Mass on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

• Restaurants start serving lunch around noon and stay open through dinner, many until 10:00 pm or later.

Shops usually open around 9:00 or 10:00 am. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon so you can enjoy sightseeing, catch a sunset, and stay for dinner.

✅Accessibility

The village has cobblestone streets and some stairs, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Some areas have ramps, but wheelchair access is limited due to the historic design.

If visiting during midday, bring water, a hat, and sunscreen (Learn more) as there is little shade. Public restrooms are available near the amphitheater and galleries.

✅Visitor Services

At the entrance, you will find a small gift shop and information center with maps and brochures. Restaurants, cafes, and a small convenience store are available inside the village.

There are ATMs at Casa de Campo Marina, and most shops and restaurants accept credit cards. (Learn about money in the Dominican Republic). Spanish is the main language, but English is widely spoken. (Read more)

✅Safety

Altos de Chavón is very safe, with good resort security. It is family-friendly, well-lit in the evening, and perfect for relaxed exploring. As always, watch your step on uneven surfaces and keep an eye on children near the cliffs.

✅Photography Tips

Altos de Chavón is one of the most photogenic places in the Dominican Republic. Visit the lookout behind the church for the best view of the Chavón River. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting.

Drones are not allowed without special permission.

✅Popular Combination Tours from Punta Cana

Many travelers visiting Punta Cana choose to book a day tour that combines Altos de Chavón with other nearby attractions. These combination tours offer a full-day experience mixing culture and natural beauty.

Some popular options include:

• Altos de Chavón and Saona Island: Explore the historic village, then head to Saona’s famous beaches for a relaxing afternoon. Tours often include a buffet lunch and open bar.

• Altos de Chavón and Higüey: Combine your visit with a cultural stop at Higüey’s Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, one of the most important religious sites in the country.

These tours typically include transportation, guided visits, meals, and drinks, making them a hassle-free way to explore the area.

• ✅ Ready to explore? Book your Altos de Chavón combination tour on Viator here!

• ✅Want to know more about nearby attractions?
  Read more about visiting Saona Island, Catalina Island, or the Basilica of Higüey here!

• ✅Want to stay close to the magic? Book your stay at Casa de Campo Resort

  Casa de Campo is one of the most famous luxury resorts in the Caribbean, located in La Romana on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic. It offers over 7,000 acres of space with championship golf courses, a marina, a private beach club, an equestrian center, a shooting range, and beautiful villas and hotel rooms. Staying here means you are just minutes away from concerts, art shows, restaurants, and all the charm of Altos de Chavón, with the luxury and service Casa de Campo is known for.

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