Things To Do
in Jicomé

Jicomé is a tranquil rural town in the Dominican Republic known for its close-knit communities and agricultural surroundings. Nestled inland from the bustling northern coast, it offers an authentic glimpse into everyday Dominican life away from crowded beaches. Visitors can stroll colorful streets, sample seasonal street foods, and set out on easy countryside walks with scenic views.

The town serves as a quiet base for experiencing regional culture, music, and warm hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Beach Relaxation
morning
:

Touch down in Jicomé greeted by turquoise waves and warm sun. Stroll along the pristine shoreline listening to gentle surf and laughter from local fishermen. Feel the soft sand between your toes as you soak in the tranquil Caribbean vibe.

afternoon
:

Settle into a beachside palapa for a refreshing coconut water and light Dominican lunch. Wade into shallow waters for a leisurely swim amid swaying palm shadows. Chat with friendly vendors selling handcrafted souvenirs under colorful umbrellas.

evening
:

Watch the sky blaze with oranges and pinks as the sun dips over the horizon. Join a seaside bonfire where locals strum guitars and share stories of island life. Savor fresh seafood skewers grilled to perfection under starlit skies.

day 2
Local Village Tour and Coffee Plantation
morning
:

Wake early to the aroma of rich coffee beans roasting. Drive through rolling hills toward a family-run coffee plantation deep in the mountains. Learn traditional harvesting techniques from fourth-generation farmers as you sample freshly brewed café.

afternoon
:

Taste farm-to-table fare: mangu, fried cheese, fresh tropical fruits. Wander through the village plaza and chat with artisans shaping ceramics by hand. Capture vivid snapshots of colonial facades draped in bougainvillea.

evening
:

Return to plantation lodge for dinner under a canopy of stars. Participate in a traditional drum circle with local musicians. Drift to sleep lulled by night cicadas and distant church bells.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🧃Coffee or small drink$2-4
🚗Taxi or local transport ride$3-8
🛍️Casual souvenir$2-12
🎟️Entertaining activity (local event)$5-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Dominican culture and hospitality
  • Accessible natural scenery and easy nature walks
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Fewer big-brand dining options and services than bigger cities
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Jicomé

Visit one of these nice places.

Plaza Central and Parroquia

Colorful market scenes, daily life, and the colonial-style church make for vibrant street photography at sunrise or late afternoon.

Rural Sugarcane Fields

Golden rows of cane with distant hills provide striking backdrops, especially during late afternoon light.

Country Roads

Winding dirt lanes lined with palms and farmhouses offer intimate portraits of everyday life and landscapes.

Lookout Over the Countryside

A hillside vantage point near the town provides panoramic views of valleys, fields, and distant settlements at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Jicomé

Dominican cuisine in towns like Jicomé centers on hearty, handmade dishes using rice, beans, plantains, pork, beef, and fresh produce. Expect bold flavors, simple preparations, and plenty of street-food options that showcase local ingredients.

Jicomé Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Mangu with Salami

Mashed plantains served with fried salami or eggs; a hearty breakfast staple found in many eateries.

Must-Try!

La Bandera

The classic Dominican plate of rice, red beans, and a choice of meat, often served with fried plantains and salad.

Sancocho

A rich meat-and-vegetable stew cooked slowly; perfect for sharing with family at local eateries.

Chimichurri (Dominican-Style)

Meet patty or sandwich filled with seasoned ground meat, commonly found in street-side stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Local de Jicomé

A small market where you can sample tropical fruits, fresh bread, and regional snacks from local vendors.

Street Food Corners

Empanadas, yuca frita, tostones, and fresh fruit juice stands along main streets—great for quick, flavorful bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season. Expect hot days year-round, with more humidity and rain from May to October. Hurricanes are a seasonal consideration for some months, particularly late summer and early fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A warm hello with a handshake or cheek kiss among friends; addressing people with ‘Señor’/‘Señora’ is common in formal settings.

Dress and modesty

Dress modestly in town centers and churches; avoid overly casual attire in religious or formal spaces.

Photo consent

Ask before photographing individuals or private property; some scenes may require permission.

Punctuality

Punctuality is valued in formal settings, but casual social gatherings may start later than scheduled.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise normal travel precautions: keep valuables secure, travel with a buddy after dark in unfamiliar areas, and use reputable transportation. Drink bottled water, beware of petty theft in crowded markets, and have a basic plan for emergencies.

Tipping in Jicomé

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if not included in the bill. In casual eateries, rounding up the bill is common. For guides and drivers, small tips are customary after a good service.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers. Lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and hydration are essential; pack a light rain jacket for tropical showers.

Autumn

Warm days with comfortable evenings; brief rain is possible. Ideal for outdoor activities and photography after morning fog clears.

Winter

Milder daytime temperatures with cooler nights; humidity remains. Light layers work well, especially for early morning activities.

Spring

Warm and increasingly humid with occasional rain; great for outdoor markets and nature walks, but carry rain protection.

Nightlife Guide

Jicomé at Night

Nightlife in Jicomé is low-key compared to beach towns. Expect casual bars with local music, merengue and bachata rhythms, and gatherings at community centers on weekends. Dances, shared meals, and conversations with neighbors are common ways to socialize after dark.

Hiking in Jicomé

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro del Toro Trail

A modest hillside route offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and valleys.

Río Frío Gorge Path

A shaded riverside walk with opportunities to spot birds and endemic plants along a gentle gorge.

Airports

How to reach Jicomé by plane.

Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)

Located in Puerto Plata, about a few hours’ drive from Jicomé; connects to major hubs and domestic destinations.

Cibao International Airport (STI)

Santiago's main international airport; regional hub with connections to many Dominican towns and international routes.

Las Américas International Airport (SDQ)

Situated near Santo Domingo; serves a wide range of international and domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Jicomé is a small town with a compact core, making it easy to explore on foot. Some areas beyond the center are rural and accessed by road; expect occasional unpaved surfaces.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Mostly Dominican families engaged in agriculture and small trades; families and neighbors form the social core of the town.

Tourists and day-trippers

A small but growing number of visitors seeking authentic cultural experiences and countryside scenery.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

The Dominican Republic is renowned for baseball; local leagues and pickup games occur in towns and regional parks.

Soccer

A popular pastime among residents, with informal matches on fields near towns like Jicomé.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads can vary from paved highways to rural lanes; traffic is generally light in town but expect slower speeds and occasional congestion near markets. Public transportation includes local guaguas and shared taxis; ride-sharing services are less common in rural areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Jicomé.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes rely on rice, beans, plantains, and fresh vegetables. Ask for vegetable-based options or adapt plates (skip meat) and enjoy hearty sides like tostones and moros.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in local clinics and nearby towns; for more advanced care, plan visits to larger regional hospitals in bigger cities. Travel insurance with international coverage is advised.

Discover Dominican Republic

Read more in our Dominican Republic 2025 Travel Guide.

Dominican Republic Travel Guide