Before embarking on any activity in a new city or region, it’s always important to learn more about it so that you’ll have a basic notion of where you are and what you can find there once you arrive. This will allow you to learn more about the ins and outs in order to be able to fully immerse yourself in its culture and history.
Discover the city of Moca
Moca is the main city in the Espaillat province, located inland and bordering the municipality of Jamao al Norte to the north, the municipality of Cayetano Germosén to the south, the province of Hermanas Mirabal to the east and the province of Santiago to the west. In short, Moca is located in the northeast of the Dominican Republic.
The province in which Moca is located, Espaillat, has outstanding landscapes and natural resources that will make you want to explore every inch of this region.
It has become an ideal place for ecotourism, as well as adventure and mountain tourism, where you’ll find places such as the Cibao Plain in the south, the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range and a coastal plain that you’ll love to discover.
The city of Moca is derived from a name that, according to the local population, comes from an aboriginal term that was adopted by the European settlers. This city is of great historical value for the Dominican Republic, since it became the cradle of the Constitution of Moca in 1958, which represented the struggle to restore the rights and freedoms of its citizens in order to create a more equitable and just country.
Moca bases its economy on agricultural development thanks to the fact that it has the most fertile land in the entire country. So much so, that Moca is known as “The Agricultural Capital of the Dominican Republic”, something you’ll be able to witness first-hand as soon as you enter the city, where you’ll find the Monument to the Farmer, the only one like it in the entire Dominican Republic.
It is known for its agricultural products such as: coffee, plantains, cocoa or yucca. If you decide to travel here, you’ll be in one of the most developed provinces in terms of agribusiness in the entire country. As we mentioned earlier, this city is not on the coast and is located in the inland part of the Espaillat province. This means that it’s not a town that you’ll visit for its wonderful beaches, but for its rich history and culture.
Another interesting thing for you to learn is that Moca is known as “The Village of Heroes”, since it was home to many important men and women throughout history who played important roles in achieving democracy in their country.
The city is divided into seven municipal districts, which you can visit when you get here. Its districts are: Las Lagunas, José Contreras, El Higuerito, Canca La Reina, Juan López, Monte de la Jagua and La Ortega. Moca is one of the largest cities in the Dominican Republic and has more than 140,000 inhabitants.
The 5 must-see attractions in the city of Moca
Below are the 5 things you can’t miss during your visit to the city of Moca.
1. Crafts, the symbol of the city.
Faceless dolls are created here in Moca, one of the most recognisable and emblematic elements of the brand that is the Dominican Republic. These dolls are produced in “Neoart” based on the requests made by tourists who visit the city. It’s a point of connection with the people who visit the province of Espaillat in the Dominican Republic. You can even find classes to learn how to make things out of clay, allowing you to take a piece of the culture back home with you.
Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Parish Church, the sanctuary par excellence of Moca
This parish was established in 1888 by decree of Monsignor Fernando Arturo de Meriño and since then, it has become a true landmark of the city. The Parish of the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.
The first clinic in Moca
The Dr. Alfonseca Clinic was the first in the city of Moca, becoming one of the architectural monuments that has remained unchanged since that time. It is one of the oldest and most significant buildings in the city that deserves a visit.
Plaza 26 de Julio square, a historical memory
The Plaza 26 de Julio square bears this name in honour of the heroes who fought on July 26, 1899, executing the tyrant Ulises Heureaux, better known as “Lilís”. In this square, you’ll find a sculpture in honour of freedom that is without a doubt a memorable piece of history that you’ll remember forever.
Mofongo, the top culinary attraction for visitors in Moca
This dish, one of the best known in the country, has become a hallmark of Dominican cuisine. The Mofongo is made up of a base of green plantains, garlic, pico de gallo and pork rinds, making it a true blend of flavours and a delight for even the most demanding palates.
Punta Cana, the best place to stay
It’s clear that if you want to visit the province of Espaillat, you need to first take into account where you’re staying within the country so that you can ensure you have an unforgettable trip.
Discovering Moca is an excellent way to get to know the interior of the Dominican Republic, its history, agricultural tradition, and culture. To complete this experience and enjoy an unforgettable trip, staying in Punta Cana allows you to combine cultural visits like this with moments of relaxation by the Caribbean Sea.
In Playa Bávaro, Lopesan Hotel Group offers accommodation options tailored to every travel style: Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino is perfect if you are looking for a complete stay with services and entertainment, while Lopesan Caoba Lagoon stands out for its calm and natural atmosphere.
Choosing any of these hotels in Punta Cana will allow you to comfortably enjoy excursions to places such as Moca, combining culture, nature, and relaxation with the exceptional quality and service of Lopesan Hotel Group.
