Tourist Destinations
Punta Cana
Cap Cana
Las Terrenas
Santo Domingo
Recent projects
Poseidonia Residencias
Riviera Bay
Jardines de bellas artes
Silver Beach
The province of Hato Mayor is one of the 32 provinces that make up the Dominican Republic. Located in the eastern region of the country, it is known for its natural beauty, its cultural wealth and its important contribution to the agricultural economy of the nation.
The province of Hato Mayor has a history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. The Tainos, the indigenous inhabitants of the island, were the first to settle in this region. With the arrival of the Spanish colonisers, the area became an important livestock centre. In fact, the name ‘Hato Mayor’ derives from the practice of dividing the land into cattle ranches.
In the 19th century, Hato Mayor became more important with the rise of cocoa cultivation and other agricultural products. The province was officially founded in 1984, separating from the province of El Seibo.
Hato Mayor is located in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic and is bordered by the provinces of El Seibo, Monte Plata, San Pedro de Macorís and Samaná. Its terrain is varied, with a combination of fertile plains, hills and low mountains. The province's climate is tropical, with warm temperatures all year round and a rainy season from May to November.
Among the main geographical features is Los Haitises National Park, which covers part of Hato Mayor. Los Haitises is known for its mogotes, caves and biodiversity, and is one of the most important ecotourism destinations in the country.
The economy of Hato Mayor is mainly based on agriculture, with cocoa, sugar cane, coffee and citrus fruits as the main products. Livestock also plays an important role, as well as fishing and honey production.
In recent years, tourism has gained importance as an economic engine, driven by natural attractions such as the Los Haitises National Park, the Maguá waterfalls and the Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve. Ecotourism and outdoor activities, including hiking and bird watching, are booming.
The culture of Hato Mayor is a rich mix of indigenous, African and European influences. The patron saint festivities in honour of Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes, celebrated in September, are one of the most important events in the province, characterised by processions, music, dances and fairs.
Music and dance play a central role in the lives of the people of Hatomayor. Merengue, bachata and son are the most popular musical genres. Culinary traditions include typical dishes such as sancocho, mangú, mofongo and coconut and cocoa-based sweets, all of which have their origins in this land.
Hato Mayor is a hidden gem in the Dominican Republic, offering a rich mix of natural and cultural wonders worth exploring. Los Haitises National Park is the main attraction, known for its karst formations, caves with Taino rock art and lush mangroves. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, bird watching and cave exploration.
The Maguá waterfalls, located in a jungle setting, are perfect for nature lovers. These impressive waterfalls offer the opportunity to swim and enjoy the natural scenery.
The Fun-Fun Cave is another must-see attraction. Known as one of the largest caves in the Caribbean, it offers an exciting caving adventure where visitors can explore its depths and underground rivers.
Hato Mayor offers a wide diversity of experiences that combine nature, adventure and culture, making this province an attractive destination for all types of travellers. For the most part, the tourism that this province receives is based on the opportunity to experience the impressive natural wealth of this area, very different from the beaches offered by nearby regions such as Samaná or Punta Cana.
The province has great potential for the development of ecotourism and agro-industry, sectors that could generate jobs and improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. Initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and ecological agricultural practices are gaining ground and offer a promising future for Hato Mayor.
Hato Mayor is a province with a rich historical and cultural heritage, an economy based on agriculture and tourism, and breathtaking natural beauty. Despite the challenges facing this province, it has great potential for sustainable development. With continued efforts to improve infrastructure, education and environmental management, Hato Mayor can become a model for rural development in the Dominican Republic.
At Noval Properties we develop real estate projects in areas very close to Hato Mayor, in nearby regions such as Samana and Punta Cana. If you want to know more about our projects, contact Noval Properties.
Contact us