La Altagracia Province

**La Altagracia** is the easternmost province of the Dominican Republic. It was created on **February 27, 1961.** La Altagracia has an area of ​​more than 3,000 square kilometers, the second largest province in the country.

## La AltagraciaAL

### Density

120/km2 (320/sq mi)

Currently it is the leading province of the country in terms of tourism; this province has the luxury of having the Punta Cana International Airport which is the most important airport on the island since it receives 64% of all flights that arrive in the country. It is also the first international private airport in the world.

## About

Previously, it was part of the El Seibo Province and then in 1944 it became part of the new La Romana province.

The province owes its name to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, a majestic temple in the capital city of Salvaleón de Higüey where every **January 21,** thousands of people come to celebrate Altagracia Day, who is the patron saint of the Dominican people.

## Economy

The most important economic activities in the province are agriculture (cultivation of sugar cane and rice), livestock and tourism.

### Municipalities

1. Higüey☆ 288,990 is the capital city of the La Altagracia province. It is located in the eastern region of the island known as the "Llano Costero del Caribe" (*English: "Caribbean Coastal Plain"*) between La Romana and Punta Cana, approximately 145 kilometers (*90 miles*) east of Santo Domingo. During the Spanish colonial period, Higüey remained a parish in the county of El Seibo and was noted for its great agricultural activity, largely due to its cultivation of sugar cane, cocoa and ginger. At present, it is the eighth largest city in the country and one of the cities with the highest economic growth. Although it benefits from its cultivation of sugar cane, coffee, tobacco, cocoa, rice and corn, fishing and livestock, its most important economic activity is tourism, along the eastern coast, mainly in Bávaro and Punta Cana.

2. San Rafael del Yuma 50,023 Here, you will find the Parque Nacional del Este, one of the largest protected areas in the Republic that is ideal for those who love ecotourism. Here you can also see the marine and terrestrial fauna of the island, with its impressive landscapes, caves and beaches.

3. Saona 300 Located off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Saona Island is one of the largest in the Dominican territory. Known for its many beaches and natural beauties, it is a popular destination for national and international tourists who come to the island on catamarans and small boats on organized excursions.

## Leisure and Recreation

The eastern coast of the province, known as **Punta Cana** and **Bávaro,** is the most important tourist center in the country, and features luxurious hotel complexes and beaches with white sands and clear waters. On many of its beautiful beaches, visitors can enjoy spas that offer physiotherapy services.

Its refreshing rivers are some of the main natural attractions, and its main one is the Yuma that flows from north to south to the Caribbean Sea.

The **Bayahibe** municipal district features attractive beaches, diving opportunities, and boat trips to Isla Saona and Isla Catalina.

The Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia is the most important religious monument in the Dominican Republic.

The Eastern National Park is one of the main protected areas of the island with an area of ​​more than 300 square kilometers. Its terrestrial and marine fauna is diverse. It is an ideal area for bird watching given the dozens of bird species that have been recorded within its boundaries. Among the most outstanding marine species are mammals such as the dolphin and the manatee.

Michael Vedrine est la mejor