Dominican Republic’s Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza led a supervisory survey tour recently of the main sites that will form part of the first phase of the Ruta del Encuentro — an ambitious historic, cultural and tourism project that aims to elevate Dominican heritage to international standards.
During the visit, which included the Santo Tomás de Jánico Fortress and the Reynaldo Luna Pichardo Regional Anthropology Museum, the official noted that the initiative — which has spent years in the planning and study phase — is now beginning to take shape.
“The Ruta del Encuentro aims to become an emblematic route that sparks interest among both domestic and international visitors. In its first stage, with an estimated investment of one billion pesos, it will connect the historic path of the conquistadors from Historic La Isabela to the municipality of Jánico,” he said.
He also stated the project will strengthen tourism — one of the main engines of the Dominican economy — and promote national history and its roots.
For its execution, he reported that joint work has been coordinated among various state institutions, including the Ministries of Culture, Tourism, and Environment, under the coordination of the Ministry of the Presidency.
Paliza also highlighted the importance of involving the private sector and local communities in the initiative’s development, encouraging participation from business owners, restaurant and hostel owners, and other service providers in areas such as El Mamey, Esperanza, and Jánico.
He added that the project is inspired by international models such as Spain’s Camino de Santiago, recognized for its economic and tourism impact, and said the goal is to create a similar experience domestically, adapted to the country’s own history and cultural richness.
Camel Curi, Deputy Minister of Investment Projects at the Ministry of the Presidency and head of the Ruta del Encuentro Executive Unit, said technical surveys are currently underway to identify the highest-value points along the route.
“We are assessing the terrain, its current condition, and its development potential, including the infrastructure needed to offer visitors a complete experience,” he explained.
He indicated that initial works could begin in the coming weeks, once legal, technical, and planning processes are complete. The first phase includes basic infrastructure, connectivity between key points, and the enhancement of historic sites.
Juan Mubarak, director of the National Heritage Directorate, said his institution’s role is to ensure the project’s historical rigour.
“We are validating the route based on relevant historical events, such as the path taken by Christopher Columbus and his team during the early days of exploration on the island, to ensure this route has authentic and valuable grounding,” he said.
The Ruta del Encuentro will integrate historical, cultural, religious, and environmental components, spanning more than 67 historic landmarks along its route. It will also include rest areas, lodging, and services, as well as options to travel the route on foot or by other means.
