Imagine stepping into paradise, where the city’s pulse syncs with the rhythm of Caribbean beats. In the Dominican Republic, merengue isn’t just a musical genre; it’s the heartbeat of its own culture. Whether walking through the historic streets of Santiago De Los Caballeros or feeling the ocean breeze in Puerto Plata, you’ll be captivated by its intoxicating rhythms. With this guide, we’ll explore the soundscapes of merengue in its birthplace and discover why it has become a vital pillar of Latin music.
Along the journey, we’ll also show you how you can enjoy stays at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. With the card, you can earn points on every purchase and redeem them to stay at impressive hotels only moments away from merengue’s iconic music venues and culturally significant hotspots. The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card is your key to unlocking new ways to experience this genre of music and its cultural impact.
Origins
Merengue originated in the Dominican Republic in the mid-1800s and slowly became the sound of the country’s identity. From colmados to esteemed dance halls, merengue has become one of Latin music’s cornerstones thanks to innovative merengue artists.
In the 1960s, Wilfrido Vargas and Johnny Ventura modernized merengue by slimming down orchestras and creating catchy hits, shaping the genre while touring Latin America. A couple of decades later, Las Chicas del Can became one of the first female merengue artists from the Dominican Republic, paving the way for women in a genre that was otherwise male-dominated. Last but not least, one of the best-selling and arguably most popular merengue artists of all time, Juan Luis Guerra, reached a new level of fame unlike any that had come before him. His experimentation and interweaving of styles, such as salsa and vallenato, reinvigorated and internationalized the genre. These artists came from around the country and introduced us to the unique variations we know and love today. To gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of merengue, let’s begin by exploring the city that many believe is the birthplace of the genre.
Santiago de los Caballeros
Start your journey in Santiago de los Caballeros, the city at the heart of El Cibao, the province widely considered the birthplace of merengue típico, also known as perico ripiao. With its fast-paced tempos and undeniable melodies, merengue típico captures the essence of the country’s spirited way of life, from el campo to the city. As the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic, Santiago de los Caballeros is the native land of merengue legends, such as Eddy Herrera, Juan “Krisspy” de los Santos, Nico Lora, and Johnny Pacheco, who blended Cuban soundscapes with Dominican merengue.
When you visit, stop at Parque Duarte to hear local bands keeping the traditions of merengue típico alive. Next, visit the all-white architectural masterpiece Catedral de Santiago Apostol; it has stood the test of time, weather, and war since the 1900s. For a hotel close to this landmark and the Cultural-Historical Center Fortaleza San Luis, book a stay at the new Residence Inn by Marriott Santiago de los Caballeros. In the mornings, head down to the lobby to enjoy a complimentary breakfast with a Caribbean touch, and in the evenings, head up to the rooftop terrace, where you can enjoy spectacular city views.
The modern design in this hotel and throughout Santiago de los Caballeros also extends to the city’s cuisine. Here, you’ll find traditional dishes with innovative spins on island favorites. If you’re looking for a classic dish, head to La Parrillita, where you can order mofongo con chicharrón—a traditional dish made with mashed plantains and crispy pork belly. After you cap off your meal with flan for dessert, pay with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. On all dining purchases, you can earn 3x points and then use those points to redeem on your next trip to the Caribbean. Paying for dinner has never been sweeter.
Joining us on this journey to Santiago de los Caballeros is musician Yasser Tejeda, who returns to the Dominican Republic to reconnect with the rhythms that shaped him. During his trip, he traces the heartbeat of merengue through music to food—reminding us that merengue is more than a genre; it’s memory in motion.
Puerto Plata
Next, take a trip to Puerto Plata, widely recognized as the city where merengue became an integral part of the country’s national identity due to the rise of merengue de orquesta in the 1930s. To this day, venues like Anfiteatro La Puntilla host performances by merengue legends such as Johnny Ventura and Fefita la Grande, as well as rising stars like Manny Cruz and Gabriel Pagán. This outdoor amphitheater, facing the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the country’s most beautiful and unique music venues. It’s a must-see.
Puerto Plata offers more than its rich history of merengue. For a serene retreat, stay at The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort in Playa Sosúa—one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Plata. Perched beside a sweeping private beach on Costa Norte, this beach resort is inspired by the beauty and allure of the ocean. When you visit, plan to spend a day lounging beside the infinity pool or getting spa treatments at Ocean Spa in the hotel. You’ll thank us later. You can dine at the hotel or venture out into the city for dinner. You won’t need to go far to try classic dishes, such as conch, Dominican-style sancocho, and la bandera Dominicana.
Within a 10-minute walk, you’ll find popular Caribbean restaurants such as Restaurante Waterfront Playa Alicia. Here, you can savor fresh seafood paired with the region’s renowned rum, considered one of the world’s finest. Looking for a nightcap? Head back to the hotel and enjoy a charming and romantic visit to the La Cave Wine & Cigar Cellar. Be sure to close out your tab with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card. With the card, you’ll earn 17x at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, like The Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort. Since this wine & cigar cellar is at the hotel, every drink will earn you 17x points to redeem for free nights on your next vacation. Salud to that!
Santo Domingo
Lastly, you can’t miss a visit to the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, where merengue continues to evolve and reinvent itself. Since the 1970s, Santo Domingo has been home to some of the genre’s biggest stars, including natives Ramón Orlando and Milly Quezada. You can catch a performance every day around La Capital. Still, we recommend visiting iconic venues like Jet Set Club and Ferro Café, which capture the energy of live merengue every week. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to get out on the dance floor and learn a few merengue moves. There’s no better way to dive into the experience and culture of this musical genre than to dance.
Between experiencing all the live music, we recommend heading to the heart of Santo Domingo, the historic Zona Colonial, to marvel at its cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. Understanding the history of the Dominican Republic will provide insight into why merengue is so beloved and vital in this Latin American country.
After exploring museums and walking tours, head to Calle del Conde, the oldest shopping street in the Americas, to pick up a few souvenirs for yourself and others. You’ll find shops selling handcrafted wooden dolls, coffee, and jewelry made from larimar, a rare, light blue gemstone found only in the Dominican Republic. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Card, you’ll earn 2x points on these souvenirs and other everyday purchases, which means buying those larimar friendship bracelets brings you a little closer to your next trip with your best friends.
After a long day of shopping, unwind at the JW Marriott Santo Domingo, which offers breathtaking city views on the rooftop terrace of Vertygo 101 Lounge and Bar. This award-winning, luxurious hotel is located near the Catedral Primada de América, the Alcázar de Colón, and notable restaurants. Within just a few blocks, you can indulge in the rich flavors of modern Dominican cuisine at Adrián Tropical, Ajualä, or a local gem, Barra Payán. Here, we recommend ordering the Payan Especial, which includes pork leg, ham, cheese, tomato, mustard and mayo on toasted bread. Pair it with a refreshing morir sonand, an iconic Dominican drink made of orange juice and milk, for a perfect meal you’ll dream about months later.
The Dominican Republic continues to nurture rising, innovative merengue artists. New sub-genres like merengue de calle and merengue electrónico have advanced the genre thanks to artists like Omega and Mambo Flow. Others, like singer-songwriter Fuego, infuse merengue with hip-hop and trap influences, while producers like Mediopicky incorporate experimental metal styles. Even rising musicians, including El Rubio Acordeón and Dahiana from Dahian el Apechao, who collaborated on Bad Bunny’s “Después de la Playa,” keep traditional merengue alive.
With this guide and your Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, you can experience merengue like an expert. Once you hit the streets of the Dominican Republic, you’ll start feeling the rhythms flow through you as you learn the history, savor the local cuisine, and dance to live merengue. Experiencing merengue with all your senses in its birthplace is a memory you’ll never forget.
Additional research by Michaela Vargas Caro.
