There is no question the voices and thoughts of the new generation of young Dominicans can help shape an eco-education movement by way of social media and education - And we can start with early childhood, because it is generally regarded as a time of significance. The time when we begin to develop our values and sense of right and wrong, the time when everything is new and exciting, and the time when curiosity and capacity of learning is at its peek.

I wish I could have the same optimism for our older generation, but unfortunately you cannot teach people over a certain age new tricks, because they are too set in their old ignorant ways.

Climate
Frosted coniferous forest in Constanza

Constanza has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen climate classification Cwb), with moderately warm and humid summers, and dry and mild winters, due to its tropical location and high elevation. The average annual temperature varies from less than 10 ºC in highlands[4] to 18 ºC in the town.
In summer, temperatures range between 25ºC to 27ºC during the day, and between 12ºC to 15ºC at night. Wildfires are relatively common.
In winter, the temperatures are between 21 to 24ºC at day, and 8 to 12ºC at night. Fog is quite common. The last time that Constanza had freezing temperatures was on 1958; while in Valle Nuevo freezes are ussual.[5] Snow can fall in the highest peaks of Valle Nuevo, but it is becoming a rare event and accumulation almost no longer occurs.

The highest temperature ever record in the town was 32.5ºC, on October 3, 1957. [6]


The name of Constanza has its origin in the legend the daughter of a local taino cacique whom lived in the valley. In 1852, the British explorer and consul Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk mentions the existence of a farm in the valley of Constanza. The town was formally founded in 1894. On September 9, 1907 the town was incorporated into a municipality in the province of La Vega.

On June 14, 1959 a plane landed in an airstrip with more than forty rebels with the purpose of deposing the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina. They fought guerrillas in the nearby mountains, and after two months against the Dominican Army managed to end the rebellion.
[edit] Geography

Constanza is located at a height of 1220 meters (4000 feet) in the middle of the Cordillera Central (Central Range). Average temperatures during the year range between 41°F (5°C) and 68°F (20°C). The valley is 8 km long and 4 km wide.

Economy

The local economy is based upon agriculture. It is known for its strawberries, peaches, apples, garlic and potatoes. Constanza is also known for its wide variety of flowers, especially its roses.
[edit] Tourism

Constanza is known for its remarkable mountain climate despite being located in a tropical island. Local tourism is very often during winter time. Throughout the rest of the year it is visited because of its closeness to the cientific reserve of Ebano Verde and also to have the nearest route to the Pico Duarte, the highest point in the Caribbean.
[edit] Ecology

The nearby scientific reserve of Ebano Verde is the stronghold of the widest variety of flora and fauna of Hispaniola. The mountains surrounding the valley of Constanza are covered in Hispaniolan Pine (Pinus occidentalis) forests. Typical fauna seen in the area includes the Hispaniolan Palm Crow, Antillean Siskin, Rufous-throated Solitaire, Hispaniolan Crossbill (abundance directly related to pine cone crop), and Hispaniolan Trogon, while at lower elevations the Hispaniolan Parrot, Scaly-naped Pigeon and Golden Swallow can be seen.
[edit] Transportation

The town can be reached either by local airlines through the Constanza Airport or through local bus companies.
[edit] Demographics

Constanza is home to an unusual combination of ethnic groups, having been an area settled by numerous Spanish and Japanese immigrant workers encouraged to come to the Dominican Republic during the infamous dictadorship of Trujillo. Now some two or three generations on their presence is still substantial in the area and provides the town. They were attracted by the cooler climate that goes on all year round.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constanza,_Dominican_Republic

The last time I was in Constanza was for 1 1/2 days..........hopefully the next time will be for 1 week............great, GREAT people.

This maybe a dumb question, but why is it dangerous to swim near the waterfall?

I think it's because of the strong current that runs the water.

Thank you The videos are great btw. Is the video on the motorcycle on the road from Bonao to Constanza?

In addition to a strong under current, I have also heard about a possible whirlpool.
But don't quote me on that, only repeating what someone else said.

No I believe you. It depends on what the bottom consists out off. But since I don't know I believe you.

I've only been to Constanza a solid 5-6 hours the one time I went there. So I can't wait to go again. Does anybody know the name of a shrine/church thingy on the road from Bonao to Constanza? I went there and it was beautiful. But I have no clue what the name of it is.