Santiago city — close to major hotels and cultural landmarks, this centrally located factory makes for an easy and memorable outing during your stay.
E.P. Carrillo Factory
The legacy of Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo lives on in Dominican Republic, where every cigar reflects decades of mastery and innovation. Recognized by Cigar Aficionado as the maker of the 2020 Cigar of the Year, this exclusive tour reveals how his award-winning blends continue to define modern cigar excellence.
Enjoy a guided small-group visit to the E.P. Carrillo factory in Santiago, where your bilingual host will walk you through every stage of the cigar-making process. From the careful fermentation of tobacco leaves to the skilled hands of the rollers, you’ll see how tradition and precision combine to create some of the most respected cigars in the Dominican Republic.
Located within Santiago itself, this experience keeps groups small so you can enjoy the tour at a relaxed pace. With fewer people, there’s more time to ask questions, take photos, and connect with the story of E.P. Carrillo—a family whose legacy and innovation have earned worldwide recognition. Your guide takes care of all logistics, leaving you free to focus on the experience.
The highlight of your visit is a curated tasting where you can appreciate the balance and character of E.P. Carrillo cigars. With time set aside for photos and conversation, the tour feels personal and unhurried—an ideal way to discover Santiago’s cigar culture and the artistry behind Dominican tobacco.
Hosted by a bilingual guide with expert knowledge
Seamless access and timing arranged for you
Learn the full seed-to-cigar story with live demonstrations
Small groups for a relaxed, photo-friendly pace
Curated tasting of premium cigars included
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Live Cigar Rolling Service in the Dominican Republic
Bring authentic Dominican cigar craftsmanship directly to your wedding, private celebration, corporate event, golf tournament, villa, resort, or luxury gathering. A professional cigar roller prepares cigars live while guests discover the tradition, skill, and culture behind handmade Dominican cigars.
What's Included
Experiences and amenities included as part of standard visits to this factory.
Dominican Coffee
Freshly brewed artisan Dominican coffee served throughout the experience.
Water
Chilled bottled spring water available throughout the tour.
Bilingual Guide
Experienced guide fluent in English and Spanish providing detailed technical commentary.
Full Factory Access
Comprehensive guided access across all manufacturing and processing stages of the factory.
Aging Room Access
Enter the cedar-lined aging rooms where rolled cigars rest and mature to perfection.
Rolling Floor Access
Walk directly between rolling tables (galera) and observe master torcedores at work.
Additional experiences available by arrangement
Depending on factory activity and advance coordination:
Private Tour
Exclusive private guided access reserved only for your party.
DrawMaster Draw Testing
See the DrawMaster machine used to test cigar airflow and ensure a proper draw before the cigars move to the next production stage.
Cigar Rolling Experience
Hands-on workshop where you learn to bunch, press, and roll your own custom cigar.
Cigar Tasting
Curated tasting of factory blends paired with premium local beverages and coffee.
Guest reviews
What visitors are saying about E.P. Carrillo Factory
Stories from cigar lovers who have toured with Boca2Boca.
“Learned a lot about how cigars are made”
I knew very little about cigars before this tour. It was interesting to learn why different leaves are used and how much skill goes into rolling a cigar properly. The guide explained everything in a simple way and I left knowing much more than when I arrived.
“Great guide and very easy to understand”
The guide made the tour much better for us. He was friendly, patient, and explained the cigar process in a way that was easy to follow, even for people who don't know much about tobacco. He answered all our questions and did not rush the visit. You can tell he knows the factory and enjoys sharing the story behind cigars.
“Great factory visit and cigar tasting. Really enjoyed the experience.”
Had a great time visiting the factory and learning more about how the cigars are made. The cigar tasting was one of the highlights. We really enjoyed the cigars, the atmosphere, and getting to experience the factory up close. Definitely a great experience for anyone who enjoys cigars.
“Excellent experience overal”
Excellent experience overall. The Black Bird Factory visit was a highlight, and the guide and gift set were excellent. Transportation can be better. Definitely an experience I would recommend
“The process for how everything was made”
I really enjoyed the black bird tour
“Muy buen Tour…. Lo recomiendo a todos”
Las dos fábricas estaban estupendo y el lounge. Aprendimos muchísimo
Custom tour planning
Request Tour Availability for E.P. Carrillo Factory
Tell us when you'd like to experience E.P. Carrillo Factory in Santiago city — close to major hotels and cultural landmarks, this centrally located factory makes for an easy and memorable outing during your stay. and we'll handle every detail.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs about E.P. Carrillo Factory
Answers to common questions before your visit.
Are Puerto Plata cigar factory tours authentic or mainly tourist attractions?Toggle answer visibility
Puerto Plata cigar factory tours typically take place in real, operating factories. Visitors can learn about Dominican tobacco, see parts of the cigar-making process, and interact with knowledgeable staff in an authentic production environment rather than a staged attraction.
Are cigar factory tours in Puerto Plata close to the cruise port?Toggle answer visibility
Yes. One of the advantages of cigar factory tours in Puerto Plata is their proximity to the cruise port. Unlike factories located in other regions of the Dominican Republic, these tours avoid long drives and are easier to fit into a limited cruise schedule.
Is it safe to do a cigar factory tour during a Puerto Plata cruise stop?Toggle answer visibility
Yes. Cigar factory tours in Puerto Plata are considered a safe and reliable activity for cruise passengers. They are located in accessible areas, operate on predictable schedules, and are commonly chosen by visitors looking for a low-risk excursion during their time ashore.
How much time do I need for a cigar factory tour in Puerto Plata?Toggle answer visibility
Most cigar factory tours in Puerto Plata take between 60 and 90 minutes. This makes them a convenient option for cruise passengers who want a cultural experience while still allowing plenty of time to return to the ship or explore other nearby attractions.
Are cigar factory tours available during a Puerto Plata cruise stop?Toggle answer visibility
Yes. Puerto Plata offers cigar factory tours that are well suited for cruise passengers. These experiences are typically short, easy to access from the port, and designed to fit within standard cruise stop schedules without requiring long travel times.
What should I wear?Toggle answer visibility
Factories are working environments, so we recommend light, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. While the Dominican Republic is a warm country, avoid “beach wear” such as flip-flops, tank tops, or overly casual outfits. You never know when the owner or master blender might step out for a photo with you, and looking neat makes for a much better memory. Think smart-casual: light shirts, polos, or dresses that keep you cool but also presentable.
Are tours accessible?Toggle answer visibility
Factories are working production facilities and some areas may have stairs or uneven floors. We will always try to accommodate mobility needs – please let us know in advance so we can arrange the safest route.
How long are the tours?Toggle answer visibility
Most factory tours last 1.5–2 hours
Where do you operate tours?Toggle answer visibility
We offer tours in Santiago, Tamboril, and Santo Domingo – the heart of the Dominican cigar industry. Our partners include some of the country’s most iconic factories such as La Flor Dominicana, La Aurora, La Palma, and more.
There are so many cigar tour companies out there. Why should I choose Boca2Boca?Toggle answer visibility
The real question isn’t who has the “best” tour on paper – many tours may look similar. What makes Boca2Boca different is the experience itself.
We keep our groups small (often 2–8 guests), so you don’t get lost in a crowd. You’ll be able to ask questions directly, engage with your guide, and enjoy an intimate, authentic connection with the factories and people behind the cigars.
Each itinerary is crafted to highlight the unique personality of every factory – no cookie-cutter routes, just authentic Dominican cigar culture.
Recommended accessories
Guest favorites to pair with your visit
Accessories our guests often ask about after their tour.
