Complete Guide To The Beach Capital Of The Dominican

Puerto Plata is a pleasant vacation spot on the luxurious Silver Coast north of the Dominican Republic. It’s the third-largest metropolis within the nation and the oldest metropolis on the northern coast, sandwiched between the imposing Pico Isabel de Torres and the scenic waters of the Atlantic. The busy port metropolis has a magnetic impact on holidaymakers within the Caribbean, due to unbelievable pure magnificence, pristine seashores, and an enthralling character.

Founded by Spanish Colonists in the early 16th century, Puerto Plata’s wealthy previous will be seen in its beautiful Victorian structure, quaint museums, and historic monuments on the quirky streets of its vigorous downtown. The town is residence to various points of interest, thrilling guests with laid-back actions like basking on its serene sandy seashores to extra adrenaline-filled adventures, equivalent to ziplining by its dense jungles.

Whether or not setting out on a solo expedition, a pair’s honeymoon, or a household trip, there may be each cause to incorporate Puerto Plata within the ideal Dominican Republic Itinerary.

UPDATE: 2023/08/04 09:59 EST BY BARRY JUMA

Solar And Sea In Puerto Plata: Extra Issues To Do In The Dominican Republic’s Seaside Capital

Lovers of seaside getaways ought to take into account Puerto Plata as their subsequent trip vacation spot. With pristine seashores, charming folks, and a wealthy historical past there is definitely tons to do on this metropolis. This replace expands the checklist of issues to do, providing extra choices for these planning a visit.

High Issues To Do In Puerto Plata

Thought of the seaside capital of the Dominican, Puerto Plata has earned its place among the many hottest locations within the nation, providing each indoor and outside points of interest.

Whereas seashores are the principle spotlight of visiting the coastal metropolis, there are sufficient enjoyable actions to ensure a superb Caribbean getaway. Listed below are the highest issues to do in Puerto Plata.

1 Take It Straightforward At Playa Sosua

Situated round 15 miles from town, Playa Sosua is a well-liked seaside beloved for its mushy stretch of khaki-colored shore, heat shallow waters, and ample public amenities. It attracts locals and guests, entertaining them with enjoyable water-based choices like snorkeling, swimming, and diving.

The realm can also be awash with bars and eating places lining the seaside, with native distributors promoting every part from massages to seaside chairs.

Whereas Punta Cana is thought to be the Dominican Republic’s ultimate beach resort destination, Playa Sosua provides it a run for its cash with larger attraction and various lodging choices.

Taking a taxi within the metropolis is one of the best ways to get to Playa Sosua. The seaside will get packed within the afternoon, so arrive early to skip the crowds and luxuriate in peace.

2 Climb To The High Of Mount Isabel de Torres

Overlooking town of Puerto Plata, Mount Isabel de Torres is an imposing pure panorama teeming with lush forests, curious caves, and ample wildlife. A hike to its peak is the right option to train, rewarding vacationers with dramatic views of the cityscape and the huge Atlantic Ocean.

As soon as on the high, hikers get a deserved break from the blazing solar by enjoyable in flower-filled gardens or watching varied species of birds, together with turkey vultures, Dominican parrots, and nightingales.

Pico Isabel de Torres is also home to the Caribbean’s only teleferico (cable car), which guests can trip to the two,625-foot peak in a once-in-a-lifetime expertise. On the summit, company will likely be stunned by a Christ the Redeemer statue harking back to the enduring landmark in Rio de Janeiro.

One of the best time to trip the cable at Pico Isabel de Torres is within the morning when the skies are clear, offering the most effective views from the highest.

3 Go to The Amber Museum

The Dominican Republic is famend for producing a few of the world’s clearest and oldest amber, and vacationers can see specimens of the valuable stone up shut on the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata.

The nation’s nationwide gemstone was popularized in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park and pursuits company with what it holds inside. Lots of the stones within the museum comprise fossils of crops, bugs, and different small creatures preserved over time.

The museum provides guided excursions, which take guests on an adventurous hike by the mines and into the underground caves the place the amber is mined.

• Admissions
  : $2 per individual

• Hours
  : Monday to Friday (9 am – 5 pm), Saturday (9 am – 12 pm), Sunday (5 am – 3 pm)

Head to the museum’s reward store and take a look at the huge array of amber jewellery and specimens. These will make the right memento from the journey to Puerto Plata.

4 Discover El Choco Nationwide Park

Situated quarter-hour from the coast, El Choco Nationwide Park is town’s supreme cease for nature lovers. The 30-square-mile park homes lush tropical jungles, caves, and freshwater lagoons. The dramatic caves are full of clear water, forming pure swimming swimming pools the place guests can dip whereas marveling on the spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.

A number of mountaineering and biking trails crisscross El Choco Nationwide Park, permitting company to discover its various wildlife.

Benefit from guided excursions provided by native outfitters to expertise all of the highlights within the park, together with tropical crops and wildlife equivalent to lizards, birds, and bats.

5 Have Enjoyable At Ocean World Journey Park

Ocean World Journey Park is a well-liked attraction for visiting households and teams in Puerto Plata. The spectacular facility provides interactive marine experiences the place vacationers swim with dolphins, watch lovely tropical fish up shut, and encounter sea lions.

Different facilities embrace a water park full of swimming swimming pools and water slides, a tropical reef aquarium, and snorkeling adventures.

Ocean World Journey Park guarantees a day stuffed with enjoyable with actions tailor-made for teenagers and adults—a particular entry program ticket accords distinctive experiences, equivalent to swimming with sharks and petting stingrays.

• Admissions
  : $69 for a full-day move

• Hours
  : Saturday to Thursday (9 am – 6 pm), Friday (9 am – 5 pm)

Associated: 10 Tips For Swimming With Whales In The Dominican Republic’s Silver Bank

6 Expertise The Metropolis’s Historical past At Fort San Felipe

A tour of historic Fort San Felipe introduces guests to the one remaining colonial construction in Puerto Plata and one of many first forts constructed by Europeans within the Americas.

The fort was constructed in 1577 to protect in opposition to invading European powers such because the Dutch, the British, and the French. It later grew to become a infamous jail for political rebels throughout Trujillo’s dictatorship.

On the website, vacationers can examine totally different historic artifacts within the museum, get pleasure from spectacular metropolis views, and watch the gorgeous sundown from the park under the fort.

• Admissions
  : $2

• Hours
  : Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm

Fort San Felipe maintains the unique canons and different remnants of weapons used to defend Puerto Plata in the course of the struggle. It’s the supreme cease for struggle historians and people within the metropolis’s previous.

7 Uncover The 27 Waterfalls Of Damajagua

Visiting the Damajagua Waterfalls is among the many must-have outside adventures within the Dominican Republic. The positioning is right for vacationers eager to be one with nature and includes a collection of 27 breathtaking waterfalls.

Holidaymakers converge right here to take advantage of enjoyable actions like leaping, sliding, and swimming downstream. The Tinajita waterfall includes a 20-foot drop, whereas the Corkscrew waterfall has a number of twists and turns, providing a thrill not for the faint-hearted.

One other spotlight is the pool at Jaiba, comprising two layers of water (chilly high layer and heat backside layer) and crawling with freshwater crabs that made a house from it.

• Admissions
  : $6 – $9

• Hours
  : Open every day, 8:30 am – 3 pm

One of the simplest ways to discover all 27 Damajagua waterfalls is to guide a tour of the area, which incorporates transportation to and from the positioning, security gear, lunch, and a resourceful information.

Associated: 10 Cool Things To Do In Dominican Republic’s Santo Domingo

8 Stroll Alongside The Colourful Umbrella Avenue

The Umbrella Avenue phenomenon started in 2012 within the streets of Agueda, Portugal however has since develop into a worldwide development in numerous main cities. In Puerto Plata, Umbrella Avenue occupies a piece of the downtown space referred to as Calle San Felipe.

The pedestrian-only avenue is in style, with dozens of differently-colored umbrellas hanging from the rooftops. Varied retail shops line the Avenue, and company can hop in any time for ice cream or store for souvenirs.

Umbrella Avenue is the quintessential “pleased place,” spreading cheer amongst guests with its extraordinary colours and comfortable ambiance.

Carry a digital camera to seize the storybook scenes alongside Umbrella Avenue and benefit from the various photograph alternatives right here.

9 Make A Furry Buddy At Monkeyland

Named for the cheeky inhabitants of squirrel monkeys inhabiting the realm, Monkeyland is a five-acre stretch of lush countryside simply outdoors Puerto Plata. It sits on the sting of El Choco Nationwide Park and provides a wonderful escape for vacationers visiting with kids.

The monkeys are used to human encounters and can climb down to satisfy guests as quickly as they spot one, permitting children to work together with them up shut and feed them.

Apart from the monkeys, knowledgeable naturalist leads company in exploring Monkey Jungle, sharing information in regards to the ecosystem whereas introducing them to native fruit timber and medicinal crops.

• Admissions
  : Begin at $70

• Hours
  : Monday to Saturday, 9 am – 1:30 pm

Native guides will normally supervise the expertise and supply treats for teenagers to feed the monkeys.

10 Stroll Alongside Malecón de Puerto Plata

The Malecón de Puerto Plata, a vibrant oceanfront promenade, is a must-see when visiting Puerto Plata. This bustling avenue, stretching over three miles, provides beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a spot the place locals and vacationers alike collect to benefit from the vigorous ambiance.

The Malecón is lined with quite a lot of eating places, bars, and retailers, providing a style of the native tradition. Guests shouldn’t miss the chance to witness the breathtaking sundown view whereas savoring an area delicacy.

• Deal with
  : Av. Normal Gregorio Luperón, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Open 24 hours

• Price
  : Free

11 Go to The Picturesque Playa Cofresí

Playa Cofresí, a phenomenal seaside situated in a small bay, is a haven for these searching for tranquility. The seaside is called after the well-known Puerto Rican pirate, Roberto Cofresí, and is thought for its golden sands and clear blue waters.

The seaside can also be residence to various luxurious resorts and eating places the place one can get pleasure from a refreshing drink or a scrumptious meal with a view.

• Deal with
  : Playa Cofresí, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Open 24 hours

• Price
  : Free

12 Tour Casa Museo Normal Gregorio Luperón

Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón is a historic gem that provides a glimpse into the lifetime of one of many Dominican Republic’s nationwide heroes. The museum, located in a restored Victorian home, showcases a set of artifacts and private objects that belonged to Normal Luperón.

It is a journey by the nation’s historical past that is each academic and engaging.

• Deal with
  : Calle 12 de Julio, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Mon – Fri: 9 am – 5 pm Sat: 9 am – 12 pm (closed on Solar)

• Price
  : Adults: $4; Kids: $2

13 Discover The Ruins Of La Isabela

La Isabela, the primary European settlement within the Americas, is a historic website that takes guests again to the period of Christopher Columbus. The ruins of this settlement, together with a church and Columbus’s home, are preserved and open for public viewing.

The on-site museum shows artifacts unearthed throughout excavations, offering a deeper understanding of the early colonial interval.

• Deal with
  : La Isabela, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : 9 am – 6 pm (every day)

• Price
  : $3

14 Greatest Time To Go to Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is the best various to Punta Cana, open to guests all yr spherical. There may be slight temperature variation, leaving vacationers with heat tropical climate to benefit from the beachfront paradise.

Nonetheless, the most effective time to go to is between January and March, when temperatures are milder, at 82 levels Fahrenheit on common, and favorable to take pleasure in all of the outside expeditions within the metropolis.

Vacationers get pleasure from a dip within the varied idyllic seashores in Puerto Plata and scope out its lovely pure points of interest. Moreover, there may be little probability of rain, which may interrupt outside excursions.

Discovering lodging will be fairly difficult in the course of the peak season; guide nicely prematurely earlier than touring to keep away from the battle.

The wet season runs from September to November and April to Might. Temperatures are highest throughout this era, reaching 90 levels Fahrenheit, and excessive humidity ranges will be insufferable for some.

The most affordable time to go to is Might and June. This comes after the height season within the metropolis, and lodge charges dip to draw the few vacationers on the town.

Associated: 9 Things To Do In Punta Cana Beyond The All-Inclusive Resorts

15 Greatest Methods To Get Round Puerto Plata

Whereas there are a number of methods to get round Puerto Plata, a taxi is the most suitable choice. These are low cost and accessible all through town, primarily within the central plaza. A trip will usually price round $5, however company can all the time cut price for a cheaper price if crucial.

Nonetheless, Uber will likely be a extra appropriate possibility for individuals who battle to precise themselves in Spanish.

• Taxi charges
  : Begin at $3 to $5 per trip

Negotiate with the taxi driver earlier than the journey to ascertain the precise fare, particularly if boarding an unmarked taxi.

Automobile leases

Though costly, automotive leases can be found within the main airports round Puerto Plata, together with Gregorio Luperón Worldwide Airport (POP), situated 10 miles from town. These are helpful when planning journeys to neighboring locations like Playa Sosua and Punta Cana.

Driving in Puerto Plata is usually a problem for vacationers, with most avenue indicators written in Spanish. Native drivers may additionally be a bit aggressive, and the aspect streets should not nicely maintained.

Minibuses

Minibuses are one other nice choice to get round. Privately operated minibuses ply routes between the central plaza and Playa Dorada, with some resulting in Playa Sosua. The one factor is that they are often unreliable; they don’t have any set schedules or outlined stops.

• Fares
  : Begin at about $2.25 per journey

Carry small payments and cash for the fare and notify the conductor of the popular vacation spot upon boarding.

Montochos

For these not afraid of some little wind of their hair, montochos are an thrilling option to get round. These discuss with the favored bike taxis within the metropolis, largely discovered across the central plaza. Only a few drivers present helmets for the trip, however vacationers ought to insist on one for security.

• Fares
  : A single trip takes lower than $1 for shorter distances

16 The place To Keep In And Round Puerto Plata

Upon arrival within the metropolis, the very first thing to do is discover a good space to remain in the course of the trip. Fortunately, the Dominican Republic is a cheap holiday destination, evidenced by the comparatively reasonably priced lodge charges in Puerto Plata.

Varied neighborhoods in and across the metropolis have various lodging choices. Relying on the popular factors of curiosity and points of interest on their itinerary, listed here are the highest areas to contemplate and the lodge choices vacationers ought to take into account.

Downtown Puerto Plata

Downtown Puerto Plata is right for first-timers trying to keep near all of the motion within the metropolis. It has totally different lodging choices across the central plaza and the cathedral, with nice Victorian structure dominating its constructions. The neighborhood is inside touching distance of main points of interest within the metropolis, together with Monte Isabel de Torres and Fort San Felipe.

Umbrella Avenue is the best spot to stretch out when inspecting town, and touring the Amber Museum is the right indoor exercise. High lodges within the space embrace:

Villa Carolina

• Deal with
  : Avenida Virginia Elena Ortea no. 9, Villa Carolina, Puerto Plata 57000

• Price per evening
  : Begins at $45 for two company

• Facilities
  : Outside pool, Free Wi-Fi, Personal lavatory, Air-conditioned, Web, Laundry amenities, Specific check-out, Automobile rental, Wake-up service, Therapeutic massage

Hotel Victoriano

• Deal with
  : Calle San Felipe, Puerto Plata 57000

• Price per evening
  : Begins at $34 for two company

• Facilities
  : Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Flat-screen TV, Cable or satellite tv for pc TV, Free toiletries, Web, Laundry amenities, 24hr entrance desk

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Playa Dorada

Situated quarter-hour from the Puerto Plata airport, Playa Dorada is without doubt one of the top beaches in the Dominican Republic, fairly in style with vacationers. The realm options calm and crystal-clear waters, all the time bustling with guests eager to benefit from the tropical climate.

Additionally it is residence to a few of the country’s top-rated all-inclusive resorts; these with versatile budgets would possibly need to prioritize Playa Dorada for his or her lodging.

Listed below are appropriate lodge choices:

Be Live Collection Marien

• Deal with
  : Carretera Luperón, Km. 4.5, Puerto Plata 57000

• Price per evening:
  Begins at $87 for two company

• Facilities
  : Personal seaside, Outside pool, Spa and wellness middle, Health middle, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Tea/espresso maker, Espresso machine, Valet parking

Iberostar Costa Dorada

• Deal with
  : Carretera Luperon KM 2.5, Puerto Plata 57000

• Price per evening:
  Begins at $99 for two company

• Facilities
  : Personal seaside, Snorkeling, Outside pool, Spa and wellness middle, Health middle, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Tea/espresso maker, Free parking

Sosua

Sosua is one other beachfront district half an hour’s drive from town. It was based by Jews, and guests can tour the Jewish Museum of Sosua whereas there. Lovely seashores abound, the preferred being Playa Alicia and Playa Sosua and a number of other different personal seashores. In the course of the weekdays, the beaches are pretty deserted and perfect for guests looking to escape the crowds. Resort choices right here embrace:

Casa Marina Beach & Reef

• Deal with
  : C/ Alejo Martinez, El Batey, Sosúa 57000

• Price per evening:
  Begins at $99 for two company

• Facilities
  : Personal seaside, Restaurant, Room service, Free toiletries, Baby pool, Web, Wi-Fi, Parking, Complimentary breakfast, Hairdryer

Sosua Inn Hotel

• Deal with
  : Calle Dr. Alejo Martinez #3, Sosúa 57600

• Price per evening
  : Begins at $114 for two company

• Facilities
  : Adults solely, Outside pool, Health middle, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Enterprise middle, Wi-Fi accessible in all areas

17 The place To Eat In Puerto Plata

The Dominican Republic’s culinary scene has seen a number of influences over time, culminating in a luxurious nationwide taste formed by native and international cuisines. The eating places in Puerto Plata are as various as town’s folks, serving several must-have dishes for first-timers in the country to make for a rollercoaster fining expertise.

Listed below are the highest consuming joints in Puerto Plata.

Breakfast:

Charros CharibeMex

• Deal with
  : Cofresi Seaside # 5 Playa Cofresi, Puerto Plata 57000 Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Tuesday to Sunday, 8 am – 10 pm

• What to order:
  Fajitas, burritos

Lunch and dinner:

El Pilon

• Deal with
  : Cofresi Palm Resort, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Open every day, 10 am – 9 pm

• What to order:
  Sancocho

Los Tres Cocos

• Deal with
  : La Roca Cofresi, Puerto Plata 57000 Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Wednesday to Monday, 5 pm – 11 pm

• What to order
  : Coconut sea bass, tuna with chilli sauce

Drinks:

Big Lee’s Beach Bar

• Deal with
  : Casetta #8 on the Malecon, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic

• Hours
  : Monday to Saturday (10 am – 10 pm), Sunday (10 am – 7 pm)

18 Suggestions To Know When Visiting Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is an thrilling vacation vacation spot for vacationers all around the world. Nonetheless, tourists will get the most out of their visit to this Dominica city with the following valuable tips.

• The first dialect utilized in Puerto Plata is Spanish. Studying fundamental Spanish phrases will go a great distance when interacting with locals within the metropolis and searching for different companies within the space.
• The Dominican peso is the native foreign money; vacationers can solely entry it upon arrival. Carry sufficient money to trade on the native banks for a cushty keep within the metropolis.
• It’s not advisable to drink faucet water whereas within the metropolis. A greater various could be to buy bottled water every time thirsty.
• Whereas seashores are the principle spotlight of Puerto Plata, benefit from different inland points of interest within the metropolis, equivalent to El Choco Nationwide Park, Damajagua Waterfalls, and Mount Isabel de Torres.
• Web connectivity points are widespread within the Dominican Republic, so vacationers must be ready to put off their social medial throughout sure stretches.

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19 Spending The Excellent Day In Puerto Plata

Begin the day exploring town’s heartbeat in downtown Puerto Plata. Soak within the vibrant vitality of Parque Independencia and take a look at the charming conventional crafts and tiny artwork items bought on the little retailers dotting the realm.

Go to the San Felipe Cathedral, admire its intricate structure, and stroll alongside the colourful Umbrella Avenue. Proceed to Pink Avenue, not too distant, and snap some images within the playful, fantasy-like setting of the situation.

Head to the Amber Museum and uncover the parable of the Dominican Republic’s nationwide gemstone. Later, cease at El Pilon for a luxurious Dominican lunch to refill on sufficient vitality for the afternoon’s itinerary. Get a style of native historical past at Fort San Felipe and look at the historic struggle artifacts within the on-site museum.

Afterward, trip a cable automotive to the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres to revel within the panoramic views of town earlier than heading to Dmajagua Waterfalls for a cool dip within the space’s pure swimming swimming pools.

Spend an hour interacting with squirrel monkeys at Monekyland, then be a part of the crowds at Playa Sosua to chill out on the mushy sand unfold alongside its fabulous khaki shore.

Because the day ends, go for dinner at Los Tres Cocos and later drink some rum whereas dancing the evening away at Large Lee’s Seaside Bar earlier than calling it a day.