Puerto Plata.
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Overview

Puerto Plata or San Felipe de Puerto Plata is a city in the Dominican Republic with a population of about 130,000. It is the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. Known for its pretty sandy beaches, Puerto Plata is a popular resort destination as well as a great place to meet Dominican people and to shop in local commerce.

Understand

The province of Puerto Plata not only has beaches, natural monuments, water sports, treasures tourist attractions for all tastes, areas but it is also an important part of the adventure, maritime parks and historical island’s history.

The first European visitor was Christopher Columbus January 12, 1493, on his first trip, and Monte de la Plata, because its top was, and remains, crowned with clouds that make it appear with that silver color. Hence the Columbus, who arrived at its shores on called the current Loma Isabel de Torres as name of Puerto Plata.

The main municipality of San Felipe is located between Loma Isabel de Torres and the Atlantic Ocean, and its economy, although very dependent on tourism, also shows industrial growth and historical cultural spaces. Walk around the puerto plata city - Travel Map

Get in

Cibao International Airport . One hour drive from Puerto Plata. Daily flights from many North and South American cities.

You'll buy it at one window and immediately turn around and hand it to an attendant to be scanned and dropped into a box.

Puerto Plata is served by at least two intercity bus lines which connect the city with Santiago, Santo Domingo, and other cities.

Caribe Tours - terminal location Metro - terminal location

Get around

There are several options for local transportation between the city proper and the surrounding hotels and resorts.

Taxis are the most expensive option and not really more secure than other choices.

Buses are slower, but the cheapest, and, once you understand the routes, the easiest way to get around.

Guaguas are simple minivan for normally 7-8 persons that are often overcrowded. Guagas can often be identified by "Se venda" stickers on the windows and a large rear view mirror pasted to the back door.

Dominican Airport Transfers and Airport Transportation offers airport transfers from the airport to any location in Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Rio San Juan and Samana area.

Propinas. Much has been written about Propinas in the surrounding areas of Puerto Plata (to get a better idea who these people are see Sosua ). The same general rules must apply here. The difference is that some of the ones here will take the "con man" approach. One typical example is that you will be approached by a friendly individual who will pretend to be an employee at your resort, based on looking at the wristband you wear, given to you at the hotel. They can be very knowledgeable about your resort when asking them any questions, and so it is easy to see how they may win your confidence.

At first they will say how he/she does not need any of your money and how they will protect you from aggressive vendors. They will show you around various landmarks (mostly upon request) and they will help you bargain at local shops (sometimes at very good deals). Even if you offer to buy the items yourself at the store you are already in, they will insist on taking the money instead. Soon afterwards, they will direct you to the bus station which will lead you back to the resort, and most of the times you will never see this individual again!

General rule of thumb: If you do not recognize the individual at all it is best to ignore them (perhaps by pretending to not understand them at all by replying in gibberish). If you do recognize an employee outside of your hotel, make sure you are the one who approaches that person first. And if you know exactly where you are going, just simply ignore them. Or if you are well-versed in Spanish but a little lost, it is better to ask around from someone else who seems less shady as there can be helpful individuals not looking to dig into your wallet. Don't be played for a fool.

Motoconcho or motorcycle taxis can be recognized by their yellow vests. They are a cheaper alternative to taxis if you are comfortable with being a passenger on 2-wheels. They often congregate around "destination" areas like airports, markets.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rentals of two-wheeled vehicles is possible. Be sure that you have experience with a motorcycle or scooter, the road surfaces are poorly maintained and the driving style is very hectic. Drivers very rarely observe stop signs, even red lights are "optional". A license is not necessary to operate a motorcycle or scooter and as such, the skill levels vary widely. Trucks and other large vehicles often overtake unsafely in corners and low visibility stretches of road, so you may be forced into a ditch! License plates are applied to scooters but not motorcycles. It is very common for overtaking vehicles to announce their presence to a scooter or motorcycle by honking, try not to be startled by this! Helmets are seldom used (some motoconchos wear them), but you may have difficulty getting a rental helmet, and it most certainly will not fit properly. Inspect your scooter or motorcycle before renting. Also, most bikes are small displacement compared to other parts of the world. Most are under 200cc and are 2-stroke.

Car Cars are more expensive to rent and may not always be in tip-top shape.

If you are renting your own vehicle keep in mind what type of fuel it uses. Natural gas (propane) is popular and the natural gas stations seem to outnumber petrol stations. Obviously the two are incompatible, don't strand yourself thinking that you can go to any station and get the fuel that you need!

See

Cristo Redentor. Take a funicular to the top of the mountain that sits behind Puerto Plata to see a replica of the original located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Fortaleza San Felipe. Historical fort located by the main bay of Puerto Plata. The smell of diesel exhaust is pervasive since it's right next to the main electric generator for the city, which burns diesel. There are many local vendors who are quite persistent at trying to sell you goods at tourist prices. In front of the fort is a nice grassy area that's good for a picnic overlooking the water.

Live Music. Live musicians play in the park on Sundays.

House of Culture. Free gallery with temporary exhibits, usually history and photography.

Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle. Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Puerto Plata. Interesting modem architecture.Free to enter. Donations appreciated.

Umbrella Street. Free to walk through and take photos. Has shops and cafes.

Do

Rent a lounge chair if you really want to appreciate Puerto Plata's beaches; if you don't, the Dominican people will ask you all day long if you want to rent a chair from them. The only advantage to being extremely patient and tolerant is their prices drop down with the time! But as everything else, chair rental prices are also negotiable.

Puerto Plata public beach. This beach is very close to the entertaining Wal-Mart of Puerto Plata (La Sirena).

Private RIU beach. This all inclusive resort has man-cleared beaches. You can get in through the "guarded" gate. It's said that they require a room key as proof that you are staying there, but if you dress like a tourist they probably won't ask any questions.

Water sports and excursions. There are countless excursion companies, both local and foreign-based offering water sports (water-skiing, banana boat rides, windsurfing, catamaran cruises, etc.) and land excursions ('safari' trips, horseback riding)

Charcos de Damajagua. You will be provided with guide(s) to help you out. They provide life vests and helmets. On the way back down you'll slide down the chutes or jump into the pools. It's a protected area, and many excursion companies come here, but you can also get there yourself.

Buy

If you are looking for tourist stuff (paints, rum, cigars, t-shirts, etc.) the best place to go is Sosua, about 10-15 minutes from Puerto Plata.

La Sirena Market. Get your fix of a Wal-Mart away from home. La Sirena has a very North American feel, and a wide selection of products that may be difficult to find in other small shops.

Eat

If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, chances are that you will have a wide array of foods to choose from. Be adventurous and try some local foods like mashed platanos (starchy banana-like fruit), okra, Yuca (a starchy, sweet, potato-like vegetable), and lots of avocado.

Casa de Queso. This small shop makes their own cows-milk cheese. A round of Danish-style cheese is a good bet, professionally wrapped with a sticker as a label. They also offer a soft cheese they'll put in a plastic bag for you, and a firm, orange, cheddar style one as well.

Entre Amigos. It's an excellent restaurant, frequented by tourists.

La Pescada. This small fish restaurant specializes in sopa del pescado, or fish soup. Have a bowl and put some of their home-made citrus and lime sauce. The owner looks about 18 years old and is rather friendly and eager to please tourists.

Drink

If you are staying at an all-inclusive, chances are that your alcohol is included. Presidente and Presidente Light are the local lagers. They're a bit underwhelming, but on a hot, muggy Caribbean day, they can hit the spot. Dominican rum, on the other hand, is world class. Brugal and Barceló are both great for both mixing or sipping. There are other Dominican brands of rum, such as Macorix, but Brugal and Barceló are widely considered the best and are much more popular. For non-alcoholic beverages, try the fresh coconut milk.

Sleep

For additional nearby options see Sosua and Cabarete.

Anguins International. Privately owned, luxury three bedroom, three and a half bathroom villa can accommodate up to 6 people. It is located in a quiet residential enclave just 15 minutes from downtown Puerto Plata, the international airport and all major tourist attractions and just 3 minutes walk from the beach.

RIU Bachata, RIU Merengue, RIU Mambo. A set of all-inclusive resorts set side-by-side on a man-made beach. Services are shared between resorts. Mambo is the lower-scale property and Bachata is the upper end.

Victoria Golf & Beach Resort. This resort is temporarily closed.

Most of the large resorts in the area are directly on the beach and offer 'all inclusive' options for food, drinks, and activities. Casa Colonial Hotel, Playa Dorada Road. A fusion of old world charm and modern sensibilities, the Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is a 5 Star luxury ‘all suite’ boutique hotel with an incredible spa, a roof top infinity pool with 4 Jacuzzis and an award winning Executive Chef. Located 15 minutes from Puerto Plata Airport. 204 room resort located in the Playa Dorada complex with a shopping mall, three casinos, numerous restaurants, discos, beach and golf. The White House. Luxury 5-bedroom villa near Cabarete and Sosua on the north coast.

Tubagua Plantation Eco Village. This palapa-style country chateau commands spectacular views of the north coast, family operated B&B-style. Comfortable, great food, close to airport, city and beaches.

Gran Ventana Beach Resort. The Gran Ventana Beach Resort is a sleek, spacious, 506-room, all-inclusive resort with an enviable location on the golden sands of Playa Dorada.