Why Puerto Plata?

Is it because Puerto Plata is blessed with beautiful golden sand beaches and lush green valleys?

Is it because of the well-known Cabarete – windsurfer’s and kite-surfer’s paradise?

Or is it because of the exotic wildlife and impressive mountain ranges veined with spectacular rivers and waterfalls?

Puerto Plata was described as “the fairest land under heaven” by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

When to go?

Punta Cana remains tropical year round but December to April is the best time to visit.

A few days before Easter Sunday is Holy Week – motorized water sports will not be operated for a couple of weeks but Dominicans from all over the country flock to the bay side to compete with volleyball contests, drink, soak under the sun and dance the night away. It is still a great time to join in for the party!

Where to stay?

While Puerto Plata has accommodations for every taste and budget, we suggest you to stay in at least a 4 star hotel. Try the colonial style, Iberostar Costa Dorada. This hotel has an intimate ambience with romantic gazebos, winding walkways and colourful peacocks roaming the grounds. Bahia Principe is another good option – it is set on a secluded five kilometer beach. This spacious resort is a self-contained village, complete with its own shopping centre, casino, internet cafe, restaurants, bars - even an art gallery!

What to do? Where to go?

Enjoy fresh ocean breezes by walking along the Malecón – an ocean side road filled with cafes and small restaurants. The Malecón is very popular at night and on weekends when roadside vendors prepare snacks and discos blast music into the early morning hours. Walking west will lead you to Fuerte San Felipe – Puerto Plata’s remaining colonial structure.

Sosúa is a lovely town located at the east of Puerto Plata. It is totally unpretentious and its vibrant streets are punctuated with casual European style open air restaurants, bars and cafes – which means great people watching. Be sure to visit the crescent-shaped beach there – it is applauding!

Cabarete is considered one of the best in the world for windsurfing. It is enormous and beautiful! Even if you are not a surfer, you will love the spectacular oceanview there.

Cycling is a great way to see Puerto Plata too so why not rent a bike? Offshore, the Bahía Samaná has been the preferred breeding area for humpback whales for many millions of years. Several boating companies offer whale-watching tours (in season).

The Amber Museum features collections of fossilized resin (Amber), some of which contain remarkably preserved specimens dating back thousands of years, and is one of the best-known attractions in the area.

Where to eat?

Most of the packages to Puerto Plata are all-inclusive – meals are included but you may want to spend some time and have lunch or tea at one of the beach side cafes there. Get out and explore the local – it’s great!

How to get around?

Day time, try the motoconcho (small motocycle) that can be seen anywhere. Night time, we recommend travelling by “taxi” – be sure to negotiable the fare before your trip starts as most taxis do not have a meter.

Some packages include transfers from Puerto Plata to Sosúa/ Cabarete. Publicos (public cars) and guaguas (mini-vans) are available through the day as well.

The Weather

Seasonal Highs and Lows (ºC)

Currency

Dominican Republic Pesos (DOP) [click here to find out the latest exchange rate]

Other information you should know!

Valid passport is recommended for Canadians travelling to Puerto Plata ~ please check with the Dominican consulate or our Travel Consultant for the latest visa requirements.

Want to know more?!

Our Puerto Plata Specialist, Monique feels that Puerto Plata is perfect for “active vacation-seekers”. “Beautiful beaches… lush green valley… lots of small villages to walk around and shop” said Monique. Monique will be happy to share her experience with you. Call her at (604) 273-8228 now.

To check the latest deals on Puerto Plata, click here.

Disclaimer: This article is being written based on the travel experiences of our consultants. There are many sources to review in preparation of making the most of your “Puerto Plata” experience. The tips are subjective and do not necessarily represent the views of travelSavingstoday.com.