Puerto Plata

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

Getting there

By plane 1 Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP IATA also known as Puerto Plata Airport) (about 15 minutes east of downtown Puerto Plata). Daily flights from New York, Miami, Toronto and Montreal. Cibao International Airport (STI IATA). One hour drive from Puerto Plata. Daily flights from many North and South American cities. As with other airports in the Dominican Republic, a US$10 (December 2011) fee for a tourist card will be required upon arrival. 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. A US$20 departure tax is collected when you fly out. Taxi from Puerto Plata airport to nearest Playa Dorada hotel complex starts from $30 per way. Online online can save you about $5-10, depending on the number of travellers.

By bus 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

Getting 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. Guaguas are the main common transportation system but not really organised; you can stop practically anywhere along the main streets and wait for one to stop and climb up, the fare is normally cheap, but you'll probably have to negotiate with the driver or the door operator. 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). Some time after when they feel the dust has already settled in, they will begin to pluck at the heartstrings (talking about how his/her parents needs medication, or how hi

See

Cristo Redentor (Monument at the top of Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres), Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres. 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. US$10. 1 Fortaleza San Felipe (Located at the edge of Puerto Plata bay). 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. RD$200. (updated Dec 2025) Live Music (In central park), Central Park, Puerto Plata downtown. Live musicians play in the park on Sundays. Free. House of Culture (Casa de Cultura), C. Separación 22, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic. Free gallery with temporary exhibits, usually history and photography. (updated May 2026) Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle (Catedral de San Felipe Apóstol), C. José del Carmen Ariza 36, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic. Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Puerto Plata. Interesting modem architecture.Free to enter. Donations appreciated. (updated May 2026) Umbrella Street (Calle San Filipe), Q8X4+964, C. San Felipe, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic (Between Caller Beller and Calle Duarte, downtown). 24/7. Free to walk through and take photos. Has shops and cafes. Free. (updated May 2026)

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 (lay out in the sun). This beach is very close to the entertaining Wal-Mart of Puerto Plata (La Sirena). Private RIU beach (lay out in the sun), RIU Hotel (15 minutes west of the city center of Puerto Plata). 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) From US$50. Catamaran tour. Sail on a catamaran, most vendors are asking for US$60 for a 1hr ride, though this is a bit high, and you can negotiate. From $50. Charcos de Damajagua (27 waterfalls), Highway 5 past Imbert heading west (Take Highway 5 heading towards Santiago. Continue on the highway for about 20 minutes before passing by Imbert (do not turn left at Imbert!). Stay on the main highway and you will pass over one bridge on your way out of town before climbing a hill. On your way down the hill you'll pass a sign f