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City in Dominican Republic
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/scubabix/, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
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Monument at the top of 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.
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.
In central park
Live musicians play in the park on Sundays.
Casa de Cultura
Free gallery with temporary exhibits, usually history and photography.
Catedral de San Felipe Apóstol
Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Puerto Plata. Interesting modem architecture.
Free to enter. Donations appreciated.
Calle San Filipe
Free to walk through and take photos. Has shops and cafes.
lay out in the sun
This beach is very close to the entertaining Wal-Mart of Puerto Plata (La Sirena).
lay out in the sun
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.
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)
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.
27 waterfalls
27 levels of waterfalls, elect to do as many as you like, it costs more to do more. 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.
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.
It's an excellent restaurant, frequented by tourists.
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.
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.
All Inclusive resorts
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.
This resort is temporarily closed.
Adventure travelers lodge and ecotourism project
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. Check web site for all info from US$25/pp sleeps 2-30
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.
Supermarket
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.
By bus
Puerto Plata is served by at least two intercity bus lines which connect the city with Santiago, Santo Domingo, and other cities.
There are several options for local transportation between the city proper and the surrounding hotels and resorts.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Puerto Plata · Regional · POP
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