Puerto Plata [CA]

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Puerto Plata

The coastal city of Puerto Plata is known as the birthplace of tourism in the Dominican Republic. Since the 1980s when the sandy shores of Playa Dorada were developed, the area has become a premier vacation destination. Now almost a million Canadians visit the island every year, making it the most-visited destination in the Caribbean. During the winter months, Canadians flock southward for its crystal waters, stunning coastlines and palm trees. You can fly to Puerto Plata from just about anywhere in the country and even snag a direct flight from many eastern airports via Air Transat. The package vacation options are endless around this historic port city, and you’ll find much more to enjoy beyond the sandy beaches and fruity cocktails (even though those are world-class). Puerto Plata’s treasures include colourful 19th-century architecture, historic forts and the first cable car in the Caribbean.

There’s nothing wrong with spending your holiday in Puerto Plata sunning on the beach, but if you’re inclined to get active, this area is the unofficial adventure capital of the Dominican Republic. There are myriad activities to get your adrenaline pumping, from hiking impressive peaks to kiteboarding across turquoise waters.

The range of hiking options is plentiful in the Puerto Plata area. Hike up Mt. Isabel de Torres, where you’ll enjoy expansive views of the city from the top and a cable car ride down. Experienced hikers can even scale the highest mountain in the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte, which takes several days. This mighty peak is three and a half hours from Puerto Plata, located in Armando Bermúdez National Park.

Outdoor sports liven up the playa

Savour the summit

Water sports are a must-do on any Caribbean vacation and Puerto Plata has a big advantage over other destinations: it’s easy to find surf-worthy waves! Go kitesurfing in Cabarete or head to Encuentro for a surfing lesson. You might even be able to body board right from your resort! Scuba divers can get below the waves to discover brightly coloured fish and 16th-century shipwrecks at Sosua.

Fun on (or below) the water

An unexpected Caribbean adventure

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BACK TO THE TOP

The Parque Central, also called Independence Park, sits at the historic centre of Puerto Plata, exuding Victorian architecture and charm. Visit the adjacent St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral, and on the surrounding side streets you’ll find a rainbow of painted shops and restaurants in historic buildings. Head a few blocks over to Paseo de Doña Blanca for a pink-hued photo-op.

City centre

Malecóns and fortresses and more

In most Caribbean cities there is a Malecón, the first street up from the sea, and Puerto Plata is no exception. Stroll the 4-kilometre stretch to the 16th-century San Felipe Fort, and the 4,000-seat open-air theatre which hosts national and international performances.

Puerto Plata pursuits

The port city of Puerto Plata sits on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, and its rich history is evident in the architecture. Explore the city’s sites, museums and parks or take the cable car up Torres Mountain for expansive views of this historical capital.

Tiny, sandy isles dot the coastlines of Puerto Plata and an excursion to one of the pleasure islands is a must-do. Spend the day snorkelling and sunbathing on Cayo Paraiso, a glorified sandbar with a few scuba booths and untouched sandy shores, or head to Isla Bonita to snorkel among the reefs and tropical fish.

Pleasure islands

Cabarete-bound

The beach town of Cabarete makes for a fun day trip—famous for its kiteboarding, it also has a myriad of options to surf, windsurf and even laser sail. Even if you’re not into watersports, those in the know head to Cabarete for the great restaurants, bars and boutiques.

Daytrips and roadtrips

It’s easy to enjoy memorable day trips in and around Puerto Plata. From sunning on sand bars with a drink in your hand to exploring beachside towns and private tours, there’s something for the whole family.

The recently renovated Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata on the Playa Dorada has something for everyone, with a kids club and a teen club, as well as salsa dancing lessons, mini golf and a climbing wall. In addition to the expected buffet and a la carte, there’s also a coffee shop offering up traditional espresso options and specialty caffeinated cocktails.

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel

On the shores of Playa Dorada, the Marien Puerto Plata Hotel offers an all-inclusive vacation sitting snugly between the jungle and the ocean. Grab a good book and a lounger or get involved in the lineup of activities available, from the kids club and tennis courts to the casino and spa.

Where to stay in Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata has more than 120 kilometres of coastline with beaches stretching as far as the eye can see, meaning there are dozens of hotel options to choose from. These resorts are among the best and are beloved by families and couples alike.

Windsurfing

Puerto Plata's Parque Central (Independence Park)

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Downtown Puerto Plata

Encuentro Beach

Mount Isabel de Torres

Sousa

Cable car ascending Mt. Isabel de Torres

Dive with colourful fish

Cayo Arena

Cabarete

Playa Dorada

Iberostar Costa Dorada

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Playful

Heart-pumping pursuits

For adrenaline-fuelled activities, kayak the Yasika River or go whitewater rafting on the Rio Yaque del Norte. Head inland for zip-lining in Monkey Jungle where you’ll have views of the ocean and treetops, go mountain biking on courses for any skill level, or take a jeep safari through the jungle.

Museum-minded

With a history reaching farther back than America itself, there’s no shortage of museums and sites to explore in Puerto Plata. Visit to the Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón inside a bright green Victorian building to learn about the life of the famous independence leader, wonder at the 40-million-year-old fossils at the Amber Museum and check out Culture House for local art exhibits and events.

Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón

Iberostar Costa Dorada

Pull up a palapa at the Iberostar Costa Dorada’s stretch of the beachfront and enjoy an unforgettable all-inclusive vacation with great restaurants, daily entertainment and large rooms. For the kiddos, there’s Star Camp (Iberostar’s children's activity program), a playground and a kids' disco. For the grownups, you’ll find the Aliveness program with yoga and nature-focused activities along with a spa.

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Zipline through the jungle (left); Go whitewater rafting (right)

San Felipe Fort (left); Malecón (right)

Victorian architecture in Puerto Plata's centre

Snorkeling

Marien Puerto Plata Hotel

Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata

get out(side) | out on the town | on the road | resorts for all