Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata offers beautiful beaches bordered by lush greenery, historic buildings dating back to the 1600s and a wide range of accommodation options. Situated in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, it has a warm climate year-round, making it a popular vacation destination.
Get an overview of the area by taking a ride on the cable car or Teleferico to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres. This 2,600-foot (800-meter) mountain overlooks miles of coastline around Puerto Plata. At the top of the mountain is a replica of Rio de Janeiro’s famous statue, Christ the Redeemer, and a botanical garden.
Enjoy Puerto Plata’s many fine beaches. If you are looking for adventure, head to Cabarete Beach. This wide cove attracts hundreds of windsurfers every day because of the strong breezes brought in by the Eastern Trade Winds. The water is warm year-round. Sosua Beach is better for swimming or sunbathing.
Take a tour bus 40 minutes inland to the 27 Waterfalls Nature Park. The Park is located where the Damajagua River winds its way through cliffs and narrow canyons. It features a collection of beautiful waterfalls and blue-green pools you can swim in. The tour guides will provide a helmet and life jacket so you can slide down the natural water-slides.
Puerto Plata was founded by Spanish colonists around the year 1500. To see a piece of history from that time, visit San Felipe Fortress, which sits on the peninsula jutting out into the Puerto Plata bay. This fortress was built in 1564 by Philip II of Spain and once held Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the Dominican Republic’s founding fathers.
Reach Puerto Plata by plane through the Gregorio Luperón International Airport. You can use taxis, buses, or shared taxis to get around, but it is best to have a rental car to reach the beaches and other natural sites located away from the city.