Quick Facts

Also known as’ San Felipe de Puerto Plata’, Puerto Plata’s name is derived from Spanish roots meaning “Silver Port”. The port handles the exports of the area’s rich agriculture industry including sugarcane, coffee, tobacco and bananas. Puerto Plata is the largest city on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is nicknamed The ‘Amber Coast’ as there are rich deposits of clear amber throughout the shorelines, which are ever so picturesque. Founded in 1503 by Christopher Columbus, Puerto Plata is a truly unique vacation spot.

Getting There, Getting Around & Other Transportation

There are daily flights that come into Puerto Plata. Once you land, you can book an airport transfer to your hotel, take a taxi, or bus into the city. Many all-inclusive vacation packages include airport transit. A guagura is a minivan that travels throughout the city, which is also another option. They stop randomly and you may have to negotiate with the driver where you want to be dropped off.

Hotels & Places to Stay

You can expect pristine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and beautifully hot days in  Puerto Plata. Stay at a vast selection of hotels including the Iberostar Costa Dorada, Casa Colonial Beach and Spa or VH Victoria Resort and Spa to take in the beauty of Puerto Plata at your own oasis for the week.

Dining & Nightlife

Taste traditional Mexican and international foods throughout the city. If you choose to eat off of your resort here are a few places you should try:

Los Tres Cocos
An intimate restaurant that offers its guests an array of Austrian-Caribbean dishes that will have your mouth watering the second the plate is placed on the table.

Hemingway’s Grill
Stop in for a tasty burger or cold beer.

Al Fresco
In the Playa Dorado complex, this restaurant offers guests a perfect atmosphere, impeccable service and delicious food

Test your luck at the slots, as the casino nightlife is vibrant in Puerto Plata. Venture off to Mangu, Crazy Moon or The Roadway Bar to enjoy a night on the town.

Attractions & Things to Do

Puerto Plata offers tourists a plethora of attractions to partake in. Go to Ocean World to watch the dolphins swim, go on a monster truck safari ride, aerial tramway, a cruise through Sosua Bay or go on a snorkeling adventure. A favourite is to go white water river rafting on Yaque del North River or venture off to Santiago and Jarabacoa Waterfalls to enjoy a little step back in history as you take a look at the waterfalls.

The Amber Museum is a popular place to visit as the amber is housed in a quaint Victorian mansion.

Take a trip to the Damajagua Falls, which are a series of 27 cascading waterfalls where you can climb, jump or swim in these perfectly clear waters.

Step back into history when visiting Fort San Felipe, which was built in 1564.

Currency, Culture and Language

Spanish and English widely spoken in tourist areas

Dominican Peso

Advised to bring US Dollars

IMPORTANT: Be sure to save $20 US when you’re trip is done. Every departing passenger must pay $20 US departure tax when leaving the airport.