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Welcome to Puerto Plata!
A vast destination with a plethora of attractions, activities and history that will engage your senses!
Open your mind, heart and soul to the flavors of this enchanting coast. A region blessed with a variety unlike many destinations and with a history and cultural mix that is undeniably remarkable. Over 300km (984 Miles) of coast set amongst the turquoise waters of the Atlantic and with a remarkable view of mountains, hills, caves, lagoons, waterfalls, and more.
Located in the North Coast of the Dominican Republic; home to the first settlement and first church in the new world and known for famous Pirates such a Roberto Cofresi.
We invite you to Discover Puerto Plata!
El Cristo Redentor de Puerto Plata is an attraction that can be appreciated during the trip in Cableway, awaiting the visitors, with open arms. It consists of a reproduction of the Redeeming Christ, the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro and is to the south of the city, located in the Hill Isabel de Torres.
Built in 1879 (under the government of General Gregorio Luperon) the Puerto Plata Lighthouse or Faro (in Spanish) was restored in 2001 with a grant from the World Monuments Fund. It was selected from a list of over 100 most endangered sites for restoration. It was first lit on September 9th, 1879 and symbolized the city’s industrial progress after the 1863 fire that destroyed much of the city. More information
The Malecon extends beyond 7 km (4 miles). From end to end you can find several spots, activities and areas to visit; restaurants, San Felipe Fort, and the lighthouse at the Puntilla. Our coast is unique to the trade winds that sweep our shorelines, hence we welcome you to flying a kite, surfing, kite boarding, riding a bike or simply enjoying a stroll and/or swim on the lovely Malecon beach.
What to do?
Bike Riding: A bike friendly route has been developed for those that wish to cruise along the coast.
Surfing: Recommended for intermediate to experienced surfers this area has many reefs, so come early and have fun on the waves.
Kite Boarding: Like surfing we recommend this area for intermediate to experienced Kite boarders. There are many shallow reefs on this stretch of beach, so speak with the locals surfers and borders for information.
Rollerblading: Bring those blades and ride along the coast via the bike trail.
Or simply walk, swim or run along this exceptional route.
What to bring?
Walking shoes, sunscreen and some energy. At this time we do not have a rental shop that can supply you with bikes, surf boards or other.
How to get there?
We highly recommend that you speak to the below travel excursion companies to assist you with your visit:
Sosúa is bordered by a great reef in wich you can practice snorkling diving. The warm water, is suited for this type of activity, is also recommended to have an unforgetable experience while admiring the beauty of the view, the sun, the beach and a calm and relaxed atmosphere.
The mangrove swamps are another one of so many natural environments that Puerto Plata has. They are a type of ecosystem formed by trees that are based in the borders of the rivers. The mangrove swamps are house of thousands of amphibians, you fishes and birds. Some of the Mangrove swamps of Puerto Plata are: Manglares de Punta Rusia, Manglares de Bahía de Luperón, Manglares de Estero Hondo.
Diverse sweet water obstacles exist across the province of Puerto Plata. Each River has its particularitity, but all are filled with a pure and crystalline water that motivates the visitor to occur a good dip. Some of the rivers of Puerto Plata are: Camú river, Corozo River, Maimón River, River the Violón, River San Piñez, Seco River, Eslabón River, River the Ponto, Muñoz River, Raised Cayo River, North Jamao River, Básica River, Altamira River, Bajabonico River, River Soñador de Yarda, Canoabo River.
Set between Cabarete and Goleta Lagoons, El Choco is one of the newest National Parks and protected areas in the Dominican Republic; it is compromised of 23% of the country’s total area (77.5 sq. km/ 48 sq. ml.). The parks main attraction is its caves with subterranean freshwater springs and underground pools large enough for swimming (Caribbean Karst); moreover several of the caves contain Taino petroglyphs. This park is compromised of pasture, land, a lagoon and lush jungles area that contains tropical plants, exotic Caribbean birds like the Vervain Hummingbird (The world’s 2nd smallest hummingbird), and several hills made of old coral reefs.
What to bring?
Walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent and your bathing suit.
How to get there?
El Chocó has two entrances (1) the official entrance is at the western edge of Cabarete, about a 15 minute walk from the center of town. Here is where you can find the “Cabarete Caves” park office. (2) For a remote experience, a 5km (3 Mile) ride west toward the town of Islabon. Just before the bridge, a small signs read “Area Protegida Cabarete y Goleta” at its entrance on the right-hand side. A 5 minute walk brings you to the park entrance.
Presently there are no marked trails and lush vegetation is found in every corner. We highly recommend that you visit with a reputable excursion company.
This Natural Monument consisting of a series of 27 waterfalls has a wondrous program that is dedicated to preserving the park and empowering the local community; for each entry into the park, the community receives US$1.00 into their fund.
Here you can climb, jump off cliffs, slide down naturally formed slides and fall into enchanting natural pools for a swim.
Presently most tours reach waterfall #7 and then return back down. (Roundtrip 2-3 Hours) A trip to the summit is roughly 4-5 Hours. Visitors wishing to visit all of the falls should come ask their excursion company for details or could venture independently and meet with an authorized guide at the visitor center.
For further details please visit www.27charcos.com website.
Did you know?
The name Damajagua is a Taino word that originated from the Damagua o Damajagua tree that can be found from waterfall number twelve and on.
What to Bring
Bring closed shoes and no sandals. Either your excursion company or your authorized guide at the visitor center can provide you with helmet (depends on how high you plan to go) and jacket (must be worn at all times.) Don’t forget the waterproof camera.
How to get there?
The falls are roughly 1 hour from Cabarete and ½ hour from Puerto Plata. You will travel on the Puerto Plata- Navarrete Highway heading towards Santiago. Roughly 20 minutes after passing to town of Imbert (visible Texaco Station on left before bridge), you will see a sign that reads Ingenio Amistad on your left and then pass over a bridge. The highway road will turn left and a large sugar cane filed will open to you left side. Up ahead you will see a large Brugal billboard which is next to the Damajagua Falls entrance.
You like the horses? well in Puerto Plata that gives you a world of options for the entertainment, you will be able to realize strolls on horse, to play Polo or also jump obstacles.
In Puerto Plata, Cabarete, you can enjoy an adventurous trip in Four Wheels to the maximum wich crosses all the mountain Isabel de Torres. In this excursion you will be able to delight yourself with the precious view and the atmosphere. The expedition includes several stops in crystalline water rivers where you will be able take a dip and to rest outdoors. Also a stop in great plantations of sugar cane and in the Bergatín Beach.
El ambiente rodeado de viento y las magníficas playas hacen de Cabarete un lugar perfecto para practicar este deporte en cualquier época del año. Además, podrás encontrar escuelas de kitesurf que ofrecen clases para iniciarse en el deporte.
More information
El Santuario del Manatí it's located in Estero Hondo, Puerto Plata. In it a great diversity of marine species can be appreciated, including the manatí, a mammal that is in danger of extinction and that, by its great size, resembles the whale. This is an unforgettable experience.
You will find at the summit of this Subtropical Nature Reserve a 35 acre tropical botanical garden that features an extensive collection of lush tropical plants, including an extensive variety of orchids. It is home to a plethora of colorful bird and reptile life only found in our island. Within the gardens is a domed building on top of which lies the statue of Christ the Redeemer, similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Isabel de Torre is at an altitude of 855 Meters (2,805 Feet) above sea level. It takes the aerial tram (the only aerial tram in the Caribbean) roughly 8 minutes from base station to the summit. Trails all along the base of the summit will provide glimpses of our picturesque coast and impressive landscapes.
History tells that Christopher Columbus on his first trip, called the mountain Monte de Plata, observing that since the top is frequently foggy it had a silver like appearance hence comes the name of the port.
Did you know?
You may hear the sound of the bubbling underground streams and rivers that flow through the park.
What to bring?
Think exploration. Binoculars, camera, walking shoes, sweater (occasionally gets very cool), and walking shoes.
How to get there?
There are two popular ways of getting to the summit; via the aerial tram (the only aerial tramway in the Caribbean) or via vehicle which drives thru San Marcos and El Cupey.
Several local excursion companies offer Horseback Riding and/or Hiking routes to the summit.
The Historic Center of Puerto Plata is set magnificently set between the Malecon, mountain Isabel de Torre and the old port. At a walking distance you can find a variety of historical and cultural sites such as the Colonial Fort San Felipe of the XVI century, the 1927 Carmen's church, the 1895 Club Union Puertoplateño, the 1906 Rothschild-Pimentel house, the 1865 Embroiders Castellanos house, the (1861- 1865) ruined walls of the time of the annexation to Spain, the 1918 home of Augusto Benz's (Amber Museum), the 1905- 1930 country home of Don Ricardo (Bubul), the 19th century plazoleta of the Guinea Bridge. Access is limited to the many Victorian gingerbread like mansions; we highly recommend visiting the Amber Museum which is housed in one of these houses.
The old city was declared “Historical Area” in 1973, it embraces sixty blocks of Victorian and Neo-Classical Houses and includes the Colonial San Felipe Fort built in 1540. Founded by Nicolas de Ovando in 1502, Puerto Plata was the first port city in the new world and was named for its iridescent silver coastline at sunset and was made official by personal decree signed by Christopher Columbus. Six years later the Spanish Crown granted Puerto Plata the title of Villa and assigned it a coat of arms. In 1863, a city wide fire destroyed much of Puerto Plata and a new architectural influence “The Victorian Age” contributed to the new styles of the city.
Presently the Historic Center of Puerto Plata has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to get there?
There is a city tour package available for visitors whom wish to have an organized tour of this fascinating area. For those that wish to travel independently we advise that you start at the Town Square which is magnificently located in the center of the Historic Center and will allow for better access and planning to all of the sites, museums and galleries.
Columbus Water Park is located in Sosúa and is considered the greater aquatic park of the Caribbean. Adults and kids would enjoy unforgettable moments of entretaiment in slides, and the multiple swimming pools designed in different sizes and depths.
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The beaches of the Atlantic are but one feature of the Grand Oasis Marien Resort All Inclusive...
