Puerto Plata

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Sights and Activities

• Mount Isabel de Torres cable car - At the top of the mountain, above a fortress is the statue of "Christ the Redeemer" with open arms gives the welcome to visitors. There are views of the ocean and city. The beautiful gardens have been declared a Scientific Reserve because of the wide variety of animal and plant species. Address: Mount Isabel de Torres | Manolo Tavarez Justo, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic, Phone: 18093160060, Hours: Abierto de Lunes a Domingo de 8:30am a 5:00pm, Price: Adults: $350 RD
• Fort San Felipe - One of the first European forts to be constructed in the Americas. The fort itself is small but offers views of the harbor. There is also an equestrian statue of General Luperón on the waterfront, and an old lighthouse Address: Avenida General Gregorio Luperón, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic, Phone: +1 809-261-1911, Hours: 8:00am–5:00pm, Price: $5.00 US
• St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral - The original church built of wood was destroyed by a fire in 1863 during the call "War of Restoration" (Guerra de Restauración). Its reconstruction began in 1929. There was an earthquake in 1946 and another one in 2003. It was remodeled in 2008. Look at the stained glass windows Address: Calle José del Carmen Ariza 36, Price: Free
• Malecon Sea Side Walk - The Malecon runs for three kilometers from Ft. San Felipe to Playa Long Beach. The path is made of brick pavers Price: Free
• Brugal Rum Distillery - The Brugal Rum factory is one of the oldest in the country. Founded in 1888 by Andres Brugal, the factory now bottles over 360,000 liters of dry rum every day. Address: Av Manolo T. Justo, Puerto Plata, , Hours: Mon - Friday: 8:00am - 4:00pm Sat - Sun: 8:00am - 12:00pm, Price: $5.00
• Independence Square or Restauracion Park - It was built in 1872 as a gift to his native town of General Luperón during the government he headed in 1879 during which Puerto Plata served as the capital of the republic.

Artist painting La Glorieta (the gazebo) - Amber Museum in the background - Puerto Plata

© greatgrandmaR

in its center is a Victorian gazebo - double octagonal structure of two levels. The gazebo, which is the symbol of Puerto Plata, (called La Glorieta) was first constructed in 1872 and is located in the center of Parque Central. There are also two statues. One of them is of General Luperón of course. The other statue is Juan Pablo Duarte (January 26, 1813 – July 15, 1876) who was one of the founding fathers of the Dominican Republic. You can feed the pigeons or have your photo taken with the statues or with people in costume. Address: Separation Street, Price: Free

• Vivonte Cigar Factory & Lounge - You can tour the cigar factory, or just go to the Vivonté Cigar Lounge - so this is an activity, a sight, and a place to eat. Their website says: "Whether you’re a cigar smoker or just looking for good drinks and good times, Vivonté is the place to be. We pride ourselves on quality customer service in a relaxing and friendly environment. We continuously show sports, news and entertainment channels on two 55” Samsung smart LED tvs that provide shadow free, crystal clear pictures. Our sound system plays a variety of all kinds of music. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner from a menu that includes local and international favorites." Address: Calle Jose del Carmen Ariza 5, Puerto Plata, 57000, Phone: 1-809-586-5257, Hours: 7 days a week from 8:00am to 11:00pm

Weather

Getting There

By Plane

Gregorio Luperón International Airport (also: Puerto Plata Airport) (IATA: POP) has daily flights to most North American cities. POP is located about 15 minutes east of downtown Puerto Plata. Cibao International Airport (IATA: STI) is about one hour drive from Puerto Plata and has daily flights to many North and South American cities.

As with other airports in the Dominican Republic, a fee for a tourist card will be required upon arrival. You'll buy it at one window and immediately turn around and hand it to an attendant to be scanned and dropped into a box. A departure tax is collected when you fly out.

Taxis from Puerto Plata airport to nearest Playa Dorada hotel complex start from $30 per way.

By Bus

Puerto Plata is served by at least two intercity bus lines (Caribe Tours and Metro) which connect the city with Santiago, Santo Domingo, and other cities.

Getting Around

There are several options for local transportation between the city proper and the surrounding hotels and resorts.

Taxis are the most expensive option and not really more secure than other choices.

Buses are slower, but the cheapest, and, once you understand the routes, the easiest way to get around.

Guagua are simple minivan for normally 7-8 persons that can be easily packed to 22 persons and 2 roosters! Guagua are the main common transportation system but not really organised; you can stop practically anywhere along the main streets and wait for one to stop and climb up, the fare is normally cheap, but you'll probably have to negotiate with the driver or the door operator. Guagas can often be identified by "Se venda" stickers on the windows and a large rear view mirror pasted to the back door.

Motoconcho or motorcycle taxis can be recognized by their yellow vests. They are a cheaper alternative to taxis if you are comfortable with being a passenger on 2-wheels. They often congregate around "destination" areas like airports, markets.

Eat

If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, chances are that you will have a wide array of foods to choose from. Be adventurous and try some local foods like mashed platanos (starchy banana-like fruit), okra, Yuca (a starchy, sweet, potato-like vegetable), and lots of avocado.

Drink

If you are staying at an all-inclusive, chances are that your alcohol is included. It's not very good, but it'll do.

The local brands of alcohol are Brugal (for rum) and Presidente (for beer).

Sleep

Upscale

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post

INPOSDOM is the national postal service of the Dominican Republic and unfortunately, although things are getting better, is not known for its fast and efficient services. It takes at least a few weeks for your letter or postcard to arrive in the USA and even longer for Europe or other continents. It costs from RD$3 to North America and from RD$4 elsewhere for standard letters and postcards. Post offices generally are open from around 8:00am to 3:00pm, though in big cities and tourist resort areas there are sometimes longer hours and you can usually give your postcards are major hotels and resorts as well at all times. Stamps are available at post offices, but at many shops and kiosks and some hotels as well. Sending packages is not recommended through the official postal service, and it's much better to use good international courier companies like UPS, TNT or DHL.

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