Puerto Plata or San Felipe de Puerto Plata is a city in the Dominican Republic with a population of about 130,000. It is the capital of the province of Puerto Plata. Known for its pretty sandy beaches, Puerto Plata is a popular resort destination as well as a great place to meet Dominican people and to shop in local commerce.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
The province of Puerto Plata not only has beaches, natural monuments, water sports, treasures tourist attractions for all tastes, areas but it is also an important part of the adventure, maritime parks and historical island’s history. The first European visitor was Christopher Columbus January 12, 1493, on his first trip, and Monte de la Plata, because its top was, and remains, crowned with clouds that make it appear with that silver color.
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. Guaguas are simple minivan for normally 7-8 persons that are often overcrowded. Guaguas 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.
Cristo Redentor (Monument at the top of Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres), Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres. Take a funicular to the top of the mountain that sits behind Puerto Plata to see a replica of the original located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. US$10. 1 Fortaleza San Felipe (Located at the edge of Puerto Plata bay). Historical fort located by the main bay of Puerto Plata. The smell of diesel exhaust is pervasive since it's right next to the main electric generator for the city, which burns diesel. There are many local vendors who are quite persistent at trying to sell you goods at tourist prices.
Rent a lounge chair if you really want to appreciate Puerto Plata's beaches; if you don't, the Dominican people will ask you all day long if you want to rent a chair from them. The only advantage to being extremely patient and tolerant is their prices drop down with the time! But as everything else, chair rental prices are also negotiable. Puerto Plata public beach (lay out in the sun). This beach is very close to the entertaining Wal-Mart of Puerto Plata (La Sirena). Private RIU beach (lay out in the sun), RIU Hotel (15 minutes west of the city center of Puerto Plata). This all inclusive resort has man-cleared beaches. You can get in through the "guarded" gate.
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. Casa de Queso (About 3km west of RIU hotel). This small shop makes their own cows-milk cheese. A round of Danish-style cheese is a good bet, professionally wrapped with a sticker as a label. They also offer a soft cheese they'll put in a plastic bag for you, and a firm, orange, cheddar style one as well. RD$150. Entre Amigos, along the Malecon, which is the road that parallels the ocean in Puerto Plata.
If you are staying at an all-inclusive, chances are that your alcohol is included. Presidente and Presidente Light are the local lagers. They're a bit underwhelming, but on a hot, muggy Caribbean day, they can hit the spot. Dominican rum, on the other hand, is world class. Brugal and Barceló are both great for both mixing or sipping. There are other Dominican brands of rum, such as Macorix, but Brugal and Barceló are widely considered the best and are much more popular. For non-alcoholic beverages, try the fresh coconut milk.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Puerto Plata typically sees ~30°C daytime highs and 14 rainy days.
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