Destinations : Dominican Republic : Puerto Plata

About Puerto Plata

Located on the northern coast of the Caribbean island of Hispanola, the province of Puerto Plata is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Dominican Republic. Blessed with beautiful stretches of pristine beaches, lush green valleys, and cradled by a chain of majestic coastal mountains, Puerto Plata was described as "the fairest land under heaven" by Christopher Columbus in 1492.

Christopher Columbus discovered this natural port in the early 1490's. History has provided a couple of explanations for its name, which translated into English, means Port of Silver . Some say it was due to the silvery appearance the mist took on the background mountain, Isabela de Torres. Others say it wasn't the mist at all, but the silvery looking leaves of the guayaba trees that grow on the mountain. Others believe it derived from the appearance of thousands of shimmering silver coins in the port's waters at sunset. The beauty of Puerto Plata is illustrated by its nickname, 'La Novia del Atlantico' (The Bride of the Atlantic).

Nicknamed the "Amber Coast" for its rich deposits of clear amber, Puerto Plata is the largest city on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Since colonial times, the area has attracted large numbers of visitors. The city contains many visual treasures, including rich Victorian architecture, picturesque sea views, and lush flora that's well represented in the botanical gardens atop Mount Isabel de Torres. Beaches within Puerto Plata are serviceable, but just outside the city, travelers find some of the Dominican Republic's best windsurfing at Cabarete and its best scuba diving at Costambar. Many small businesses flourish in the city, but the all-inclusive destinations in Playa Dorada are now the most frequented. It's in this area that travelers find the best dining, shopping, and nightlife. Famed for its beauty, affordability, and relative uncrowdedness, Puerto Plata defies all claims that one must be a millionaire jetsetter to enjoy a tropical paradise.

Sites to visit

Many visit the city to see the historic fort, Fuerte de San Felipe, and the Victorian gingerbread-like mansions from the late 1800's, located in the older part of the city. There is a 2 km boardwalk, or Malecón, lined with typical Dominican restaurants, where you can take a walk and enjoy views of the port and the Atlantic Ocean. Popular attractions include the Amber Museum of Puerto Plata, featuring leaves, flowers, insects and reptile fossils trapped in amber (resin) pieces; the Brugal Rum Distillery, where they offer guided tours of how their rum is made; Central & Independance Parks, where you can see city residents enjoy a break from the mid-day sun under the shade of trees; and Mount Isabel de Torres , the mountain located just behind Puerto Plata. You can take a gondola/cable car from Puerto Plata, to the top, which will provide you with spectacular views of the city and surround area. Once at the top, you'll find the statue of Christ the Redeemer and beautiful botanical gardens.

The cable car going up Pico Isabella behind Puerto Plata is a nice trip for the day. A bus is the cheapest but slowest option. There are also gua-guas, which are part of an unorganized collective of minivans providing discount transportation for the masses.

Today, Puerto Plata is one of the most popular vacation spots in the Caribbean, and one wonderful place to play golf.

Shopping

Quaint island shops offer everything from handmade goods to fine jewelry. The Amber Museum features both museum displays of the ancient gemstone and items for sale. You can find jewelers with almost too much jewelry to select from and take note that all the gold had it's weight written on the tag and they sold it by the gram, so that is cool. The sales people are not too pushy and very helpful. It is possible to buy gold chains, rings or diamond bracelets at unbelievable prices. The amber and larimar are really neat to buy although the Plaza Las Americas had only a limited selection.

Eating & Drinking

Most of Puerto Plata's restaurants are scattered within the Old City and along the Malecón, the latter also lined with cheap food shacks.

There are some restaurants with a great people-watching spot on the Malecón with a sidewalk patio and a second-floor terrace. They serve good pizzas, lamb and goat dishes. Remember you can also try the filet mignon with jazz music for a memorable night out or try seafood specials including excellent tuna steaks close to the water's edge.

If you want to experience the Dominican Meals you will be happy to taste a Sancocho or a zarzuela de mariscos. Rice and beans are called 'Abichuela' and you will find 'platanas' everywhere.

Here you can drink nice beer, excellent rum alone or in fantastic cocktails.

By Night

"Local night life" means places where you can dance and enjoy an adult beverage in a Dominican atmosphere. There are many nice places frequented for this purpose, the disco tipico and the carwash disco (a uniquely Dominican phenomenom). It is usually suggested that it is better going with a local. It’s not that it is unsafe but you could feel a little intimidating and if your not up on your Spanish you may struggle. Do not forget that the locals may ask if they can dance with your Mrs./other girls in your group. At either place you can get cerveza or rum servicios at reasonable prices and dance to a mixture of merengue, bachata, and salsa.

If you want more familiar music, go to the club at the resort. A trustworthy guide could be helpful, and unless you are driving a rental car, you'd need cabs anyway, so I'd guess the cost wouldn't be much different, and you might be more comfortable, as you are likely to be the only non-Dominicans in either place. Most of the resorts offer dance lessons, so you could learn a few steps there. It's really easy. For some tourists Casino action dominates the night.

Hotels in Puerto Plata

The Best Boutique and Design hotels in Puerto Plata : Casa Colonial Beach and Spa Resort,