About Puerta Plata

Located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is a spectacular oasis surrounded by beautiful beaches, rivers and green mountains. It's also packed full of resorts, golf courses, shopping and historical sights, casinos, restaurants and night clubs where you can enjoy the national music and dance of the island - the meringue!

No visit to Puerto Plata would be complete without going up to the peak of the mountain, Isabel de Torres. A short cable ride will take you up the mountains to see the botanical gardens and the breathtaking panoramic view.

For the golf fanatic, try your skills at the newly opened Robert Trent Jones designed course in Playa Grande, where 12 holes overlook the ocean. The village of Luperon, located 1-1/2 hours from Puerto Plata, offers history buffs the opportunity to experience the site where Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World in 1492.

For those who love to shop, Plaza Turisol Complex, the largest shopping center on the north coast, has about 80 different outlets and is located just 5 minutes from Puerto Plata and Playa Dorada. Playa Dorada Plaza is another shopping outlet, with about 80 shops, selling handcrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and gifts.

Although the Atlantic waters are sometimes rough, it's the beaches that the north coast is famous for. Known collectively as the "Amber Coast", the beaches at Playa Dorada are a beautiful white or powdery beige sand and almost always crowded with tourists and locals. You'll find plenty of watersports to enjoy - including banana boat rides, water-skiing, sea kayaking, sailboat rentals, sailboards and paragliding. Wale watching is an option during January - March, and white water river rafting, diving, and windsurfing are available year-round.

You'll appreciate the friendliness of the locals, and the laid back and relaxing atmosphere of the culture, almost as much as the relative value that Puerto Plata offers. Due to the growth in tourism and favorable exchange rates, your budget will go a long way to make this the perfect island getaway!