Puerto Plata
This port city was a flourishing trade center during the early 16th century that lay in ruins for centuries before its natural beauty defined it as a tourist destination in 1960. The nearest airport is Gregorio Luperon Airport. The population of 250,000 is largely Roman Catholic population and speaks the native languages of Spanish and Castilian.
Sun-n-Sand, Puerto Plata Dominican Style
Sosua beach with its magnificent coral reefs and clear water of varying hues is excellent for scuba diving. Cabarete, half an hour away, is a popular tourist attraction for surfing, kite-boarding and laser buffs. Playa Grande and Rio San Juan offer large golf areas. Cofresi, to the west of Puerto Plata Dominican, offers Casino, Marina and the Ocean World Marine Park. There are many more beaches and resorts along the east and west coast of the port city, ideal for sailing, water-skiing and jet skiing. Whale watching and kite surfing are other key attractions.
Historical landmarks at Puerto Plata
The central square, Parque Independencia with its Victorian architecture designed with interesting motifs and filigree, is at the town centre. Walk up the fortress Fortaleza San Felipa of the 16th century overlooks the harbor. It was converted to a hospital during the US occupation in 1916. The uniquely styled Cathedral San Felipe is worth a visit. La Isabella National Park is built at the site where the first New World church once stood. It displays relics that were found in recent excavations. Puerta Plata Lighthouse, a 24.4 meter high cast iron tower, was built in 1879 and restored in 2002.
Places to visit at Puerto Plata
Isabel de Torres Botanical Garden lies on the flat summit of the city’s mountain. Take the cable car ride to the top to catch an enthralling view of the city at the foot of the mountain. The garden boasts numerous small brooks and streams and is home to huge ferns and flowers, red ginger and giant hibiscus. The highlight is a statue of Christ the Redeemer, similar to the one of Rio de Janeiro.
Oceanworld Marine Park, 15 minutes to the west of Puerto Plata, has a dolpin lagoon, aquarium, sea lion interfaces, shark interaction pools, a tiger feeding area and an aviary. Take a ride to the Petrified Forest or a boat trip through the mangroves from Puerto Plata to Gri Gri. Visit the rum factory to see how it’s done
The amber museum has a display of small animals and insects fossilized in amber and the rare blue amber. Steven Spielberg utilized a specimen from here in the film Jurassic Park.
Activities, Puerto Plata Dominican Style
You can cascade down a waterfall or hike up a mountainous jungle until you reach a point where you can climb up a waterfall. Then, descend the same way, by waterfall. There are points from where the hardy few can dive into the water as it flattens at some parts.
Hop aboard the Monster Truck or Jeep Safari tour to experience the lush countryside. Stop at a farm that grows fruits, vegetables and tropical flowers. Get a welcome into at a home for a short stay to get the flavor of local living. Make coffee the traditional way at a Dominican kitchen.
Ride a horse during the day and go casino hopping at night. The resorts have tie-ups with the casinos, check with your resort about visiting the casino. The casino arranges a free pick-up from the hotel. Walk past the sandy beaches after your day’s pickings at the casino.
Shopping at Puerto Plata
Shop for some eco jewelry made of locally available natural products like larimar, petrified wood, leather, ceramic, amber. You can also choose from wall pictures made of palm leaves and wood carvings. Other local products are rum, cigars, coffee and pottery.
Weather in Puerto Plata
The weather is warm and humid through the year with day temperatures averaging 32 degrees C, except during December to March when it falls to about 28 degrees C. The coast is prone to hurricanes during the period mid-September to mid-November.
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