From Wikitravel

Puerto Plata or San Felipe de Puerto Plata is a city in the Dominican Republic with a population of about 130,000. It is capital of the province of Puerto Plata.

[edit] Understand

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.

[edit] Get in

Gregorio Luperón International Airport (also: Puerto Plata Airport) (IATA: POP) (ICAO: MDPP). Daily flights to most North American cities.

[edit] Get around

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

You can book your airport transfers in advance from the comfort of your home with Dominican Airport Transfers one of the Dominican Republic's leaders in airport transfers servicing all airports and tourist destinations. You can actually get an instant quote and book online on their automated site. Dominican Airport Transfers office is located in Santo Domingo City.

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.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit][add listing] Do

• The beach Rent a lounge chair if you really want to appreciate it, 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.

• Water sports and excursions There are countless excursion companies, both local and foreign-based offering water sports (water-skiing, banana boat rides, windsurfing, catamaran cruises, etc.) and land excursions ('safari' trips, horseback riding)

[edit][add listing] Buy

If you are looking for tourist stuff (paints, rum, cigars, t-shirts, etc.) the best place to go is Sosua, about 10-15 minutes from Puerto Plata.

Also good for vanilla and coffee.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

• RIU Bachata- Puerto Plata [1]*

Beautiful Riu Bachata is an extraordinary getaway on the spectacular shores of Maimon Bay, overlooking a lush tropical mountainside. The 610 bungalow-style guestrooms offer deluxe accommodations with Riu's unique amenities, such as a mini-bar and liquor dispenser. The hotel features a relaxed atmosphere and a wide array of dining and leisure options, all complemented by the renowned Caribbean Street promenade and the exchange privileges programme with Riu's two sister properties within the resort. This friendly fun-filled resort is a wonderful choice for fabulous holidays set in breathtaking, tropical surroundings.

• RIU Mambo- Puerto Plata [2]*

Located on beautiful Maimon Bay, Riu Mambo offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the Puerto Plata mountains. This amazing hotel features 463 tastefully appointed guestrooms, equipped with special amenities such as a mini-bar and liquor dispenser, tantalising dining options and fun-filled entertainment that includes several sports activities, live music, Riu theme shows and an exciting casino. This impressive offer is made even more attractive by the remarkable exchange privileges with Riu's two sister properties in the Puerto Plata Riu Resort. Prepare yourself for a truly memorable, entertaining All-Inclusive holiday at one of Caribbean’s most romantic seaside settings.

• RIU Merengue- Puerto Plata [3]*

Set amidst tropical gardens and surrounded by mountains, the deluxe Riu Merengue is a beachfront village-style resort, located just 15 minutes from beautiful Puerto Plata. Featuring 544 guestrooms, comfort and pleasure are ensured with spacious accommodations that include special amenities, like a mini-bar and liquor dispenser and a wide array of restaurants, bars and facilities for a truly thrilling experience. This fun and friendly resort provides exceptional service down to the last detail, complemented by the renowned Caribbean Street promenade and Riu's exchange privileges programme throughout the entire Riu Resort.

• Victoria Golf & Beach Resort (Playa Dorada), [4]. The Victoria Resort Golf & Beach - a charming, smaller resort - Officially re-opened on December 23rd, 2005 after a complete multimillion-dollar remodeling! with the new name Victoria Golf & Beach resort, focused on the golf and honeymoon market. Golfers will enjoy reduced rates at the adjacent 18 hole Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, as well as the service of a personel golf concierge. Honeymooners (or those of you on a second honeymoon!) may want to upgrade to the ultra-romantic honeymoon suites with a shower built for two and a jacuzzi on the balcony! Clients will be able to choose between "all inclusive" and "bed & breakfast" meal plans. edit

Most of the large resorts in the area are directly on the beach and offer 'all inclusive' options for food, drinks, and activities.

• Casa Colonial Hotel, Playa Dorada road, [5]. A fusion of old world charm and modern sensibilities, the Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is a 5 Star luxury ‘all suite’ boutique hotel with an incredible spa, a roof top infinity pool with 4 Jacuzzis and an award winning Executive Chef.

• Viva Wyndham Tangerine Resort, Cabarete, Puerta Plata, Tel: (809) 571-04-02. Fax: (809) 571-95-50, [6]. Located on the Northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, the hotel is 20 minutes from Puerto Plata International Airport and three minutes from downtown Cabarete.

• Viva Wyndham Playa Dorada, Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, Tel: (809) 291-0001, [7]. Located 15 minutes from Puerto Plata Airport. 204 room resort located in the Playa Dorada complex with a shopping mall, three casinos, numerous restaurants, discos, beach and golf.

• The White House, [8]. Luxury 5-bedroom villa near Cabarete and Sosua on the north coast.

[edit] Get out

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