Experiencing Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic 

Welcome to experiencing Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, the third-largest city in the D.R. This trading port is available to vacationers via Carnival Cruise lines or airline and a connecting bus ride. And with close to 10,000 hotel beds in the city, you are sure to find a place to stay while you experience the beauty of Puerto Plata. 

Getting to Know Puerto Plata 

To really get to know the area, travelers would be remiss if they did not take a ride on the Teleferico cable car with its breathtaking views. View the landscape, gardens, and flora of the area, all from a glass-enclosed cable car in the sky. 

Located at the highest point of Puerto Plata is the Pico Isabel de Torres Mountain. There you'll find the lush botanical garden, along with a replica of the Christ the Redeemer statue with his outstretched arms welcoming all. 

Learn more about the history of the area at Fortaleza San Felipe, a fort once protecting the island from pirate invasion. 

The Culture of Puerto Plata 

To truly get to know the city's culture and the locals therein, you'll want to visit the iconic sights, churches, museums, theaters, plantations and partake of the rum and cigars. 

Visiting during February and March, you will surely be in wonder of the festivities of the D.R. and Puerto Plata. With parades, masks, music, dances, and the arts, costume-adorned locals march through the street in all their glory to celebrate the traditions. 

Leisure Time 

Be sure to take in the music and nightlife, casinos and gaming, wonderful local foods, shopping, and more in your downtime. 

Cabarete features nightlife and shopping for your enjoyment. Bars, clubs, shops, and boutiques line the beaches. 

Fun City is excellent for the family that wants a break from the sun and some go-kart adventure. 

Monkey Jungle is home to the squirrel capuchin monkeys, botanical gardens, zip lines, and the Taino cave. 

Parque la Puntilla is a perfect way to end the day of fun. Stroll through the park or have a seat at the arena called the Anfiteatro la Puntilla. 

Furthermore, vacationers and locals love the sound of the Merengue almost everywhere, filling the air of Puerto Plata. Be sure to stop in at one of the local restaurants for fresh seafood, fried plantains, and more. 

More to Do in the Area 

There are many natural wonders and man-made attractions to keep you busy on your stay in Puerto Plata. Just take a look at the following sites not to be missed. 

• 27 Charcos de Damajagua lends a day of hiking through lush forests, over footbridges, and an exit down the waterfalls. 
• Dive at Airport Wall dive site, Canyon, Five Rock, or Cayo Arena. 
• Visit Amber Route to see some of the world's clearest and oldest amber formations. 
• Enter caves and canyons at multiple sites in Puerto Plata. 
• Canoe down the rivers and lagoons of Laguna Dudu. 

• Take an off-road tour on an ATV while taking in the gorgeous views. 
• Play a round of golf at the nine holes of Los Mangos Golf Course and snack on mangoes as you play. Or try out the Playa Grande Golf Course for 18 over the Atlantic Ocean. 
• Ocean World is the island's adventure park located near the Beach of Cofresi. This large park includes the reefs, yacht marina, and the largest dolphin habitat in the world. 

And no visit to the D.R. is complete without a day or two spent on the beaches. These beaches of golden sand, azure waters, and mountain views capture the essence of the island and the city of Puerto Plata. Stop for a day at Playa Encuentro to watch the surfers, try Playa Cabarete, known as "Kite Beach," or relax at Playa Grande, Playa Dorado, Costa Dorado, and several others. 

Where to Stay 

Don't be surprised if you run across a celebrity or two at one of the beautiful places to stay in Puerto Plata. Tourism is alive and well in the resorts of Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada, among others. Here are a few recommended by planetware.com. 

1. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa is a luxury beachfront boutique hotel. 
2. Emotions By Hodelpa Playa Dorada is a five-star with all-inclusive plans. 
3. Blue Jack Tar is an all-inclusive beachfront resort. 
4. Apart Hotel Costambar is budget-friendly. 

Basically, there is room for everyone in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. And you sure won't lack for things to do and see in this stunning portion of the D.R. 

CITED: Wikipedia.com, godominicanrepublic.com, planetware.com