Best Things To Do in Puerto Plata

A seven-minute cable car ride over lush green valleys takes you to the summit, which is also accessible by car. At the top, you’ll find botanical gardens, shops, a statue of Christ the Redeemer and stunning views over the port. The mountain’s best visited on clear days or in the morning before the clouds roll in. You can get a taxi from Puerto Plata to the base station, or some companies run excursions from the town.

Locals call it Paradise Island, and home to white sand, bright blue water and a handful of beach shacks, you can see why. This tiddly sandbar in the middle of the sea can be reached on boat from Punta Rucia or La Ensenada. It’s a fabulous place to snorkel, surrounded by fish in their natural habitat.

Santiago’s the nation’s second biggest city, about an hour and a half’s drive from Puerto Plata. Its position slap bang in the middle of the Cibao Valley has earned it the nickname “heart city”. Home to the Yaque del Norte river (awesome for white water rafting), it was one of the first European settlements in the Americas. Popular things to see are the San Luis Fort and museum and the cathedral.

The “city of eternal spring” and centre of ecotourism, Jarabacoa is just over two hour’s drive from Puerto Plata, in the foothills of the Cordillera mountains. The Caribbean’s highest peak – Duarte – can be accessed from here and the area’s brimming with opportunity for canyoning, rafting, mountain biking and other activities.

Experience these local residents of the Estero Hondo National Park’s lagoon on paddleboard, kayak and other eco tours. Manatees are present here year-round, and this is also a good spot for bird spotting – look out for egrets.

In El Castillo, Columbus built La Isabella as the first settlement of the New World, and it now stands as ruins where you can walk amongst Columbus’ house and the first City Hall and church in the Americas.

Between Cabarete and Sousa, this national park covers 77km2 of jungle, pasture and lagoon. The main attractions are the caves that were once inhabited by the island’s Taino tribes – bring your swimmers, as there are some fabulous pools to leap into. Cave diving is also possible, but you’ll need the appropriate cave diving certificate. There are also some terrific routes to discover on foot or horseback.

Small boats provide tours around this lagoon, passing mangroves, tropical birds and the Cave of the Swallows. You can swim and dive in the Dudu lagoon.

At the end of the Malecon on La Puntilla, this fortress was built by Spaniards in 16th century to defend the coast against pirates. One of the most important colonial military structures in the Caribbean, it has a museum showcasing weapons from centuries ago.

A phenomenal 27 waterfalls and limestone pools can be found along Rio Damajagua. Delve into the forest and discover natural waterslides and some of the world’s most wonderful wild swimming spots.

Housed in a neoclassical-style mansion in the city, the Museo Del Ambar teaches visitors about the formation of Amber fossils. See amber that’s millions of years old and have the chance to buy your own jewellery. The Gregorio Luperón Museum (Casa Museo General Gregorio Luperón) in Puerto Plata city is a restored Victorian building telling story of Gregorio Luperon – a key figure in Dominican history who helped restore the country’s independence from Spain.Sousa’s Jewish Muesum tells the story of the Europeans who fled Nazi Europe and began new lives in Sousa.

See how the legendary Brugal rum is traditionally made, have a few tastings and browse the shop on a tour of the rum factory. The tour usually lasts 15-30 minutes and is sometimes incorporated in a city tour of other Puerto Plata attractions.

The Fabrica de Chocolate del Oro shows visitors how cocoa and chocolate are made using local beans. Their hot chocolate and brownie mix make super souvenirs to enjoy back home.

In Sousa, the Monkey Jungle was created as a way to fund free medical and dental care for locals who couldn’t afford it. Accessed by car or horse, visitors can meet friendly squirrel monkeys, get involved with feeding time and zip-line through the greenery.

Puerto Plata’s seafront boulevard is perfect for a leisurely amble, passing cafes and bars with glorious ocean views along the way.

27km out of the city but still part of the PP province, this small town was the refuge of 800 Jewish refugees escaping Nazi Germany and the museum of Jewish heritage is fascinating. There are some beautiful beaches, and the bays are teeming with coral and fish for divers. The Leo Diaz gallery is also worth a visit.