Punta Cana and Puerto Plata are the two largest tourist centers in the Dominican Republic. Which resort to choose? Today we will talk about the pros and cons of each of them. You will also learn about where the resorts are located, how to get to them, what hotels are best and what to see nearby.
Location
Punta Cana
The resort is located in the east of the Dominican Republic and belongs to the province of La Altagracia. Washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Punta Cana International Airport is located near the resort. The distance to the capital (Santo Domingo) is about 180 km.
Puerto Plata
The resort is located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic at the foot of Mount Isabel de Torres near one of the oldest cities in the country - Puerto Plata. There is an airport not far from the city. Distance to Santo Domingo - 235 km.
Climate
Punta Cana
Punta Cana has a mild tropical climate. In summer it is more humid, there are precipitations. In winter (from November to March), clear and comfortable weather sets in, thanks to which the ocean warms up very well by summer (up to +29 degrees)
Puerto Plata
In Puerto Plata, the climate is also very comfortable, but precipitation is more frequent than in the east and south of the Dominican Republic. At the same time, this affects the appearance of nature, which in these parts is distinguished by lush vegetation. Well, in the summer months in the northern region it is not as hot and stuffy as it happens in other provinces of the country.
Beaches
punta cana
The resort of Punta Cana stretches along the Atlantic coast for tens of kilometers. It was the snow-white beaches with the finest sand and palm groves that once inspired investors to build a magnificent resort here. The entrance to the water here is very gentle, and the swimming area is separated from the open sea by a coral reef, which makes swimming in these places safe and comfortable even with small children.
- Juanillo beach
- Macau beach
- Bavaro beach
Puerto Plata
In total, Puerto Plata has 120 km of wonderful sandy beaches located to the east of the city. It should be noted that the beaches closest to the city cannot boast of impeccable cleanliness and white sand - it is a little darker and larger here. One of the first beaches outside the city is called Long Beach, which opens up a golden series of picturesque beaches for many kilometers.
- Playa Grande beach
- Long Beach
- Costa Dorada beach
Hotels
Punta Cana
Punta Cana is dominated by 4- and 5-star all-inclusive club hotels. Most of them have a huge territory and rich infrastructure: restaurants, bars, swimming pools, shops, discos, casinos, spas and much more. Here, every tourist will find a hotel to their liking: in Punta Cana there are hotels oriented to a wide variety of contingents:
- for newlyweds
- families with children
- adults only
- for those who love luxury holidays
Puerto Plata
It was in Puerto Plata that Dominican tourism once began. Therefore, one should not be surprised that the hotel base here is not the newest, although it is being updated. Just a few kilometers from the city is resort complex Playa Dorada, which includes 13 hotels, as well as many bars, restaurants, discos and casinos.
Newlyweds, families with children, as well as lovers love to relax in Puerto Plata active rest and history.
Attractions
Punta Cana
Punta Cana has a very well developed tourism industry. From there, a trip to any corner of the country will be organized for you.
Here are the most popular excursions in Punta Cana:
- Saona Island and the City of Artists
- Mount Redonda
- Santo Domingo
- Samana
- Cap Cana town, Juanillo beach and Blue lake cave
- Jeep or Humvee safari in the Dominican countryside
- Adventure Park
- Dolphin Explorer
- Boat trips in the Caribbean or the Atlantic
Puerto Plata
The city of Puerto Plata itself will be very interesting for travelers, because its history goes back hundreds of years.
Be sure to visit:
- Ancient fortress - Fortaleza de San Felipe
- Church of San Felipe
- Malecon
- Amber Museum
- Brugal rum distillery
- Ride the country's only funicular up Mount Isabel de Torres and admire the statue of Christ and views of the city and coast
Also, the northern coast is famous for such attractions as
- Samana Bay
- 27 waterfalls
- Cayo Paraiso Island
In addition, it is not difficult to get from Puerto Plata to the central part of the country and visit the town of Jarabacoa, which is famous for its clean air, rivers and waterfalls.
Leisure
Punta Cana
For outdoor enthusiasts, excellent conditions have been created both in the resort hotels themselves and outside them.
Here are the types of entertainment awaiting you in Punta Cana
- Surfing
- Diving
- snorkeling
- Golf
- Zip line flights
- buggy
- Fishing
- Kayaking
Also in Punta Cana, you have many opportunities to admire the Dominican Republic from above by flying on
- Parachute behind the boat
- Helicopter
- Hot-air balloon
- Airplane
Puerto Plata
Very close to the resort are 2 small towns - Sosua and Cabarete. This is a real mecca for surfers, as well as for fans of kite and winderfing in the Dominican Republic!
From Puerto Plata, you can also go inland and try white water rafting on a rubber boat through winding mountain rivers.
Well, for those who dare to conquer 27 waterfalls, a real natural water park awaits: such kayaking will be remembered for a long time!
Diving, fishing, as well as boat trips and catamarans are also practiced in this resort.
Well, in the famous Ocean World aquarium, you can not only touch and feed the animals, but also swim with dolphins, sharks or fur seals, as well as watch a performance with sharks and rays.
Restaurants, bars and nightlife
Punta Cana
Most Punta Cana hotels have their own à la carte restaurants serving dishes from a variety of cuisines from around the world. However, if you still want to dine in a new place, we recommend you the following places:
- Restaurant Jellyfish: specializes in seafood, located right on the beach, where you can relax and unwind on comfortable pillows.
- Seafood restaurant Captain Cook: perfect value for money seafood.
- Restaurant Kuku a: An open terrace, a swimming pool, a gorgeous view of the ocean - an ideal place for a romantic dinner. In addition to seafood, the menu also includes chicken and meat.
Well, it is best to get acquainted with local cuisine in small family restaurants on the coast. They cook according to original recipes, and in the establishments themselves there is a cozy atmosphere. home atmosphere. This option is also suitable for those who want to save money.
As for the nightlife, it is quite rich in almost every hotel. But even outside the hotel you can have a great rest and get a lot of new impressions.
Here are the best nightclubs in the resort:
- Coco Bongo- a bright show with performances of celebrity doubles, acrobatic stunts, and broadcast of what is happening on the big screens!
- oro- performance of the best DJs and world celebrities in the luxurious atmosphere of the club!
- Imagine - night club, arranged right in a real cave!
Puerto Plata
What restaurants to visit in Puerto Plata? Our advice:
- restaurant La Perillada: famous for grilled dishes
- restaurant Papillon: offers great lobsters and shrimp
- Cafe Cito: Canadian Consul's restaurant serving local cuisine and cocktails
But the best restaurants of local and fish cuisine are concentrated in the towns of Sosua and Cabarete. There is also a vibrant nightlife. A string of bars and clubs lined up right along the coast, where the fun never stops. Energetic music and international acquaintances are waiting for you at these incendiary parties!
Well, as you can see, both resorts are excellent and worthy of attention. Well, each of them has its pros and cons, of course.
Punta Cana is a newer and, at the same time, more expensive resort than Puerto Plata. It is better to go there for those who want to relax at the highest level without thinking about anything, because the hotel itself has everything you could wish for.
Puerto Plata will appeal to those who like to travel a lot and spend time away from the hotel, especially since so many attractions are available very close to the resort!
Guests of Punta Cana are deprived of the opportunity to walk around the medieval city every day, enjoying its atmosphere, but they are waiting for a much richer selection of excursions and entertainment.
Well, another important point is the beach and the ocean. For those who dream of a calm ocean and white sand on the beach near the hotel, it is better to go to Punta Cana. Well, those who like the waves and the wind are waiting for the northern coast!
Original north of the Dominican Republic
Time flies! Every year, recognizing certain paradises on Earth, we are more and more convinced that for us there is no better place than the Dominican Republic. Since we want variety, for our fifth trip to the Dominican Republic, our eyes fell on Puerto Plata. Moreover, the RIU hotel provided Pegasus with very preferential interesting conditions, and the flow of “light brown tourists” rushed to the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
I must say that many were disappointed purely because of laziness to figure out what are the features of this resort. And the resort, I must say, is specific. There are both pros and cons. I will try to highlight in detail the points of view of my wife and I, which, by the way, for the most part, did not coincide.
Path - road:
We have become accustomed to the terribly economical Pegasus airline NordWind, although more than once we promised ourselves not to fly on them again. But this time, the company added to us the negative. And what else! Nearly covered the whole trip. Or maybe it was (sorry), fucking Sheremetyevo, with its terminals at different ends of the airport. We had a transfer from the NordWind St. Petersburg-Moscow flight to the NordWind Moscow-Puerto Plata flight. Both flights and transfers were included in the package. We were assured in the agency that the departure from terminal D, and, accordingly, the arrival is also at this terminal. In general, for the most part, we don’t care, but the crossing was a little over an hour, and we still have to go through customs and all these queues. Landed. We drove up to terminal D. They put us on a bus, and, ... they drove us in a circle for half an hour across the entire airfield to terminal C! Until now, no one understood with what fright we were dragged there. And the luggage was delivered there even later. As a result, we ended up at the other end of the airport 35-40 minutes before the departure of our plane. We are a dozen more of the same families as ours. And no one understands what we should do. And no one really cares that 10 people miss the flight, and everyone knows that NordWind will fly away without us. No announcements, no apologies, nothing! There is some kind of shuttle between the terminals, but no one knows how and when it runs, and even if it leaves right now, it still won’t be in time. There was only one way out: take a taxi and rush to terminal D for 1000 rubles, which everyone did. That's the only way they did it. But the nerves were spent through the roof. We already think that this is a conspiracy at the airport in order to additionally milk tourists. In St. Petersburg, for 300 rubles, I drove through half the city to the airport at night. And in Moscow, in order to travel between the terminals of the same airport, one had to pay a thousand.
Okay, forgot, rest. But when we were flying back, another curious situation occurred at Sheremetyevo. Here we had 5 hours, and we were in no hurry. Again we were brought to the wrong terminal. We used the shuttle. It turned out that it takes 2.5 hours to get from one terminal to another using a shuttle! Well, okay, it doesn’t matter (only we are tired, we haven’t slept for almost a day), we go to check-in, we got there first, and ask us to check in together (the family is still), and at the window. Remember, we are the first. Empty plane. Russian-speaking horseradish at the registration. And he puts us in different rows in the aisle. Actually, it didn’t give a damn - the plane was one-third full, and everyone moved as they wanted. But still, what kind of personnel are grown in NordWind? Where does this disgusting thing come from in the soul of a person who says that, well, he heard us, and at the same time gives us the worst places. I have only one explanation: he wanted money, and when he did not receive it, he gave us filthy places in revenge and edification. Do you think we are wrong? What about selling the registration of accommodation on the plane in advance at the hotel? It is now legalized in NordWind! Pay 100 bucks (it seems like that much) and we will reserve the seat you specify!. What can I say? Here are the bastards! No company is so humiliated
Puerto Plata Airport:
Nothing special. The building is a simple two-story building with no special features. Forgotten right away. Permonal minimum. Everything is fast to and fro. There are few shops. Less than in Punta Cana. The range and prices are the same.
Puerto Plata
This is a very specific place, which has a lot of differences from the rest of the famous Dominican resort. There are differences positive, there are negative, there is an amateur. First of all, this is a cheap area to stay. Among the locals, it is considered the poorest part, although this is not so noticeable. But it is noticeable that the local people here are a little concerned about petty mercantile problems. Merchants a little more than everywhere else want to sell you their goods, and at a higher price. The prices in the stalls are right here, airport prices! You need to know where to buy what. We will advise later.
Next, the most important thing is the climate. It is due to the fact that it is a mountainous area, which means a bunch of small rivers and streams descending from the mountains, and flows into big water, as everywhere in the tropics where there are mountains. The consequence of this is humidity, clouds, rain. And one more consequence - fresh water flowing into the salty sea - washings from the fields, microorganisms, algae, in general - a muddy sea, with the exception of certain special places where they are taken for money. On the way from the airport to the hotel, I counted, we crossed the course of about 15 rivers and streams. Mountains are, of course, beautiful and majestic. A small amount of clouds is also beautiful. All this pleases the eye. Camera lens too. But the body is not very happy, because the clouds - heavenly wanderers - block the life-giving rays of the sun, and prevent the water from heating to the state of fresh milk, as at the same time the water heats up along the entire Caribbean coast, as well as on the beaches of Punta Cana, where there are fewer waves. In addition, the snow-white sand obtained by natural grinding of pieces of dead white corals is actively mixed with ground mountain soil, which has a different color, mostly black, and such gray beaches are obtained. Using the Photoshop method in the photographs, you can get a snow-white beach, but let this not deceive you. This is a gray color of sand, in essence, no worse than snow-white, since it still does not heat up so much to burn your feet. But only the color of coastal water directly depends on the background on which the water is located. On a white background, the water is very beautiful - blue - blue, right turquoise, you can't take your eyes off. And on a gray background, respectively, ..., just beautiful, and that's all. Moreover, it is unclear. The water itself also has its own color, and it is different from the Caribbean color. The angle of incidence of the sun's rays also affects the color of the water. Sunsets and sunrises in Puerto Plata can only be observed from the land side, which is not very beneficial for the color of the water and for melancholy thoughts during a pleasant contemplation of sunsets or sunrises.
So draw your own conclusions. In my opinion, acquaintance with the Dominican Republic is best to start from this area.
RIU MERENGUE Hotel
Decent hotel. Very harmonious price-quality ratio. As far as I understand, due to the fact that this hotel has a fairly large population density. Here, the hotel absorbed more than 300 Russians at a time, and no one even noticed. But it's not too noticeable. Every piece of territory is wisely used. Overcrowding is felt only at the pools, where older couples like to hang out, and in the evening, in places of scenic entertainment. Of course, there are disadvantages, but, in our general opinion, there are more advantages, and we are now ready to visit other hotels of this chain. Why not this one - just because we don't go back to the same places. Well, maybe many years later...
Accommodation.
Everyone writes about the amazing speed of accommodation of newcomers. Indeed, it is something!!!. All hotels around the world need to organize an experience exchange tour here. Such a conveyor was organized - one treated him with a cocktail, the other gave a questionnaire and a fountain pen, the third looked for an envelope ALREADY PREPARED IN ADVANCE with documents and keys, the fourth took the questionnaire, the fifth put on bracelets, the sixth attached a number for the porter to the luggage, and showed the direction where we should move. The porter, by the way, managed to bring our suitcase in 2 minutes. In short, half an hour, and 300 people are accommodated. And this is early in the morning, before breakfast. And the rooms are all ready to move in. This, I tell you, is very pleasant and unexpected, and very useful after a long and difficult flight. By the way, we got a number exactly what we wanted, which we requested via email. mail to the reception. We received, like everyone else, a standard answer that, they say, nothing is guaranteed, everything is possible. I don’t know if they granted our request, or coincidentally, but we got what we wanted.
We were completely satisfied with it. Although, it is noticeable that everything is so old, but it does not cause unpleasant sensations. TV is decent, one Russian channel, which is one crap, and that's good. There is nothing to fly through half the world to hang around in front of the TV set. Of particular intrigue is the dispenser with alcoholic beverages, which is located in the room. Repeatedly heard conversations that, they say, it is now convenient to dig directly from the room. Let no one be deceived, in a cheap hotel they will not put high-quality alcohol in the room. In general, the company "TREMOLS" is the cheapest that produces goofy surrogate fakes, and here in the issue you will find the cheapest options from this swill. The only digestible use of these liquids is to use them in cocktails in small quantities. About the rest of the fullness of the minibar, more precisely, the refrigerator: everything is as usual. Two colas, two Schweppes, two cans of beer (not bad), and two bottles of drinking water without gas. Sometimes it's a sprite. The refrigerator does not work well - it is clogged in a confined space and the evaporator is poorly ventilated. The air conditioning also works so-so, and is a little noisy. But acceptable. It happened worse, but rarely better for the economy option. The room had only the bare essentials. No hair dryer, no iron. From washing only soap and shampoos in bags. Everything is more or less clean. The bed is huge, not squeaky, the illumination is varied, the sockets mostly work, the water pressure is normal and cold and hot, the bathroom is not slippery. You can live.
For the sake of justice, I want to say that not all rooms are equally comfortable. There are places where there is constant noise from working service mechanisms such as laundromats and pumps. It’s even unpleasant to walk there, I don’t know how they live there. But the noise from the evening animation or the daily bustle at the pools should not be afraid. We did not notice such buildings where it would interfere.
Territory
I will not repeat myself. In general, one promenade for three hotels, along the beach. It goes through all the attractions of the hotel. The first thing to do is walk on it. And all questions about the territory will be clear. At the end of this promenade, there is an ascent to this cape with a gazebo, from where standing ocean liners can be seen.
The only thing I want to tell you something interesting is to tell about a very interesting corner of the hotel, where not everyone will wander. And it's not on the diagram. You need to get to the cape, then turn left, go down to that second small beach overlooking the port, go all this beach, and at the end of the beach, walk along a short paved path to the left. Local young barkers are just sitting there, and they invite you to walk there, to their shops. Agree. There are a lot of stalls, and some of them are much cheaper than on that central alley of the hotel. But that's not all. There is a small mangrove reserve behind these stalls. A crowd of turtles, ducks, fish, birds swims - very interesting. And all within the hotel. No one knows. The next interesting and long route through the territory is a promenade along the surf line along the beach.
Curious place. It is curious that the shadow over the couches is organized not by special umbrellas - fungi, and not even by palm trees, but by specific trees with thick round leaves of different colors. By the way, the shade is quite good. I would be grateful if someone could tell me their name. Small yellow birds frolic among these leaves, which creates a good atmosphere. The beach is equally good everywhere along its entire length. And the sea is the cleanest and most transparent, ceteris paribus (small excitement) in the middle of the beach and further, to the left, closer to the gazebo. There the sea is not so deep, because of this the waves and undercurrents are already quieter, and the bottom can be seen better in the mask. And the right side, on the contrary, is more muddy, but you can frolic and swim calmly without touching the bottom almost immediately from the shore to the buoys. A mask with a snorkel came in handy a couple of times, but fins never, except for diving. We chose the right wing of the beach because it is closer to the habitats. Plus, it's a little more interesting. On the border of the hotel flows a clear transparent stream that flows into the sea. In this brook, you can watch fish, rabies, and the most interesting thing is that in the coastal mud, a crab claw sticks out of every hole. If you do not wake up for 20-40 seconds, then all this will stir. On the other side of the creek, a dozen local Dominicans sit quietly, waiting to earn money - massages, curling braids, whatever. Quietly they sit. They were forbidden to impose services and cross the river. But we, the guests, can. But not recommended. They frightened with all sorts of passions - muzzles like that the locals can do anything with you outside the territory, and the police will not even figure it out ... It is beneficial for them (Pegasus) to set up the people in such a way that people take more excursions. Actually, it's not all that scary. Everyone walks, one at a time, and in groups, and for a long time, and far away. Naturally, there, to the right, across the river to a wild beach. First there is a series of local miserable market type stalls. Then an endless wild beach with large boulders, a bit reminiscent of the seychelles. You can arrange a very interesting photo session. There is also an option from this wild beach to go deep into the territory, around these two low characteristic mountains, similar to an overgrown ruined castle. But there was no company. I saw young guys from Moscow send a drone - a quadcopter there from a wild beach in order to find nests of large birds of prey there, which fly around in large numbers. If you find their recordings on YouTube - it's stunned how interesting! Just don't let go!
I hasten to say that it was the most organized diving of all, where I was lucky enough to dive. And in comparison with other Dominican places, I will say this: about the same as diving from Bavaro beach, Uvero Alto, and other places close to Punta Cana. Of course, it does not reach the Caribbean coast at all. But, it's nice that the equipment didn't break down, the boat is specialized for divers - with ladders and a canopy, the instructors are qualified and friendly, they try to do everything themselves and without a sour mine. They even filled out my dive log! Groups are not overloaded, they do not go out in bad weather. In general, everything is with the soul. And there are more than enough customers in the hotel! You won't be right there the next day. They say the group is complete. The price is the same as everywhere else - two dives - 98 bucks. I recommend. You will not regret.
This is a big plus for the hotel. Delicious, varied, no queues. I can’t even imagine how it is possible to organize the food of such an abyss of people in such a way. I will not repeat and list everything. I will only report the differences. Particularly pleased with the organization of drinking. And for breakfast, and for lunch, and dinner, you can pour anything you want. And beer, and wine (3 types), and tea, and a coffee machine right there, and hot and cold milk, and all sorts of lemonades (Pepsi, Sprite, etc.), and juices like improved yuppies, whatever your heart desires. No restrictions. Charm! In the morning, fruits and vegetables crushed in a blender with ice (fresh). Baking, according to my exacting taste, so-so. Not bad. It happens better. Full of varied fruits. The pineapples were especially delightful. So much so that even all the gums were almost dissolved to blood with these pineapples! I had to take breaks, and it was a big test for the will. Try it yourself - you will understand. In Russia, you will not try such tender and fragrant pineapples.
It is noticeable that this hotel is designed in such a way that zhirtrests do not bother with long trips for food and long breaks. You can crack from breakfast almost continuously until dinner. Lunches, in addition to the main restaurant, are organized directly by the pools next to the bars, and they are open all day. Eat - I do not want! And, you know, there by the pool among the Canadians, I felt like a slender cypress! My stomach lay next to me separately, but I was glad that it did not hang from the sunbed to the ground on both sides, like many neighbors.
Pools
Clean. But cold, until the sea also warms up. The pools are boring and small. Near them are densely sunbeds. But you can always find a place. Places are booked in advance. But there are always empty seats. Especially in hell.
PegasTours
After reading negative reviews about the guides (I think Katya and Evgenia, I don’t remember, I didn’t want to stir up old reviews again), we decided not to listen to anyone, and not to take excursions. But the company prudently changed the lecturer, and some young literate man told about all the excursions so skillfully that we almost ordered something! Just a zombie! But they held on, and are very happy. Nobody NOBODY!!! Of those who bought them, was not satisfied. Very bad organization. And overpriced. In general, if you really, really want to go somewhere ...
And one more thing that got Pegasus Tour is a paid early booking of seats on the plane on the way back. For me, this is a brazen robbery and deceit. Moreover, there were cases when the seats were paid for and did not receive them. Okay, tired of this topic.
For kids:
There is nothing. Or almost nothing. The hotel is not designed for this. In general, dragging small children through half the world is adult egoism in relation to the child and others, and great stupidity. It's just useless to talk about it. Everyone who has a mind - and they themselves understand this. And the rest on the drum everything. And the health of your child, and the spoiled rest of others.
I don't know what else to write. Please ask questions
In general, I liked the rest, but my wife did not really. The whole holiday was arguing about it - who likes / dislikes what. So, study, read, ask.
About the country " "
Nature
About the resort ""
Nature
Food (restaurants, cafes)
Shopping (shops, markets)
Value for money
About Playabachata Resort 5*
Hotel location (distance from the airport, sea, mountains, etc.)
Hotel area (size, arrangement)
Hotel building (state)
you heard a lot good reviews about these resorts and now choosing between Puerto Plata or Punta Cana? They really are two rather different regions in the territory. Dominican Republic although they are often confused with each other.
Since both of these resorts are popular holiday destinations, there is often confusion between the two areas. Some people mistakenly think that Puerto Plata and Punta Cana are similar and interchangeable, but they are actually two different paradises in the Dominican Republic.
Let's start with Puerto Plata.
Puerto Plata is generally considered "older" than Punta Cana in terms of hotels. That is, the hotels there are older, but this does not mean at all that they are bad. Accommodation prices in Puerto Plata are also slightly lower than in Punta Cana. However, Puerto Plata has top-notch resorts to offer, including: Casa Colonial Beach and Spa, Barcelo Puerto Plata and Victoria Golf & Beach Resort.
Along the north coast of Puerto Plata, there are a number of shallow reefs that create good conditions for diving. Windsurfing is also a popular sport along the north coast, especially in Cabarete.
The undoubted advantage of Puerto Plata is that local attractions are very close, no more than half an hour away. For example, it is enough to take a taxi from the hotel, and in 10 minutes you will be in the city itself, where shopping, numerous museums and excursions are at your service.
The resorts of Sosua and Cabarete, located very close to Playa Dorada, are actually very different in terms of entertainment and lifestyle and recreation. Thus, a quick and easy change of scenery is guaranteed to you. It is unlikely that somewhere in the Dominican Republic this can be done as easily as here.
Now let's talk about Punta Cana.
In Punta Cana, there is no such compactness; you will have to spend much more time on moving. Attractions are available mainly through excursions (read ours). And the resorts of this area are not so different from each other. And this area itself was built and exists only for the sake of and for tourists. Therefore, of course, there can be no talk of any local flavor here, you will not see the “real” Dominican Republic here. And the city itself is not here - just a chain of hotels.
Punta Cana is a newer tourist destination than Puerto Plata, as hotel chains have appeared there relatively recently. Given the relative newness of the hotels, the prices for holidays there are usually higher than in Puerto Plata.
Unlike Puerto Plata, where the sea is not always calm under the influence of the Atlantic Ocean (it is not without reason that windsurfing is actively practiced there), the waters surrounding Punta Cana caribbean much more calm.
This may appeal to someone who is looking for a relaxing holiday on the beach or vacationing with children. However, on the beaches of Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata, the sea is quite calm, and on the beaches of Punta Cana you will find many active types of water activities. For more information, you can check out our article.
So, if you are looking for long and luxurious beaches with fine white sand, then Punta Cana is more suitable for you. The quality of the beaches here, of course, is higher. But if the beaches are really an absolute priority for you, then maybe you should seriously consider visiting.
Amazingly beautiful and clean beaches with white coral sand and incredible emerald waves of the most romantic Caribbean Sea in the world, warm sea breeze, authentic local cuisine, amazing sunrises and sunsets - you are welcomed by the pearl of the Caribbean - Puerto Plata.
Weather and climate in Puerto Plata
is a country with an ideal climate. Summer here lasts forever and in all Dominican resorts, including Puerto Plata, you can splash in the Caribbean waves and sunbathe all year round.
The average annual air temperature in the Caribbean is +27 C, the water temperature is +25 C.
The average temperature in January in Puerto Plata is +24 C, in July +27 C. The climate here is tropical and very comfortable.
The high season starts in winter and continues until early summer. In summer, prices for housing and services in the Dominican Republic fall, but this does not mean that there are fewer tourists. Just relaxing in the winter is a fabulous treat, especially considering the weather we are used to in December.
At the end of April, the rainy season begins, which can last until the end of June. The rains mostly fall at night, and in the morning they leave a wonderful fresh aroma and coolness. Even the rains in the Dominican Republic bring joy.
Dominican resorts are always waiting for you!
Accommodation in Puerto Plata: hotels, guest houses, apartments
Puerto Plata is the city where the major hotel complexes all inclusive, swimming pools, parks, spas and plenty of entertainment. Everyone can find housing in Puerto Plata: both those who want to have a luxurious vacation and those who want to save money and at the same time see everything.
We have already found dozens of options for you the best villas, apartments, hotels in Puerto Plata at the lowest prices. Find and book accommodation in Puerto Plata quick and easy.
Beaches of Puerto Plata: where to swim
Most The best beaches in Puerto Plata and how to find them
City beach of Puerto Plata
Free sandy beach, as luxurious as all the other beaches in the Dominican Republic. It has everything you need for a beach holiday, and nearby is the Wel-Mart entertainment and shopping center, where you can eat and spend time.
RIU Private Beach (located within the RIU Hotel)
15 minutes walk from the city center
In general, in order to get to the beach you need to stay at the hotel, but you can try to go there just by walking past the guards in beach clothes and not paying attention to them.
This amazingly beautiful beach has a lot of entertainment, cafes and restaurants, comfortable sun loungers and much more.
Beach
Address: Luperon, Duarte Avenue
People come here who want to hide from the heat in the canopy of palm trees, as well as lovers of diving and windsurfing. You will be offered to rent the equipment necessary for this right on the beach.
Beaches
Sosua, 24 km from Puerto Plata
Gorgeous beaches and incendiary parties from morning until the next morning are what attracts people here. Here you can just relax, or you can listen to music, dance or find other entertainment to your taste. In addition, here you can retire in a secluded place under palm trees away from the crowds and just relax in silence, or you can take advantage of the offers of outdoor activities and go diving or windsurfing.
What to bring from Puerto Plata: souvenirs, gifts, memories
- Cigars and cigarettes made in the Dominican Republic, especially famous brands Antonio Fuente, Davidoff, Courvoisier, La Aurora, Carbonell;
- Dominican rum made from sugar cane, brands Brugal, Ron Barselo, Ron Barcelo Imperial, Bermudez. High quality goods can be bought in a simple supermarket, and Brugal brand rum can be bought directly from the Brugal distillery, which is located in Puerto Plata;
- Coffee and cocoa made in the Dominican Republic. The most famous brand of coffee is Santo Domingo;
- Jewelry made of silver and semi-precious stones. Pay attention to a local curiosity - an amazingly beautiful blue larimar stone;
- Exotic fruits grown in the Dominican Republic.
Things to do in Puerto Plata: is it worth going to Puerto Plata and why
1. Beaches- them here great amount— more than 100 km of absolutely stunning beaches with azure water and coral sand;
2. Water activities– on the beaches you will be offered many exciting pastimes: water skiing, diving, riding a “banana”, windsurfing, riding catamarans and much more;
3. Walk around the city, which can be organized independently, or with the help of your hotel, for example, or private companies. Be sure to visit the Statue of Christ, climb the cable car, go on a tour of the jewelry factory and the cigar and cigarette factory, and also look around;
4. Waterfalls Damajagua— 27 waterfalls that you must not only see, but also take a bath in them;
5. Ruta Panoramica- the most picturesque mountain road that connects Puerto Plata and. If you are going to rent a car in Puerto Plata, be sure to drive through it.
How to get to Puerto Plata
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Puerto Plata yet, despite the fact that the city has an airport. In order to visit Puerto Plata you need buy a plane ticket - or -, and from there take a taxi or an intercity bus. The flight takes about 14 hours. The distance between and Puerto Plata is about 400 km.
malecon- city embankment stretching along the coast for several kilometers. A jogging track has been laid along the entire embankment for those who keep themselves in good physical shape even on vacation. There are also dozens of cozy cafes and comfortable benches. A good place for evening walks.
Address: Malecon, Puerto Plata.
Amber Museum - a small amber museum, the second in the Dominican Republic (the first and larger one is in Santo Domingo). The exposition of the museum presents unique exhibits collected on the "amber coast", as the coast of Puerto Plata is often called. Here you can see natural pieces of amber of the most incredible shades: from pale yellow to bright blue and even black specimens. The museum also has beautiful amber products created by local craftsmen. But the most remarkable exhibits, which you will not see anywhere else, are ancient insects forever frozen in resin, fragments of plants that you can’t see on earth today, and even small lizards and frogs.
Ticket price:
for adults - RD $ 50 ($ 1.1);
for children - free entrance.
Address: 61 Duarte St, Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata.
Phone: 18095862848.
Official website: www.ambermuseum.com
Entertainment, excursions in Puerto Plata
Like other resorts in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata has surf schools, dive centers, rope camps and all the possibilities for jeep safaris, horseback riding and hiking excursions. Travel agencies providing such services are not difficult to find. But the city also has original entertainment that can only be found here. Here we will talk about them further.
Mount Isabel de Torres
Isabel de Torres is the highest (about 800 meters) mountain in Puerto Plata, as well as the Botanical Garden, a conservation area and a symbol of the city. You can go on a tour on your own. You can climb the mountain on foot, overcoming all the nuances of walking through the rainforest. This is an option for the most extreme. You can just come by car, but keep in mind that in some places the climb is quite steep, so you need to be one hundred percent confident in the power of the car when climbing, as well as in the serviceability of the brakes when descending.
The most popular way to deliver tourists to Mount Isabel is the cable car, which has already become a local attraction in itself. Two funicular cabins, designed for twenty people each, exclusively with standing places (this is so that tourists can move freely from window to window), smoothly floating between heaven and earth, provide their passengers with the opportunity to take a good look around and take unforgettable photos that excite the soul landscapes.
At the top, tourists are greeted by a small copy of the Brazilian statue of Christ the Savior (a gift to the city from the Brazilian authorities), a cafe, a souvenir shop and again beautiful views of the city, the sea and neighboring resorts from observation deck where spyglasses are prepared. But the main thing that deserves attention on Mount Isabel is an amazing botanical garden, or rather a tropical rainforest with thousands of rare plants and exotic birds. An iron argument for visiting the reserve is the fact that some scenes from the movie "Jurassic Park" were filmed here.
Funicular fare: RD$225 ($5);
Opening hours:
from 8:30 to 17:00.
Address: Manolo Tavarez Justo, Las Flores, Puerto Plata.
Phone: 18099700501.
Official website: www.telefericopuertoplata.com
It is unlikely that anywhere else you can find the same entertainment. It vaguely resembles a water park, only mother nature herself created the slides here. The unique cascading waterfall consists of 27 steps that must first be conquered by climbing on foot or using rope ladders. As a reward for your efforts - sliding, diving, swimming and jumping from a seven-meter height under the supervision of trained guides. Participants are provided with helmets and life jackets for safety. Children are allowed to climb only the first step of the cascade. Adults are invited to choose to conquer seven, twelve or twenty-seven steps with the payment of the appropriate fee. Naturally, participants must be in fairly decent physical shape. It is recommended to use very comfortable shoes and take extra clothes with you, as you will have to get wet to the skin. For a fee, you can order a photo or video of your adventures. The shots are very impressive.
Entrance fee:
from 1 to 7 steps - RD $ 230 ($ 5.1);
from 1 to 12 steps - RD $ 260 ($ 5.8);
from 1 to 27 steps - RD $ 350 ($ 7.8).
Official website: www.27charcos.com
Ocean World Oceanarium is a place where you can not only watch dolphins during the show, but also swim with them, as well as pet a fur seal or a real shark. In addition, there is a zoo with tigers, iguanas and tropical birds. And in the evenings, entertainment programs for adults begin, continuing until the morning: a bright Bravissimo dance show, discos, casinos and restaurants.
Address: Calleprincipal # 3 | Cofresi, Puerto Plata.
Phone: 18092911000.
Official website: www.oceanworld.net
The Brugal distillery is the largest producer of the rum of the same name, which glorified the Dominican Republic as the best supplier of this drink all over the world. The largest factory of the Brugal distillery, located in Puerto Plata, welcomes tourists every day who want to learn the history of rum, see the process of miraculous transformation of sugar cane into a fragrant drink and, finally, taste the result of production. In the shop at the factory, rum is sold at the price of the manufacturer (from RD $ 450 ($ 10) per bottle). By the way, the famous Cuba Libre cocktail can be made by mixing Brugal rum with cola. If, instead of cola, you add lemon pop to it, you get another cocktail called Santa Libre.
Address: Avenida Manolo Tavarez Justo, Puerto Plata.
An excursion to Yasipark is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic world of the traditional life of ordinary people in an ordinary Dominican village for a couple of hours. Tourists are offered to visit a cheese factory and a poultry farm, learn how to wash clothes in the river like a simple Dominican peasant woman, taste local coffee, hand-made cigars and the national alcoholic drink mamajuana. All this takes place in a real village, located in an amazing garden among exotic plants.
Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00.
Price:
for adults - RD$1,120 ($25);
for children under 12 years old - RD $ 445 ($ 10);
for children under 6 years old - free of charge.
Location: between Puerto Plata and Santiago.
Official website: www.yasipark.com
How to get to Puerto Plata?
Gregorio Luperon International Airport is located 10 kilometers from Puerto Plata, accepting connecting flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg. From there, you can take a taxi to the city for RD$450 ($10) or a guaguas for RD$45 ($1).
From Santo Domingo, it is best to travel by intercity bus company Caribe Tours. The trip will take 4 hours and cost RD$330 ($7.4).
If you have a direct flight to Punta Cana Airport, the road will look a bit more complicated. First you need to get to the bus station in Bavaro. You can do this by taxi for RD$450 ($10). From there you need to take a ticket for the Bavaro Express intercity bus to Santo Domingo. The way to the capital of the Dominican Republic will take 3 hours in time, and in terms of money it will cost RD$300 ($7). From Santo Domingo, travel to your final destination as described above. Another caveat: if you miss the Bavaro - Santo Domingo bus (last bus leaves at 4:00 pm), it is recommended to book a hotel room in advance for an overnight stay.
Puerto Plata Restaurants
Traditional dishes or modern innovations, local delicacies or delicacies of Italian, Mexican, European, American cuisine - in the gastronomic establishments of Puerto Plata there is an answer to any question, delicious food even for the most sophisticated gourmets. Grilled seafood dishes and local fish and chips deserve special attention.
The Le Papillon restaurant has a cozy atmosphere of a country house, where pirates seem to like to visit - this can be told by the original interior, made in a marine style. Don't be surprised that local chef Thomas wears a tunic. This smiling, good-natured guy worked for a long time as a real cook for cruise ship. At Le Papillon you can order Caesar salad, Calypso shrimp cocktail, snails in dough, onion pie, chicken breast stuffed with saffron shrimp and many other familiar and unfamiliar dishes of international cuisine.
Address: Villas Cofresi, Puerto Plata.
Phone: 18099707640.
Official website: www.lepapillon-puertoplata.com
Los Tres Cocos
The modern Los Tres Cocos restaurant is set in a beautiful tropical garden. In the evenings, a romantic atmosphere is elusively born here, conducive to an unforgettable dinner. It's nice that the food here is not worse, and the service leaves the best impressions. The choice of dishes is quite diverse: juicy ribs and tender salmon, tuna, shrimp, fish dishes. Vegetarians can opt for a wonderful arugula salad with goat cheese. Tastefully selected wine list serves as an excellent addition to the menu.
Address: Las Rocas Cofresi, Puerto Plata.
Phone: 18099707627.
The cute restaurant Le Petit Francois, located next to beautiful beach Dorada. Here you can dine in a relaxed atmosphere on the outdoor terrace overlooking the seascape. The menu includes fried chicken, smoked pork, parrot fish and other seafood delicacies, pork or chicken mofongo. In addition to the main order, it is recommended to try a vitamin smoothie of three tropical fruits to choose from, in which you can add vodka, rum or protein to your taste. In addition to traditional Caribbean dishes, you can order pizza, chicken wings, hamburgers or nachos.
Address: Plaza el Pueblito Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata.
Phone: 18093209612.
Official website: www.lepetitfrancois.com
Puerto Plata Hotels
In Puerto Plata, it is not difficult to choose a hotel according to your preferences and financial capabilities. There is everything that can be in the arsenal of a classic beach resort, ranging from luxury five-star hotels to modest hostels. Naturally, the principle “the closer to the sea, the more expensive” has not been canceled on this coast. Most hotels with a decent price tag proudly have their own pieces of the precious beach and beach clubs, but the guests of inexpensive hotels and the aforementioned hostels will have to walk to public beaches, which should not overshadow the long-awaited vacation, because the beaches here are simply gorgeous.
Casa Colonial is a luxury hotel located on the quiet beach of Dorada. The building was built in a colonial style, seasoned and decorated with rooms that offer stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Atlantic. The hotel has a magnificent swimming pool, a spa with a Turkish hammam and a sauna, a gym, a tennis court, a restaurant with excellent cuisine and service.
Room rates range from RD$10,500 ($235) to RD$30,000 ($670) per night.
Address: Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata.
Iberostar Costa Dorada - a beautiful hotel with a romantic atmosphere, cozy territory, a park where you can meet peacocks, flamingos and even turtles. The hotel has its own private stretch of well-maintained beach, swimming pool and spa. In addition to delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves fresh juices and ice cream. The level of service at the hotel is worthy of all praise. In the evenings, a night club operates on the territory, and during the day, the leisure of the guests is occupied by cheerful animators.
Room rates range from RD$6,550 ($146) to RD$16,115 ($359) per night.
Address: Carretera Luperon km 4, Marapica, Costa Dorada, Puerto Plata.
The Club Hotel Riu Bachata is an excellent example of an all-inclusive club hotel with moderate prices. Comfortable rooms with beautiful pictures outside the window, a cozy beach, a swimming pool, a restaurant with a varied menu, a tennis court, a gym and even a casino - everything for a pleasant stay. Babysitting services are available for families with children.
Room rates range from RD$5,340 ($119) to RD$11,670 ($260) per night.
Address: Bahia de Maimon, Puerto Plata.
Official website: www.riu.com
