Puerto Plata is a city on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, the capital of Puerto Plata Province. It is also known by its full historic name, San Felipe de Puerto Plata. Many visitors arrive here by cruise ship, and the port makes it an easy first stop for a day ashore or a longer stay on the island's north coast.
What to see and do
- The cable car rises to Mount Isabel de Torres, and the ride itself is part of the outing, with views back over the city and the coast.
- The historic fort stands in the city and gives a sense of its past as a coastal settlement.
- The colonial downtown is worth an unhurried walk, with its older streets and buildings close to the waterfront.
- The beaches are a main reason many people come, and they make a simple counterpoint to a day of sightseeing.
Planning your visit
Puerto Plata suits a visit that mixes town and coast. Give the cable car and the downtown their own time, then spend the rest of the day on the sand. If you are arriving by cruise, check the time your ship leaves so you can plan the cable car and the walk around it. Those staying longer will find the city a practical base for exploring the rest of the northern coast.
