Puerto Plata: The Dominican Coast Nobody Talks About

Everyone knows Punta Cana. Some know Santo Domingo. Almost nobody visits Puerto Plata — and that's exactly why you should.

What Makes Puerto Plata Different

Puerto Plata sits on the Dominican Republic's north coast — the Amber Coast. While Punta Cana has white sand and calm Caribbean waters, Puerto Plata has golden beaches with Atlantic surf, Victorian gingerbread architecture, and a cable car to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres.

What to Do

Teleférico — Cable car to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres. Christ the Redeemer statue (like Rio's), botanical gardens, and views of the entire coast. $5.

Playa Dorada — Beautiful beach with actual waves. Way less crowded than Bávaro.

27 Charcos de Damajagua — 27 waterfalls you can slide, jump, and swim through. One of the best adventure activities in the Caribbean.

Cabarete — 20 minutes east. World-famous for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Backpacker vibe with beach bars.

Sosúa — Small beach town between Puerto Plata and Cabarete. Interesting history — settled by Jewish refugees in the 1940s.

The Victorian City Center

Puerto Plata's city center has colorful Victorian houses — pastel pink, blue, yellow — that most tourists never see. The Malecón is quiet, the central park is shaded, and the Fortaleza San Felipe dates to 1577.

Why Now

Puerto Plata's airport (POP) has increasing direct flights from the US. The government is investing in tourism infrastructure. In 5 years, this will be discovered. Right now, it's yours.

Browse Local Friends in the Dominican Republic on Roavi. Discover the coast that 11.6 million visitors missed.