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Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata travel guide

Dominican Republic

Things to do37 experiences
Best time to visitFebruary
Nearest airportPOP · 8 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−4

Places to visit in Puerto Plata

  1. Fortaleza San Felipe

    Fortaleza San Felipe

    Historic

    A 16th-century Spanish fort on the waterfront, with cannons, thick walls, and a small museum. Pair it with a walk along the Malecón to the old town.

  2. Mount Isabel de Torres

    Viewpoint

    A mountain above the city with a cable car to the summit, botanical gardens, and a Christ statue. Go early on a clear morning, as clouds often build later in the day.

  3. Damajagua Waterfalls

    Nature

    A series of waterfalls where guides lead you through pools and natural slides in a river canyon. Wear secure shoes and a swimsuit, and expect to get wet the whole time.

  4. Cabarete

    Cabarete

    Beach · 18 mi from centre

    A beach town east of Puerto Plata known for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with lively bars on the sand. Take a lesson in the morning, when the winds are calmer.

  5. Sosúa

    Sosúa

    Beach · 11 mi from centre

    A town with a sheltered bay that offers calm water and good snorkeling off the beach. Hire a boat to the nearby reefs for clearer water and more fish.

  6. St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral

    St. Philip the Apostle Cathedral

    Religious

    A white Art Deco cathedral facing the central park of the Victorian-era old town. Explore the surrounding streets for colorful wooden houses and the park's gazebo.

  7. Playa Dorada

    Beach

    A resort area just east of the city with a golden beach and a golf course. Day passes are available at some resorts if you want to use their facilities.

Things to do in Puerto Plata by type

37 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • 3-6 hours 9
  • Over 6 hours 5
Browse all things to do in Puerto Plata

Top experiences in Puerto Plata

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 37 available.

See all things to do in Puerto Plata

Where to stay in Puerto Plata

Popular hotels in Puerto Plata, out of 65 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Puerto Plata

Best time to visit Puerto Plata

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Puerto Plata is February, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 71° – 80° 16
Feb 70° – 80° 11
Mar 71° – 82° 14
Apr 71° – 81° 23
May 74° – 84° 16
Jun 76° – 87° 12
Jul 77° – 87° 16
Aug 77° – 88° 15
Sep 76° – 88° 18
Oct 76° – 87° 21
Nov 73° – 83° 20
Dec 72° – 82° 18

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Puerto Plata weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 88° 72° 100%
  • Thu 22 Oct 85° 72° 92%
  • Fri 23 Oct 85° 73° 84%
  • Sat 24 Oct 87° 75° 76%
  • Sun 25 Oct 88° 75° 78%
  • Mon 26 Oct 82° 73° 90%

Know before you go

Currency
Dominican peso (DOP)1 US dollar ≈ $61.4
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/Santo_DomingoUTC−4
Capital
Santo Domingo

Upcoming public holidays in Dominican Republic

  • Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayDía de Año Nuevo
  • Day of KingsDía de Reyes
  • Our Lady of AltagraciaDía de Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia
  • Duarte's BirthdayDía del Natalicio de Juan Pablo Duarte

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Puerto Plata

These are the airports closest to central Puerto Plata. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • POP Gregorio Luperón International Airport8 mi (13 km) from the city centre
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Puerto Plata travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Puerto Plata?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Puerto Plata is February, when average daytime highs are around 80°F and rain falls on about 11 days a month.

What is the weather like in Puerto Plata?

September is usually the warmest month in Puerto Plata, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 71°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically April, with about 152 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Puerto Plata?

Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) is the closest airport, about 8 miles (13 km) from the centre of Puerto Plata.

What currency is used in Puerto Plata?

Puerto Plata uses the Dominican peso (DOP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $61.4.

What time zone is Puerto Plata in?

Puerto Plata uses the America/Santo_Domingo time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Puerto Plata?

Top sights in Puerto Plata include Fortaleza San Felipe, Mount Isabel de Torres, Damajagua Waterfalls and Cabarete. A 16th-century Spanish fort on the waterfront, with cannons, thick walls, and a small museum. Pair it with a walk along the Malecón to the old town.

What are the top things to do in Puerto Plata?

Popular experiences you can book in Puerto Plata include Fun Zipline in Puerto Plata, Chukka Ocean Outpost - Damajagua Falls and Chukka Ocean Outpost - Damajagua Triple - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 37 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Puerto Plata?

The most popular types of experiences in Puerto Plata are outdoor activities & adventure (19), day trips & excursions (3), city tours (1) and art & culture (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Puerto Plata?

Popular areas for hotels in Puerto Plata include Playa Dorada, Cabarete and Maimon. Well-reviewed options include Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata and Villa Taina.

How many hotels can I book in Puerto Plata?

Destina Holidays currently lists 65 properties in and around Puerto Plata, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.