Before you go

Your trip to Puerto Plata.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Puerto Plata – Puerto Plata Destination Puerto Plata, Sosúa and Cabarete Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Internacional Gregorio Luperón (POP) Sosúa · 18 km
Terminal Caribe Tours Puerto Plata 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before purchasing. Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP) is about 18 km from the center, with taxis and transfers. From Santo Domingo, buses take about four hours; from Santiago, just over an hour.

How many days

Two days: one for the cable car, the fortress, the Amber Museum and the center; another for Damajagua. With more time, continue to Sosúa and Cabarete.

When to go

From December to April there is less rain. Carnival takes over the city on Sundays in February. Hurricanes can occur between June and November, with heavier rain from August to October; for the cable car, choose clear-sky days.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Not needed for the center, which is walkable, nor for the cable car, a few minutes by taxi. For Damajagua, a car or an organized tour; for Sosúa and Cabarete, the vans along the coastal road.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Puerto Plata

Morning
Cable car
Ride the cable car early to Loma Isabel de Torres, before clouds cover the summit, and walk through the garden to the Christ.
Afternoon
Victorian center and amber
Go down to the center, see the Victorian houses around Parque Central and the cathedral, and visit the Amber Museum.
Late afternoon
Fortaleza San Felipe
In the late afternoon, walk to Fortaleza San Felipe at the tip of the malecón, with views of the harbor and the sea.
Evening
Malecón
Dine at one of the malecón restaurants, which come alive at night.

2 days in Puerto Plata

Day 1

Morning
Cable car
Loma Isabel de Torres and the garden at the top.
Afternoon
Center and amber
Parque Central, cathedral and Amber Museum.
Late afternoon
Fortress
Fortaleza San Felipe and the malecón.
Evening
Dinner
Malecón restaurants.

Day 2

Morning
Damajagua
Leave early for the 27 Charcos de Damajagua and go down the waterfalls with a guide.
Afternoon
Lunch in the countryside
Typical lunch at the restaurants at the park entrance.
Late afternoon
Playa Dorada
On the way back, spend the late afternoon in Playa Dorada.
Evening
Night
Have dinner in Playa Dorada or in the center.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Puerto Plata?

Take the cable car to Loma Isabel de Torres, visit Fortaleza San Felipe and the Amber Museum, walk through the Victorian center, and go to the 27 Charcos de Damajagua.

Does the Puerto Plata cable car operate every day?

It usually operates daily, but it can close due to strong winds or maintenance. Confirm before going.

Does Puerto Plata receive cruise ships?

Yes, at the Taíno Bay port and at Amber Cove west of the city, and passengers take the same excursions.

Does Puerto Plata have a beach in the city?

It has the malecón seafront with stretches of sand, but the better beaches are in Playa Dorada, Cofresí, Sosúa and Cabarete.

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