The Destination - Puerto Plata

Dominican Republic's Puerto Plata offers visitors an island paradise, plus a bounty of treasures beyond the beach

By Leah Balagtas, Travel Consultant, Dalhousie

Puerto Plata lies along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, which shares a Caribbean island with Haiti, east of Cuba. Spanish is the national language, though staff members at resorts and tourist sights often understand English. Unlike Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic's other major tourist destination, the local lifestyle and culture are more readily accessible from the resorts. So if you want a better feel for the true flavour of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is your top choice.Puerto Plata was the first sun destination to offer visitors all-inclusive packages, and its expertise shines through regardless of the resort you choose. The service keeps getting better, and the properties have improved, offering more beach area now than in the past. But do not be fooled; Puerto Plata and the rest of the silver coast have much to offer beyond the resorts. The island's landscape is diverse, ranging from picture-perfect tropical beaches to alpine wilderness to farmland to jungle. The area's culture and history are equally rich and dynamic. And the range of activities and attractions is boundless.

Attractions

Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata is home to the Fortaleza de San Felipe, a fortress built by the Spanish who hoped to establish the New World's first Spanish colony here. It was then used to protect the coast from pirates during the 16th century. Later still, the fort became a political prison under the former dictatorship of Trujillo until his assassination. Along this same scenic street, named the Malecon, you will see a statue dedicated to Neptune on a rock just off shore, along with many shore-side cafes and restaurants. Downtown Puerto Plata features a charming church called Catedral San Felipe and Parque Independencia, the central town square, a great place to have a seat and watch the local life unfold. Other sights to take in include the amber museum (Museo Ambar) and the Brugal rum factory. Just outside the downtown area is a cable car waiting to take you to the top of Pico Isabel de Torres. Once at its peak, 2000 feet up, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and welcomed by serene botanical gardens and a small version of the Christ the Redeemer statue famous in Rio de Janeiro. On the 3rd week of June the city holds a large cultural festival featuring folk music and local craftwork. An even larger annual festival each year is the Merengue festival held on the 1st week of October.

A very popular excursion is the Outback Safari. You'll ride in open-air, 20-passenger jeeps while tour guides show you glimpses of authentic Dominican living. Visit a typical Dominican house and watch as they demonstrate how to brew coffee and cocoa the traditional way. Drive through the jungle and see the land crabs by the side of the road, and note all the egrets in the field with the cattle. Enjoy lunch at a ranch, and observe how the locals prepare tobacco and roll cigars; you can even try your hand at rolling one yourself!

Sosua
Sosua was a small fishing town before World War II, when it became a European Jewish settlement. You can learn more at the local Jewish museum and visit the Dominican Republic's first synagogue. For the more socially inclined, Sosua is also home to blocks and blocks of little shops and restaurants, vibrant bars and discos, and some of the finest beaches on the northern coast. Every October Sosua hosts the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival.

Cabarete
Cabarete is one of the world's top 10 beaches for windsurfing and kite boarding. The town has a distinct laid-back surfer vibe that you can feel as you stroll past the shops and restaurants. If kite boarding is not your thing, the town has other gems to offer the active traveller. Mountain-biking, exploring caves, boogie boarding, and dance lessons are only a few of the other activities to keep you busy on your holiday.

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