Puerto Plata

Language

The official language spoken in Puerto Plata is Spanish however, English is also widely spoken .

Currency

The currency in Puerto Plata is the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP).

Best travel time

The climate in Puerto Plata is tropical therefore the weather throughout the whole year is sunny and warm with temperatures ranging from 28°C to 35°C. The city is known to have eastern winds therefore it is a perfect location for windsurfing and kite surfing.

Visa requirements

Depending on which country you come from you might need a visa, however when coming from most European countries a visa is not required to enter Puerto Plata. One has to bring a valid passport and will need to obtain a Tourist Card upon arrival.

Vaccinations

Other than the standard vaccinations, when travelling to Puerto Plata there are no special vaccinations needed.

Traditions and Culture

Customs / Culture / Traditions Puerto Plata is a northern province of the Dominican Republic which has become a very popular are for tourists due to its fine beaches. The celebration of Carnival has always been a tradition in Puerto Plata and when the Cuban immigrants arrived in the 20th century they festival became even bigger. Within the city of Puerto Plata one can discover elements of the Spanish culture. One could also say that Kite surfing and Windsurfing became a part of Puerto Plata’s culture and traditions.

Religion

The dominant religion in Puerto Plata is Catholicism.

By bus

There are a few different public transportation services in Puerto Plata which include the “motoconchos” which are motorcycle taxis, these are cheap and fast and the “Guaguas” which are mini-van buses that simply pick you up on the road and drop you of on the road.

By plane

Puerto Plata is served by the airport “Gregorio Luperón International Airport” which is located about 15 km away from Puerto Plata city center. This airport receives international and domestic flights flying in and out on a daily basis. It is also possible to rent a car at the airport, this should also be ordered in advance to your arrival.

By taxi

Taxis can be found at taxi stands, at the airport, on the road or can simply be ordered via the hotel or by calling the central taxi service.

Experience and enjoy

Events / Lifestyle The events and festivals which occur in Puerto Plata give a feel to how the relaxed and friendly lifestyle the locals have. Some events which are very known are the “Carnival festival” which occurs from February through to March, some kite boarding events and the Dominic Republic Jazz festival.

Sights

Puerto Plata has some history which can be seen when visiting a few historical and cultural sights like the “main colonial monument”, “the cast-iron Lighthouse” and “La Zona Colonial”. Other sights worth visiting include Ocean World and “Museo Del Ámbar”. When going to Puerto Plata one should not miss the beaches as these are the most popular sight within the city.

Food

The local cuisine in Puerto Plata comes from native Antillean and Creole recipes where dishes usually consist of rice, seafood, meats and fresh vegetables. Some culinary specialties include “Sancocho prieto” which is a thick soup with meat, “arros con marisco” which is seafood mixed with local rice and “mangu” which are mashed plantains.