On the northern shore of the Dominican Republic stands the enchanting city of Puerto Plata. This well-kept secret is steeped in European and New World history dating back to 1502 when Nicolas de Ovando established a shipping base under the direction of Christopher Columbus.
Stroll past the magnificent Victorian gazebo in the Parque Independencia, and you can sense a time when Puerto Plata was a leading New World trading port and the Fortaleza de San Felipe protected the city from pirate attacks.
The history of this beautiful place is truly multi-cultural. Over 1,000 years ago Arawak Indians walked the amber beaches and hunted in the nearby mountains. Runaway slaves from the Americas often found safe harbor here. And in the 1800s, an influx of farmers from nearby Cuba launched the agricultural era of sugar cane and tobacco which still exists today.
An historic, galleried mansion houses the city’s Museo de Ambar Dominicano, dedicated to the Dominican Republic’s national stone – translucent amber. An ancient lighthouse, recently restored, harkens back to the days of massive Spanish galleons and tall ships arriving from the New World. Stroll along picturesque lanes and you’ll find charming galleries, gift shops and cafes tucked within Victorian mansions.
Overlooked for decades, this lovely coastal city is fast becoming a destination of choice of vacationers throughout the world.
Airport Locations
1 La Romana International Airport (LRM)
2 Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)
3 Las Américas (SDQ)
4 Samaná El Catey International Airport (AZS)
5 Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
6 Cibao International Airport (Santiago International) (STI)
Weather
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°F Avg. Low
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68
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71
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72
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74
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86
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Resort Location:
Cofresi Beach: 0 minutes
Puerto Plata City: 10 minutes
Playa Dorado: 15 minutes
Puerto Plata Airport: 30 minutes
Cabarate: 40 minutes
Sosua: 45 minutes
Santiago Airport: 1 1/2 hours
Santo Domingo: 4 hours
Punta Cana: 8 hours
Entry Requirements
US and Canadian citizens are required a valid passport along with a valid photo-bearing official document (driver’s license or voter’s registration). Minors may enter with their passport. A tourist card (US$10.00) must be purchased at the airport upon arrival. Citizens of other countries should contact their closest Dominican Consulate. Visitors in general should reconfirm travel documentation requirements with the nearest Dominican consulate or tourism office.
Dominican Holidays
Stores, banks and most businesses close on:
January 1, New Year’s Day
January 6, Epiphany (not a holiday but observed by many companies)
January 21, Our Lady of Altagracia Day
February 27, Independence Day
September 24, Our Lady of Mercedes Day
December 25, Christmas Day
The following holidays will be celebrated on the closest Monday to the actual date:
January 6, Epiphany
January 26, Juan Pablo Duarte’s Birthday
May 1, Labor Day
August 16, Dominican Restoration Day
November 6, Constitution Day
Language
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Knowledge of German, Italian and French is becoming more widespread. Traffic signs and most menus in restaurants are in Spanish, although menus in tourist regions tend to be multilingual.
Time
Year round the Dominican Republic is on the Atlantic Standard Time. Clocks are one hour ahead of time in the fall-winter compared to the U.S. and on the same time in the spring-summer. Dominican Republic is four hours ahead in regards to GMT time.
Religious Services
Though the country is 90% Roman Catholic, there are many Christian denominations, including Anglican, Baptist, Evangelical, 7th day Adventist, and Mormon. English services are held in some churches of the capital city. Lifestyle resort has its own synagogue for members & guests.
Medical Facilities
A doctor is on call at major hotels. These are stocked with medicine for the most common ailments. Ambulances are available, as is air ambulance evacuation. Emergency dental treatment can be provided if needed. Twenty-four hour pharmacies can be found in every major city.
