Located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata (officially known as San Felipe de Puerto Plata) is one of the country’s most important trading ports. It’s also considered the cultural and commercial hub for the surrounding tourist resorts of Playa Cofresi to its west and Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada to the east.
Fortaleza San Felipe held a commanding position on the peninsula to the north-west of the city centre and was built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates and corsairs. The fort’s museum illustrates the role it played in the history of the city, together with an interesting collection of 18th and 19th century military artefacts. The Museo Del Amber in Puerto Plata’s City Center is also of note, with an extensive collection of amber gems within the historic Villa Bentz. A replica of Rio de Janeiro’s “Christ the Redeemer” statue overlooks the city at the top of Parc Nacional de Isabel de Torres and can be reached by a scenic ride on the glass-enclosed teleférico funicular, with a short walking trail at the top to take in the impressive views and botanic gardens. Puerto Plata is famed for its beaches at Pozedel Castillo, Marapica, Playa Dorada and Bergantín, together with Playa Cofresi where the Ocean World Adventure Park is found. The Ruta Panoramica extends from Puerto Plata south through the mountainous landscapes to Santiago delos Caballeros, with an amber mine, coffee plantations and local cheese producers to visit along the way. Or stop en route at Charcos de Damajagua for an adrenalin-pumping adventure sliding, climbing and swimming amidst these 27 natural waterfalls.
Gregorio Luperón International Airport is the main access point for Puerto Plata, situated around 15 kilometres to the east of the city. Public buses and guagua minivans are the most popular way to get into and around the city, although many visitors opt to rent a motorbike or scooter to explore at their leisure.
San Felipe de Puerto Plata was founded as a Spanish colony around the turn of the 16th century and functioned as an important port town. English piracy eventually led to its depopulation, and Fernando III ordered its destruction in 1605 to discourage the advance of the seaborne crime.