Puerto Plata or other called San Felipe de Puerto Plata, is the third largest city in Dominican Republic. Aside from the amazing greenery, friendly residents and colorful buildings, Puerto Plata also has to offer a great adventure! Discover seven must-visit places during your stay in this amazing city.

Puerto Plata has stolen our hearts. It was our last stop before heading to the capital, Santo Domingo. After the first day we decided that three nights were not enough to see all that Puerto Plata has to offer, so we extended our stay by one more night.

If it weren’t for the fact that we already had a flight booked to our next destination, we would have stayed longer in this incredible city.

#1 Teleferico Puerto Plata cable car

The only one cable car in the entire Dominican Republic and Caribbean, it was constructed by Italians and officially opened in 1975. The entire ride takes about 10 minutes and the cost per person is $10. The easiest way to get to the Teleferico is by Uber or by rented car.

During the ride you observe amazing greenery, grazing cows, and a baseball field. This is a favorite sport of Dominicans.

#2 Isabel de Torres mountain

The Cable Car takes you to Isabel de Torres Mountain, which measures 800 meters and offers incredible views.

At the top of the mountain there is a statue of Jesus, exactly the same as in Rio de Janeiro, except that this one measures only half the height of the one in Rio, so about 12m.

There is also a National Park and Botanical garden with amazing plants and flowers, and other attractions such as a hibiscus tunnel, a scary cave, lagoon with fishes and turtles.

A restaurant where you can get something cold to drink after all the hiking around can also be found there.

If you prefer to hike to the top of the Isabel de Torres, it should take you about 2.5 hours.

#3 Malecón

Be sure to start your visit from Puerto Plata sign, the area before is not really nice. From there go to the amphitheater, where you can enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean from above.

Also there is the San Felipe Fortress located, or otherwise known as El Morro de San Felipe. It was used to protect the city of Puerto Plata from pirates. Nowdays it is a grand tourist attraction.

In addition to the aforementioned attractions, the Malecón also has a playground for kids, and numerous benches and loungers for strollers. Locals also use the Malecón as an excellent place to practice sports.

If you visit the Malecón, don’t forget to take along some dog food for the local stray dogs, as they are very friendly and welcome every sign of kindness with a wagging tail.

#4 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua

For all those who love adventure, Puerto Plata also has something to offer. 27 Waterfalls or as the locals call them 27 Charcos , is one of the most visited attractions by tourists traveling to Puerto Plata. It is a series of cascading waterfalls, canyons, natural slides and amazing azure pools.

Visitors have a choice of 7, 12 or 27 waterfalls. You can jump, slide down the natural slides or walk the steps down. This adventure is definitely an unforgettable experience, but remember that in some places you have to swim a bit.

On site you will be given a vest and a helmet, but it is important to follow all the guidelines of the guide, so no one will get hurt.

Water shoes are also recommended, as the rocks are sometimes quite slippery and sometimes sharp. If you don’t have water shoes you can rent them on site for $2 per pair. You can put all valuables in a locker, the price for a small locker is $2. The price for 12 waterfalls is $9.50 per person.

There are restrooms, a bar and a restaurant on site.

How to get there

To get to the 27 Waterfalls from Puerto Plata you can just take a Guagua (Shuttle Bus) from Javilla bus station (We got to the station by Uber). From there it takes about 30 min, and the bus ride costs only $1.50.

The Guagua will leave you on the street, you just have to cross it and go to the right, down a dirt road. Unfortunately, it’s not marked too much on the spot. Also make sure to tell the driver where you need to get out, so he can stop for you at the right place.

To get back, you just need to stay next to the main street, on the waterfalls side (opposite side where Guagua left you). When you see the Javilla Guagua just wave to the driver. The cost to return is again $1.50.

#5 Parque Central Independencia

Also called Central Park. It is the place where locals love to gather to stroll, sit on the many benches, or feed the pigeons. The entire square is surrounded by colonial buildings, in incredibly vibrant colors.

A walk of a few minutes is a must when you are visiting Puerto Plata, and if you prefer a view from above, you have to go to Chocolate Bakery & Café for delicious hot chocolate and amazing views from above.

#6 Umbrella Street

Quite near Central Park there is a street where colorful umbrellas hang overhead. It is definitely one of the most picture perfect streets in Puerto Plata, with several cafes, ice cream stores, small boutiques and a bike rental store.

You’ll have a wonderful time on the spot and… you will take a picture perfect photo.

#7 Pink Street

Just a block away from Umbrella Street is Pink Street located. A street probably painted all pink to attract tourists. You have to admit that whoever came up with the idea, it was a hit, because tourists love this place.

In addition to the pink walls, you’ll also find several photo spots, such as a pink window full of flowers, a pink climbing ladder, a pink telephone. And wings, which are probably the most photographed motif, especially by women.

To get to Puerto Plata, you will probably have to go through Santo Domingo. No matter if you arrive directly with the flight or already on the way with the bus. In most cases, you will not be able to avoid traveling via the capital.

In case you start from Las Terrenas, you can get a direct bus with the Company Asotrapusa. Keep in mind, that this bus drives only once per day and that at early 6:30 o’clock.

The best way to get around Puerto Plata is by Uber.

Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to use public transportation in Puerto Plata, as it is not very well developed there.

Locals are happy to use Moto Taxi, but remember that they do not offer helmets and you do so at your own risk. Also it is more expensive compared to Uber.

If you also like to feel at home while traveling, bet on the cozy, nicely decorated and incredibly clean Airbnb of Felipe and Dennice .

The best months to visit the Dominican Republic are between December and March. Keep in mind that this is also the peak season, so prices will be higher. In April and May, prices are slightly lower and the weather is still perfect. Rainy season starts from June.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $35 / night

Snack: $4 – $7 / meal

Pleasure: $2 – $8 / event

Taxi: $2 – $4 / ride