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Plan Your Trip to Puerto Plata: Best of Puerto Plata Tourism

By Vivian Y

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Well-priced, all-inclusive beach resorts are the norm around Puerto Plata. Take a cable car to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres, enjoy a concert at an amphitheater facing the Atlantic Ocean, visit the 16th-century San Felipe Fortress. Explore the nearby falls of Damajagua, snorkel off the beautiful island of Cayo Arena or play a round of golf in spectacular surroundings. Then discover the neighbouring towns of Cabarete, a kite-boarding hub, and SosĂșa, a picturesque beach spot.

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Puerto Plata travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Attractions Overview

According to forum posts, Puerto Plata offers diverse attractions catering to different interests. The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and the Brugal Rum Distillery are popular for adventurous and cultural experiences, respectively.

Natural and Adventure Sites

Some travelers suggested that the 27 Waterfalls are a must-visit for those interested in nature and adventure. Additionally, options for white water rafting in Jarabacoa and the Rio Yaque del Norte also come highly recommended.

Historical and Cultural Sites

For those interested in historical and cultural sites, the Brugal Rum Distillery provides insight into the local rum-making tradition. The cable car up Mount Isabella offers panoramic views and access to a beautiful park, enhancing the cultural experience with natural beauty.

Beach and Leisure

Other users have praised local beaches and water sports around Sosua and Cabarete, highlighting activities like snorkeling and kite surfing. The area also features local cuisine spots such as Wilson La Boca, known for its seafood, accessible only by 4-wheeler or boat.

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Beach and Shade Preferences

Some travelers have recommended the Iberostar for its large beach with plenty of shade provided by numerous palapas and trees. The Playabachata Resort is also favored for its abundance of mature palms, allowing guests to easily find shade and enjoy the beach all day.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those looking to save money, the Senator Resort is suggested as a more budget-conscious choice. It offers access to a full beach and meal and drink privileges at the Playabachata, presenting a good value.

Family and Group Accommodations

The Gran Ventana is highlighted for its suitability for families and larger groups, offering rooms that can accommodate up to three adults, with some conjoining options. This resort is noted for its good food, family-friendly atmosphere, and absence of timeshare sales pressure.

Luxury and Exclusive Services

For luxury seekers, options like the Iberostar Costa Dorada offer upgraded services including VIP treatments and room service, making them top choices for those desiring a more exclusive experience.

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Private Taxi Services

According to forum posts, private taxi services are a popular option for transfers from airports to various destinations in Puerto Plata. Prices vary depending on the distance; for instance, a taxi from Santiago to Puerto Plata costs around $120. Many travelers recommend pre-arranging taxi services to ensure availability and convenience.

Hotel Arranged Transfers

Some travelers suggested contacting your accommodation for airport transfer arrangements. Hotels often offer taxi services that can be booked ahead, ensuring a smooth transition from the airport to the hotel. This can be particularly useful for late-night arrivals or when traveling with a group or family.

Alternative Transportation

For those looking at different options, some posts mentioned the availability of Uber in urban areas, though availability can be limited depending on the time and specific location. Additionally, certain travelers discussed hiring vans for larger groups, which might be a more cost-effective and comfortable option for families or groups carrying multiple pieces of luggage.

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Resort Overview

Gran Ventana Resort is a family-owned, all-inclusive resort located on Playa Dorada beach, renowned for its golden sands and calm waters suitable for snorkeling. It offers a variety of amenities including several pools, a children's pool, and daycare services, making it well-suited for families.

Accommodation Options

The resort offers different room packages, including Superior, Premium, and Royal. Premium and Royal packages provide access to the Vintage Club which offers concierge services and international drinks. The Royal package includes unlimited Ă  la carte dining and room service. Rooms in the Saona and Catalina buildings have been recently renovated, with some preferring the quieter vibe of the Beata building, which has its own pool and bar.

Beach and Entertainment

Gran Ventana boasts one of the longest stretches of beach in the area, with ample umbrellas for shade and a small coral reef ideal for snorkeling. The resort is noted for its variety of entertainment, such as live bands, karaoke, and silent discos, which are particularly popular among guests.

Staff and Service

According to forum posts, the resort is distinguished by its high level of service, with many staff members having been there since its opening. This has contributed to a high rate of repeat guests who praise the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff.

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Beach Quality and Amenities

According to forum posts, Gran Ventana boasts the best stretch of beach on Playa Dorada, notable for its golden sands and a small coral reef ideal for snorkeling. The beach is also appreciated for having the most palapas among the resorts in Playa Dorada and offers Bali beds for relaxation.

Room and Resort Services

Travelers have highlighted that Gran Ventana provides clean rooms and excellent service, with many staff members being long-term employees, which adds to the consistency in service quality. The resort offers a premium section for those seeking more exclusivity and privacy.

Entertainment and Activities

Some users noted that Gran Ventana has improved its entertainment offerings, including the introduction of popular events like Silent Disco. The resort also hosts a variety of activities such as beach aerobics and evening entertainment shows, catering to a broad range of interests and ages.

Food Quality

Forum contributors frequently praised the food at Gran Ventana, citing a wide variety of dining options and consistent quality across its restaurants. The resort's buffets, especially the Taste of the World buffet, are particularly well-received for offering dishes from all Ă  la carte menus.

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Local Taxi and Motoconcho

According to forum posts, travelers can hire a taxi for local excursions, such as a round trip to a nearby cable car for $45 USD, accommodating up to 4 people. For shorter distances around the area, a motoconcho can be an option for 100 pesos each way, though it is noted to be riskier due to the traffic conditions.

Shuttle and Private Transport

Some travelers have discussed arranging shared or private transport from the airport to VH Gran Ventana, with costs around $120 per group for a private transfer. It's suggested that booking transport through the resort might be more reliable.

Public Transport and Ride-Sharing

Local transportation is mentioned as inexpensive; however, accessing public transport requires a walk to the main road about 1 KM away. Uber is available, but its reliability can be hit or miss.

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Beaches and Resorts

Playa Dorada is renowned for its beautiful beaches, particularly Playa Dorada beach, which some travelers have highlighted as kid-friendly with amenities like kids clubs at resorts such as Iberostar Costa Dorada and VH Gran Ventana. The beach at Gran Ventana is especially noted for its small coral reef suitable for snorkeling.

Entertainment and Shopping

According to forum posts, Playa Dorada also offers a variety of entertainment options. There is a mall within the gated community that includes tourist shops, exchange places, bars, restaurants, and possibly a movie theater. The mall is a convenient spot for food and shopping, especially for guests not staying at all-inclusive resorts.

Golf and Activities

For golf enthusiasts, the Playa Dorada Golf Course is a major attraction, located conveniently close to several resorts. Some travelers have also expressed interest in other activities like zip-lining and exploring the town, indicating a variety of recreational opportunities in the area.

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