North America / Dominican Republic
Places to go. A little room to wander.
THE SHORTLIST
Puerto Plata
Historical fort located by the main bay of Puerto Plata. The smell of diesel exhaust is pervasive since it's right next to the main electric generator for the city, which burns diesel. In front of the fort is a nice grassy area that's good for a picnic overlooking the water.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
RIU Hotel
This all inclusive resort has man-cleared beaches. You can get in through the "guarded" gate. It's said that they require a room key as proof that you are staying there, but if you dress like a tourist they probably won't ask any questions.
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
Parque Nacional Isabel de Torres
Take a funicular to the top of the mountain that sits behind Puerto Plata to see a replica of the original located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Puerto Plata
This beach is very close to the entertaining Wal-Mart of Puerto Plata (La Sirena).
Allow about 60 minutes · planning estimate
C. José del Carmen Ariza 36, Puerto Plata 57000, Dominican Republic
Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Diocese of Puerto Plata. Donations appreciated.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
A note before you go. Start with Fortaleza San Felipe, then decide whether Private RIU beach deserves a separate visit rather than rushing both. The suggested days are an editable grouping, not a timed tour. Visit allowances exclude transfers, meals and queues; confirm the exact entrance and current visiting arrangements for Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle before setting off.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
BEFORE YOU SET OFF
There are several options for local transportation between the city proper and the surrounding hotels and resorts. Taxis are the most expensive option and not really more secure than other choices. Guaguas are simple minivan for normally 7-8 persons that are often overcrowded. Guagas can often be identified by "Se venda" stickers on the windows and a large rear view mirror pasted to the back door. Dominican Airport Transfers and Airport Transportation offers airport transfers from the airport to any location in Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Rio San Juan and Samana area. Propinas.
Keep Fortaleza San Felipe as the anchor for one day and Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle for the other. Check their exact entrances on the map before adding further stops; a town name alone is not a reliable meeting point.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE. ROOM FOR DISCOVERY.
Add a few stops, choose your days, and leave space between them.
Time estimates cover visits only. Add time for meals, travel, queues, and breaks. Map links open Google Maps with your selected stops.
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Geographic reference: GeoNames, CC BY 4.0.
This city guide includes selected, abridged material by Wikivoyage contributors, adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0. The adapted guide text is available under the same license; photographs and website design retain their separate terms. Selected and abridged reference descriptions; operational prices and timetables omitted. Elsewhere added the shortlist, geographic grouping and planning notes.
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. It is community-edited background, not firsthand reporting or a live opening-hours service.
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