Discover the diverse destinations of the Puerto Plata Region
Cabarete • Cabrera • Cofresi Costambar•Jarabacoa • Luperon
Playa Dorada • Playa Grande • Puerto Plata City • Santiago City • Samana • Sosua and more!
Puerto PlataRegional Visitors Guide
Don’t miss...The Bravissimo show at Ocean WorldA kaleidescope of costume,dance, music and total entertainment!
All the ¡HOT! spots in the Puerto Plata area!Hot!
PuertoPlata
Magazine
!Hot!PuertoPlata
Magazine
Look for... a bustling city center situated around Central Park, fun to stroll around this historic part of town... lots of Victorian style colonial architecture... street vendors... beat-up old cars... it’s an eyeful - and lots of fun taking the pictures
Stroll along the Malecon... the wide oceanfront the promenade runs along the shoreline and ends at the 500 year old San Felipe Fortress
Consider Mt. Isabel de Torres... a cable car takes you up to 2800 feet to botanical gardens, cool mountain breezes and some spectacular views!
Don’t miss... The Amber Museum and Sam’s Bar & Grill, a favorite ex-pat hangout, or the Mariposa for some real Italian ice cream
Puerto Plata’s Historical Zone
Puerto Plata Hot!
Above: A cable car takes you up 2800 feet to the summit of Mt. Isabel de Torres. Left: Puerto Plata’s ocean front boulevard, the Malecon, is a favorite place for a breezy stroll, jog or cycle
Above: Puerto Plata’s oldest hotel is a classic example of colonial architecture
Left: The turret at Fort San Felipe, built in 1506Far Left: Puerto Plata’s central square
From the Publisher:
We often hear the question... what’s better, Punta Cana or Puerto Plata?
If your vacation is about hanging out in a resort and on a beautiful beach, then go to Punta Cana.
But if you want beach, and culture, and local people, and adventure, and a sense of traveling to a place that’s real, then come to Puerto Plata.
Is a beach all about white sand and palm trees? Or is it about mixing with the locals, like on Puerto Plata’s Long Beach or on Sosua Beach... Is a beach all about turquoise water? Or is it about the life... the lobster vendors on Playa Grande Beach... the kitesurfers on Cabarete Beach... the pleasure of discovering so many authentic and beautiful places....
In a contest, Punta Cana would win the prize for pretty, but Puerto Plata would definitely win the prize for action, fun and variety.
It’s hard to plan your vacation from your desk at home, and you don’t want to miss out on the possibilities.
So print out this guide and bring it with you so that once you’re here and have your bearings, you can enjoy your vaction to the fullest!
Enjoy your vacation!
Tim HallPublisher
Puerto Plata Hot!
Best Beaches...
Playa Dorada:This Golden Beach
is where most ofthe big resorts are
Playa Dorada is located on the eastern outskirts of the city of Puerto Plata. There are 14
hotels here situated in a country club setting on the beach and around the 18-hole Playa Dorada golf course.
Each hotel has a beach club that serves its own guests with food, beverage and a variety of watersports activities.
Due to the fact that most hotels in Playa Dorada work on the all-inclusive program, you will find it difficult to explore the grounds of other resorts or use their beach bars. But on the far west of Playa Dorada just past Holiday Village there is a local crafts market and a couple of small restaurants and bars. You can also walk east to Bergantin Beach where you buy cold beers from the vendors.
Playa Dorada feautures a mall right in the center where you can find all types of souvenirs, convenience stores, banks, bars and restaurants.
For a little session with Lady Luck, check out the American Casino at the Playa Dorada Hotel.
Ph
oto
: M
ark
Fer
nan
dez
/ S
ea P
ro D
iver
s
Puerto Plata Hot!
Ocean WorldCofresi, Puerto PlataFor Reservations see our promoters in all resorts or call 809 291-1000
At Ocean World you swim with the dolphins, the rays—and the sharks!OCEAN WORLD ADVENTURE PARK is the most advanced marine interaction park of its kind. Boasting the largest man-made dolphin habitat in the world, Ocean World is a must-see attraction for everyone visiting the Dominican Republic.Visitors get to touch, pet and feed dolphins, sea lions, sharks, stingrays, exotic tropical birds, meet tigers, walk through a tropical rain forest and much more.Ocean World Adventure Park emphasizes personal experiences between guests and marine animals through interactive programs. There are only a handful of such facilities in the world, and none that rival the variety and quality that Ocean World Adventure Park provides. So take advantage of your visit to Puerto Plata to live this once in a lifetime experience!
Ocean Worldby night... Sunset cocktails looking over the marina... gourmet dinner at the Poseidon Restaurant... front row seats at the Bravissimo spectacular... some fun at the slots and tables at the casino... Ocean World offers enough for a full night’s worth of entertainment, with your night ending at the Lighthouse Disco Lounge. Call to reserve or ask your hotel concierge or tour representative about our evening packages including transportation.
Puerto Plata Hot!
Hermanas Mrabal Street • Long Beach • Puerto Plata •Tel. 254-3969Open every night from 9 pm to 5 am • Major credit cards accepted
Jump on the Party Bus for a Nite on the TownVisit bars in Puerto Plata, Sosua & Cabarete• Open bar onboard our private air conditioned coach• Pick up and return to your hotel• Complimentary meal included• Fun for everyone aged 18 to 80!• English speaking guidesRegular price $65 pp...
$5 Dollars OFF when you book direct Call 809 586-7923 or 809 696-6932
No question... there’s something special - spicier - hotter - about Latin American night clubs. Beautiful hostesses, throbbing latin music... erotic dancers... it’s all waiting for you at Puerto Plata’s premier night club,
Cristal, where the action keeps going until everybody goes home. Adult shows, dancers, executive room, disco full bar,
ladies and couples are welcome. Don’t miss Cristal - for your hottest night in Puerto Plata!
Check out our afternoon pool parties!
Km 5 Puerto Plata Sosua Highway, next to Avis Rent-a-Car, 1/4 mile west of Playa Dorada main gates Tel. 809 586-7923.• VISA MC AMEX
Present this ad for a free rum cocktail at Cafe CitoGreat Grill... Vintage
Rock’n’Roll...Café Cito is Puerto
Plata’s jumpin’ joint!Rated ‘Best in Town’ by Rough
Guide and Lonely Planet
Fish for blue and white marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo or sailfish depending on the seaon in the waters off the
Dominican Republic.
Two trips daily offered with pickup from all resorts
Call in Puerto Plata:809 586-1239
A Dominicancountryside
adventure for the whole family!
Travel Tips...Photocopy your passport and other documents, store them in your room safe and carry the photocopies when you go to the beach or town
ATM Machines are readily accessible in Playa Dorada and in town and provide a favorable exchange rate...
Taxis are unmetered... always settle on a price before hiring. Prices are posted in or near most hotel lobbies
COSTAMBAR APARTMENTAvailable for Weekly Rental1minute from beach completely
furnished. Cosy Studio includes air, fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, maid
service, 24 hour internet with PC, security, parking,
Tel: 809 223 2295E-Mail: [email protected]
The beer
for here
Puerto Plata Hot! Puerto Plata Hot!
Cabarete Beach is probably the hottest, most happening beach in the Caribbean right now. Having gained its initial fame as a windsurfing and kiteboarding destination, it’s now packed with great restaurants, bars and stores lined along the beach. At night the sports equipment is put away, out come the tables and chairs... and the whole strip becomes a great big party that lasts well into the night.
Cabarete is just down the coast 20 minutes east of Sosua and 40 minutes east of Puerto Plata... a great place to spend a day, a night, or an entire vacation.
Best Beaches...
Cabarete:the Caribbean’s beach of the moment
Located on the beach right in the center of the village of Cabarete, José O’Shay’s lives up to a promise of being a truly authentic Irish pub.
On the menu... Shephard’s pie, corn beef & cabbage, Irish Stew, fish’n’chips, bangers and mash... and of course Guinness stout and a selection of fine Irish whiskeys.
Bring in this page for a FREE Cuba Libre!José O’Shay’s Irish Beach PubCabarete Beach Tel. 809 571-0775VISA • MASTER CARD • AMEX
Cabarete’s Boutique Hotel. 50 comfortable rooms and suites all with a magnificent view of Cabarete Beach. Calle la Punta, Cabarete,
Tel: (809)- 571-9727 www.velerobeach.com
Sosua Beach, located just five kilometers east of the airport, is a natural place for locals and tourists to mix. Set in a cove protected by coral cliffs, Sosua Beach is a kilometer of white sand and a great place for snorkeling, jet skiing, swimming and people wathcing. The beach is lined with shacks housing gift shops, bars and restaurants. This is a great place to hang out and meet people.
Did you know... Sosua was a World War II refugee settlement for European jews who escaped the holocaust and emigrated to this north coast village. A fascinating museum located in town tells the story.
Getting to the beach: lots of winding one way streets can be confusing... just ask for “Restaurant La Roca” then drive down beside La Roca to the beach parking.
When in Sosua don’t miss... On the Waterfront Restaurant for romantic oceanfront dining... PADI certified Northern Coast Divers for all your diving needs... Britannia Pub is a great local hangout on Sosua’s main street... Rock’n’Roll all the way at Ruby’s Lounge
Sosua Beach’s coral reefs make this a snorkeling sanctuary. Above: The beachwalk runs alongside
bars and handicraft shops.
Locals and tourists socialize on Sosua Beach
Best Beaches...Sosua: where visitors and locals mingle
Puerto PlataCafe Cito on the Hwy 1/4 mile west of Playa Dorada main gates. 809 586-7923Sosua:Hideaway Bar, Pedro Clisante St. Downtown SosuaPedro McMurphy’s Irish Pub, David Stern St. near Harrison’s JewelersOn the Waterfront Restaurant, David Stern St. in front of the ocean
Selecting tobacco at the Artisan factory near Santiago, Dominican Republic
Artisan Selection Cigars
Looking for an honest cigar? Discover our “try before you buy” cigar bar outletsLooking for high quality cigars at reasonable prices? In Puerto Plata you’ll discover many bootleg vendors and many stores that don’t conserve their stock properly. This means that it’s so easy to end up buying junk.
25 years ago, the Cuevas brothers moved from Cuba and set up their own
plantations and factory near Puerto Plata. Today they are renowned in the business, having being described by Cigar Aficionado as “an excellent example of the boutique manufacturers art. “
Looking for an honest cigar? Come by and try us out at selected “try before you buy” cigar bars and outlets where you can sit, relax and enjoy one before buying a whole box.
Photos: Owen Franken
Plaza Las AmericasBuy gold jewelry by the gram at this Caribbean pawnshop
What could be more fascinating than a pawnshop jewelry store in a Caribbean port city? Discover a great selection of jewelry from all over the world! American Robert Hildreth runs the largest one in Puerto Plata, and invites visitors to take advantage of his no-nonsense policy of selling gold by the gram. Pricing by gram and not by design or designer means discounts up to 60 and 80 per cent. Plaza Las Americas Jewelry Boutique is located right beside the Caribe Tours Bus Station in downtown Puerto Plata.
Plaza Las Americas. Jose E. Kunhardt No. 7, Downtown Puerto Plata1km from Central Park • Tel. 809 586-6516 •
Open Mon- Fri 8 am - 6 pm • S at 8 am - 4 pm • Sun 9 am - 1 pmVisa • Master Card
Puerto Plata Hot! Puerto Plata Hot!
Cigar Discount offers you a wide variety of FIRST-QUALITY Dominican Cigars, at the best prices available in Puerto Plata. We have all the major brands and offer you free delivery to your hotel, you can purchase online direct from our website, or visit our shop
CIGAR DISCOUNTFIND THE BRANDS YOU
ARE LOOKING FOR FREE DELIVERY
TO YOUR HOTEL!EMAIL US, BUY ONLINE
OR VISIT OUR SHOP!
Plaza Turisol No 40 Puerto Plata, Tel: 809-320-8243Email: [email protected] Website: zonapuertoplata.com
Playa Dorada...The nightlife heat is up with a bunch of new places to party at night...
Spice Disco at Holiday Village
In the Plaza...Coco BongoHemingway’s bar & grill
Dinner at Al Fresco...
Just outside the gates,
Cafe Cito, a favorite expat
hangout, vintage R&R, saellite sports, low prices
Sosua...
Ruby’s Lounge... jam nights on Tuesdays, ladies night on Wednesday... classic R&R all the time
Waterfront Restaurant for beachfront dining...
Rocky’s for cold beer and world famous bbq ribs
Puerto Plata...Monday night jazz at La Esquina Bar near Central ParkAleph... On Tuesday nights, classical guitar and 2x1 wine all eveningUp and down the Malecon... party with the local people in the seaside rumshacksEl Manquito, the best for typical Dominican foodDancin’ girls at Cristal Night Club
Cofresi...Saturday night karaoke at Ahora Beach Bar & Grill....
Mexican food and shows at Charro
Ocean World....Gourmet dining at Poseidon RestaurantBravissmo ShowOcean World CasinoLighthhouse Lounge
Chris & Mady’s for popular American style menu
Airport
25 minutes 15 minutes5 minutes10 minutes
Costambar Montellano
¡HOT!
CabareteThe Caribbean’s HOTTEST party beachon the beach...Lax... to relaxJose O’Shay’s Irish Pub... to eat and drinkOnno’s ... to dance
Also in townEmboccaBliss
!Hot!PuertoPlata
SPOT!Hot!
PuertoPlata
SPOT
!Hot!PuertoPlata
SPOT!Hot!
PuertoPlata
SPOT!Hot!
PuertoPlata
SPOT
To Santiago To Samana
Lounge
Puerto Plata Hot!
Ceramic art & fashion jewelry made with natural seeds and recyclables
Calle Eduardo Frei # 9 in Urbanizacion Atlantica • Tel. 809 261 0295Email:[email protected] • Website: www.luzcace.info
Fun City, the largest go-cart park in the Caribbean,
features 3 great racing tracks,gocart, sprint and cyclone, as well as a kids playground, bumper cars, pichers challenge and more! Check out our unlimited racing pass and spend a day with us! Great family fun!Free taxi transportation from your hotel and back! FUN CITY ACTION PARKPuerto Plata-Sosua Hwy Km 8 near Playa Dorada Tel: 809-320-1031Email: info@funcity-
gokarts.com Website: www.funcity-gokarts.com
FREE TAXITRANSPORTATION ROUNDTRIP
Aleph
Renowned chef Rafael Vasquez has created Aleph, a new, minimalist dining room, in which to bring his world class culinary talents to the table, in a fusion of Caribbean and Latin cuisine. Rafael has represented the Dominican Republic officially at many culinary events worldwide, including three times invited guest chef
at Disneyworld.
Open daily except Mondays for lunch and dinner.Sundays Paella and Sangria Brunch;
Tuesdays live classical guitar and 2x1 prices for wine.
a fusion of Caribbean and Latin sensations from Rafael VasquezPlaza 1, Luis Ginebra Ave. near the Puerto Plata Courthouse.Tel. 809-244-4528 • [email protected] • www.alephrestaurant.com
RESTAURANT
Cita Del Sol is nestled in the heart of Cabarete, the wind, kite and surfing capitol of the world. In the middle of town and just across the street from Cabarette Beach, newly renovated apartments, beautiful gardens, 24 hour electricity and security, great mix of Dominicans, and travelers, Cita Del Sol is the perfect place to chill out. Great prices too!Call Peter anytime 809 608 4511. www.citadelsol.com
Cabarete Central
We produce and commercialize hand made Dominican art.
Beautiful necklaces made of natural seeds and recyclable materials
Exclusive pieces of terracotta fired in a pre Hispanic tradition.
Come and visit as at our work shop
Puerto Plata Hot!
Isaira Tours, for excursions, transfers and car rental! We offer lazy
days at sea on catamarans, shopping to Santiago and Santo
Domingo, adventures on jeeps and fourwheelers, cultural visits
to historial areas, river rafting and helicopter flights! Transfers for
individuals and groups all across the island. Join us and explore the
Dominican Republic!
Isaira Tours
Plaza El Doral, near Iberostar, Puerto PlataTel. 809 320 1433 www.isairatours.com
Rocky’s Bar & Hotel:a favorite in downtown SosuaInexpensive food, great music and value-priced rooms top the list of why people go to Rocky’s; while great people and good times keep them coming back. This downtown eatery and garden hotel is a walk to everywhere —a perfect place to get settled in and well oriented when visiting Sosua.
Try our World Famous BBQ ribsCome in with this ad and get a
cocktail — on the house!
Telephone: (809) 571-2951 • Cellular : (809) 481-2951Calle Dr. Rosen # 22, El Batey - Sosua • www.rockysbar.com
FREEWI-FI
Lounge
Cool, comfortable, cosy.... Ruby’s personifies Canadian hosts Steve and Melanie and their passion for music. Located right on the top of the beachway road, Ruby’s attracts its clientele for its collection of classic rock and for the live music and events going on all the time. Added bonus is the breezy terrace barbecue. Check it out!
Ruby’s Lounge, Sosua’s music central
AT THE ENTRANCE TO SOSUA BEACH
With this ad:FREE Ruby
Shooters!
SUN & THU
KARAOKETUESDAY
LIVE JAM!WEDNESDAY
LADIES NIGHT
On the Waterfront Restaurant
Bring this ad for a complimentary Rum Cocktail
Sosua’s only location for fine beachfront dining Succulent seafood, sizzling steaks, fine wines and premium cigars are the fine fare offered at the Waterfront Restaurant, where beachfront breezes and spectacular sunsets make this the ideal location for a romantic, memorable evening out. Come for dinner, or just for sunset cocktails at the bar or on the seaside deck.
Perfect for lunch • Free Wi-Fi
Oceanfront on David Stern St, down from CodetelReservations 809 571-3024