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[title]The plane lands and a whistle mimicking a familiar melody can be heard. Conversations that had paused before touchdown resume as the aircraft arrives in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second most important city in the Dominican Republic, located in the north of the island. Among the voices, Argentine expressions stand out, and even one inspired traveler hums: “I asked God for so much that, in the end, He heard my voice.”
The flight, operated by Copa Airlines, is part of the routes the Panamanian carrier resumed in January to help reactivate tourism in this part of the country. Today, the airline connects its Panama hub with the airports of Santiago de los Caballeros and Puerto Plata with three weekly flights. For those wondering what to do in Puerto Plata, this destination in northern Dominican Republic combines sargassum-free beaches, nature, history, and a wide range of activities.
“They’ve been heavily promoting Puerto Plata. We wanted to go on vacation, so we visited a travel agency and they offered it as an alternative to northern Brazil. The agent told us, ‘For just 80 dollars more, you can go to an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean,’ and we thought, ‘Why not?’ The sea is beautiful,” says Luisina González, who is traveling on the same flight with her partner from San Justo, Santa Fe.
While the number of Argentines choosing Puerto Plata today is noticeable, the truth is that it was the Dominican Republic’s first organized tourist destination back in the 1970s. Later, as hotel infrastructure and connectivity expanded in other destinations, it took a back seat to Punta Cana and Samaná.
Where Is Puerto Plata and How Do You Get There?
Puerto Plata is a province on the northern coast of the island, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers can arrive directly through Puerto Plata’s airport or fly into Cibao International Airport in Santiago de los Caballeros and then take a transfer to Puerto Plata, a journey of approximately two hours. The second option is often more affordable.
Where to Stay in Puerto Plata
There are many all-inclusive hotel options in the area, but the experience varies depending on the location you choose.
If your goal is to avoid crowded hotel beaches lined with rows of lounge chairs and instead enjoy a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, Cabarete is the ideal choice. This town is internationally known as a prime destination for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and surfing. Its climate is unique: Caribbean warmth combined with a constant breeze that softens the intensity of the sun. The sea has the same turquoise color found in Puerto Plata, but with larger waves.
A great accommodation option is Viva Tangerine by Wyndham, a hotel that perfectly combines all-inclusive service with a sense of privacy. The property features 300 rooms, four restaurants serving different cuisines, and outdoor pools. Every room includes a balcony, ideal for watching the sunrise over the ocean.
If you prefer the variety and luxury of a larger all-inclusive resort, Playa Dorada is the place to be. The area offers numerous options, including Viva Heavens by Wyndham, the brand’s first hotel in the Dominican Republic. Located within a complex that features an 18-hole golf course, the resort offers four restaurants, a specialty coffee shop, and exclusive services for members of Club Viva Resorts.
One of the hotels’ standout offerings is Viva Vibe, a special entertainment program featuring themed parties, DJ nights, live performances, foam parties, neon parties, and activities throughout the day and night. There is always something happening. Another unique aspect of this destination is the extraordinary width of its beaches, regardless of where you stay.
What Makes Puerto Plata Different from Other Dominican Destinations?
One reason is that Puerto Plata offers much more than beaches and all-inclusive resorts. The area was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 when he arrived in this part of the world and named the region “Monte de Plata” (Silver Mountain) because the highest mountain’s summit is often covered with clouds that create a bright, silvery appearance. This eventually gave the city its name. Puerto Plata is also home to Fort San Felipe, a 16th-century fortress that still stands today, along with other attractions such as the Christ the Redeemer statue, the historic city center, the central square, and the Cathedral of San Felipe.
Another advantage is that Puerto Plata offers activities beyond the all-inclusive resort experience. In Cabarete, for example, nightlife revolves around enjoying cocktails with your feet in the sand, sunset appetizers, and local music. From Viva Heavens, you only need to walk about 300 meters along the beach to find the perfect spot to enjoy the evening breeze.
The historic center is also home to some of the city’s most Instagrammable attractions, including Umbrella Street and Paseo de Doña Blanca. The latter is a pink-painted alley dedicated to the woman who opened Puerto Plata’s first hotel and helped promote tourism in the region.
What Else Can You Do in Puerto Plata?
If there is a paradise on Earth, Cayo Arena is certainly a strong contender. This tiny island, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, sits in the middle of the ocean. To get there, visitors travel to Punta Rucia—about two hours from Puerto Plata—and board a boat. The journey takes around 45 minutes, and the small island appears unexpectedly in the middle of nowhere, complete with rustic huts set up by local tour operators.
Visitors are not allowed to step onto the island wearing shoes, nor can they spread towels along the shore. These strict measures help preserve the fragile environment and prevent the gradual loss of sand from a place that is shrinking over time.
It is also an exceptional snorkeling destination thanks to the coral reefs that surround the island and provide shelter to thousands of fish in every size and color imaginable.
Puerto Plata is once again emerging as one of the Caribbean’s most complete destinations, offering wide beaches, colonial history, nature, and a variety of experiences that go far beyond the traditional resort vacation.