Puerto Plata flights and travel guide

Puerto Plata occupies an area tucked in between the mountains and the deep blue sea along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Christopher Columbus landed on its shores in 1493, declaring it beautiful and naming it Puerto Plata, the Silver Port, to mark its shimmering waters.

Today, it's best known as a lively resort area and a popular stopping-off point for cruise-ship passengers. Travellers are taking cheap flights to Puerto Plata in ever greater numbers, lured by the promise of sun, beautiful beaches and, frankly, economically priced all-inclusive packages.

Puerto Plata certainly has its charms. There are two parks downtown - Parque Luperon and Parque Central. Where Parque Luperon is a quiet and shady green space, Parque Central is the gathering place for locals, surrounded as it is by the City Hall and Palace of Justice. An absolute must is a seven-minute cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel, 780 metres high. From the summit, there are panoramic views of the north coast as well as a luscious botanical gardens, restaurant to revive spirits flagging from sightseeing  and a statue of Christ with outstretched welcoming arms, reminiscent of the one in Rio de Janeiro.

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Puerto Plata climate

The local climate is fairly constant year-round. Average daytime temperatures are about 29 degrees Celsius. The tropical season runs May through October and  features high humidity and rainfall. November through April is the tropical cool season and experiences less rainfall and lower levels of humidity.While it's hard to pick a bad time to visit Puerto Plata, there are a couple of things travellers should bear in mind before booking flights. The first is the crowds and the second is the weather. You'll pay less if you visit during the low season but your vacation may be interrupted by rain.

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When to fly to Puerto Plata

Peak Season:

November to April is high season, when most travellers, fleeing the cold winters elsewhere, arrive on cheap flights to Puerto Plata.

Off Season:

The summer months - May through October - are low season and humidity and rainfall levels are high. If you can brave them you will have the pick of discounted flights and accommodation.

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Getting around Puerto Plata

Many visitors rent a car at Gregorio Luperon International airport, particularly if they plan on making side trips outside of Puerto Plata. Companies with a presence at the airport include Alamo, Avis and Budget. There is also frequent bus and minibus service between the airport and Puerto Plata. Taxis are also available.

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Puerto Plata insider information

• January through early April is when the humpback whales return to the bay at Samana. About a two-and-a-half hour excursion from the airport, it makes for a memorable day trip.
• The waters around Puerto Plata are home to some of the most sought-after fish. For blue marlin, visit July to September, for white marlin April to June, for mahi mahi October to March, for wahoo October to January, and finally for sailfish, October to March.
• The Brugal Rum Distillery is just a kilometre east of Puerto Plata. Take a tour to see how the rum is produced, sample it and then buy a litre, at a slightly discounted price.
• In and around Puerto Plata, the beaches are fronted by coral reefs, very popular with divers and snorkellers. Long Beach is along the Malecon, it's the public, urban beach. Some of the best diving on the north coast is a quick drive away. In Sosua, under the waves, there are reefs, canyons, gardens and shipwrecks. Playa Grande, slightly further afield, but well worth the distance, offers superlative snorkelling in the Gri Gri lagoon.
• One of Puerto Plata's most popular tourist attractions is the Amber Museum. Located on Duarte Street in an wedding-cake style Victorian mansion, the museum has a fascinating collection. Dominican amber is said to be the most transparent in the world.

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Puerto Plata airports

Gregorio Luperon International Airport (POP) is located 18km from Puerto Plata.

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