Puerto Plata Private City Tour
- Tour code
DOMADV02
- Start
Puerto Plata
- End
Puerto Plata
- Min. age
16 years old
- Group size
Max 6-16 travellers
- Trip style
Classic
- Trip pace
Relaxed
- Language
English
This is Puerto Plata at street level. Your guide drives you between stops, so the time goes on looking and tasting rather than working out directions.
History comes first-hand at Fortaleza San Felipe, the stone fort that guarded the bay against pirate raids in colonial times, and around Independence Park, where the cathedral and a Victorian-style gazebo frame the main square. Then the mood lightens: a photo stop under the umbrellas of Calle de las Sombrillas and a wander down the flower-lined Paseo de Doña Blanca.
In between, you'll see how the island's crafts come together: cacao turned into chocolate, Dominican amber and larimar set into jewelry, rum aged in barrels, and tobacco leaves rolled into cigars. It's a compact, easygoing way to understand what makes this north-coast city tick.
Why This Journey
Puerto Plata is often a quick stop on the way to the beach. A private tour gives the city the time it deserves, joining its colonial history, its colorful streets and its craft traditions into one story, told by a guide who knows it well.
It's a relaxed half-day for travelers who enjoy history, shopping for local crafts and tasting along the way.
Good to Know
Duration: about 4 hours 30 minutes, starting and ending in Puerto Plata. Have your camera ready for Calle de las Sombrillas.
What you will see and do
Cacao to chocolate: tasting a Dominican specialty
Forts, colorful lanes and colonial squares in the old town
Amber jewelry and hand-rolled cigars, two local crafts up close
What's included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
One farewell group activity when possible
Max 16 travellers per group
Group transportation
Transfers to and from the excursion
What's excluded
- Flights, accommodation and airport transfers
- Travel insurance (proof of cover required)
Group itinerary
Independence Park
The tour opens in the city's central square. Look up at the cathedral, then step into La Glorieta, the gazebo at the park's center. General Luperón handed this land over as a public park in 1879.
Calle de las Sombrillas
Overhead, rows of bright umbrellas turn this short street into the city's favorite photo backdrop. Have your camera ready.
Paseo de Doña Blanca
A narrow pedestrian lane lined with roses and pastel walls. Your guide fills in the story behind it as you stroll.
Amber & larimar workshop
At a local jewelry workshop, watch artisans work with two stones found on Hispaniola: golden amber and sky-blue larimar. You'll also pick up tips on telling real pieces from fakes.
Macorix House of Rum
A distillery guide leads you among the barrels, explains how Dominican rum is produced and pours a selection of Macorix rums to taste.
Fortaleza San Felipe
Built in the 1500s to keep pirates out of the bay, the fort still has its thick walls and moat. Walk the ramparts and hear how it shaped the city's past.
Cigar workshop
Finish with Dominican tobacco. At a premium cigar workshop you'll see how leaves are selected and rolled, and try it yourself.
Rooms
- Included
Shared double
Shared with the person you book with, or a fellow traveller of the same sex.
- Extra cost
Single room
A room to yourself, subject to availability.
You choose your room when you book.
Tour FAQS
Fly into and out of Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) in Puerto Plata.
Everything listed under What's Included for this trip, including all activities mentioned in the itinerary. Anything not listed there, such as flights and accommodation, is not included.
Yes. Transfers to and from the excursion are included. Airport transfers are not included. Contact our Customer Experience team to confirm your pickup point and time.
Your camera, especially for Calle de las Sombrillas.
This tour is described as a private city tour. Contact our Customer Experience team to arrange it for your group.
Yes. If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure or book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer is included. If you choose alternative pre-tour accommodation or arrive by another mode of transport, you’ll need to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Our arrival transfers are private to Soca Islands and are organised in groups based on flight times. Sometimes this means a short wait at the airport until other flights arrive.
There are no scheduled activities on the final day, so feel free to book your departure at your own convenience.
We recommend arriving before 3 pm on Day 1 to make it in time for the welcome event. But don’t worry no matter when you land, we’ll have an airport transfer ready for you.
Please Refer to your government’s travel advice or consult your local consulate. Remember, passport and visa requirements can change, so make sure to stay updated.
Excluding alcohol, we suggest budgeting around USD $40.00 per day for extras.
While we’re not medical professionals, we want to help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure. Here are some tips:
- Consult with a healthcare professional: Schedule an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure to get any necessary vaccines or medications.
- Up-to-date medical advice:
- US residents: Check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
- UK residents: Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website.
- Australian residents: Refer to the Smart Traveler Health website.
3. Government travel advice:
- US residents: Consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- UK residents: Check the FCDO Travel Advice.
- Australian residents: Visit the Smart Traveler website.
4. Medication tips: If you take prescription medication, bring enough to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Carry a copy of your prescription in case you need to visit a clinic abroad.
We hope this helps you prepare for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Please keep in mind that our itinerary, activities, and hotels might change. These adjustments could happen with little notice due to factors like availability, weather conditions, seasonal shifts, or other circumstances beyond our control. Rest assured, we always aim to minimise any impact on your experience. Occasionally, we may tweak the itinerary to try out fresh ideas and keep the adventure exciting.
We believe solo travelers shouldn’t have to pay extra to explore the world. That’s why our group trips are designed around shared accommodation and do not include a single supplement. Solo travelers joining our group trips are paired in twin or multi-share rooms with another traveler of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
Some of our Independent trips are structured differently. For these itineraries, solo travelers will need to book at the single occupancy rate.
Tips are not included in the cost of this tour. Remember, tipping is entirely at your discretion and based on what you feel comfortable with.
Would you like to learn more or customise our Puerto Plata Private City Tour trip?
Have questions about accommodations, accessibility, group preferences, or dietary needs? Complete the form below and our team will get back to you shortly.
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