by Susannah Schild

Created on: July 27, 2008   Last Updated: August 04, 2008

Touring in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is one of the most popular Caribbean tourist hot spots. Known for its fine beaches and rich historical culture, Puerto Plata is a great place to visit for a relaxing, beautiful, and unique vacation experience.
When you travel to Puerto Plata, make sure to reserve your spot on one of the area's incredible local tours. From rugged nature tours to excursions into the city, there are lots of options for travelers on a mission to explore.

Puerto Plata City Tour
First stop - the city of Puerto Plata, where you can take in the breezy ocean-side restaurants, shops, and rich Dominican Culture. One landmark you may notice on a tour of the city are the incredible walls of Castillo de San Fillipe, which is the oldest military fortification in America. Several of the city's buildings are historically significant as well, dating back to the 1600's.
Many city tours will make long stops at the local Brugal Rum factory, the Amber Museum, or Parque Luperon. Other spots you won't want to miss - San Felipe Church and the area's ocean promenade (called malecon in Puerto Plata).
You can book a city tour through your hotel concierge or on the Internet. Don't forget to bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera!

Yasika Zip Line Adventures
Once you've experienced Puerto Plata on the inside, it's time to get creative and observe the area from a new perspective. Yasika Adventures will take you on a zip lining tour through the lush mountain scenery of the Dominican Republic.
The tour starts inside the city of Puerto Plata, where you will be taken on a half hour scenic drive through the countryside complete with a Dominican tour guide. Once you arrive at the zip lining park, you'll be trained, prepped, and prepared. Then, get ready to be launched off of ten platforms and eight cables, suspended up to 300 meters in the air. Yasika's staff will provide you with water and fresh fruit along the way.
This tour is perfect for children older than eight and anyone in good physical condition. Make sure to dress in fitted clothing free from possible entanglements, and the staff recommends wearing sun screen and insect repellent.

Monster Truck Safari
On your visit to Puerto Plata, you won't want to miss a full day excursion in a zebra striped monster truck with Monster Truck Safari. They'll take you on a tour of the Dominican countryside, through small villages and struggling third world communities. Take in the natural beauty and local culture, and get an insider's glance into the real lives of the locals. The tour stops at a school, a home, a cheese factory, and a river raft ride. Be sure to bring along small toys or school supplies for the local children, who will crowd around the trucks smiling and waving. Also enjoy rum, beer, cake, and water fights along the way.
Just be prepared for a fun-filled day that includes some rough driving and sun exposure before you make your reservation.

Now you're ready to experience Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, one of the most unique parts of the Caribbean. Including one or two of these amazing tours as part of your island vacation will make your trip unforgettable.

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