Puerto Plata and the North Coast
Puerto Plata and the surrounding 'Amber Coast' are the Dominican Republic's original tourism hub — less polished than Punta Cana today, but noticeably cheaper, less crowded, and the base for the country's best watersports (Cabarete is a globally known kitesurfing and windsurfing destination) and the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua canyon adventure. Add the only cable car in the Caribbean, up Pico Isabel de Torres, for sweeping coastal views.
Puerto Plata was the Dominican Republic's first real tourism boom, back in the 1980s, and it shows in both directions — some resorts feel dated next to Punta Cana's newer builds, but prices, crowds, and the whole pace of the place reflect that too. If you want a beach trip that doesn't feel like a resort-industrial complex, this coast is the answer.
How many days do you need?
Three to five days covers the highlights well: a day for Damajagua's waterfalls, a day for the cable car and the city's historic center, a day or two for Cabarete if watersports interest you, and time to just enjoy a calmer, cheaper beach.
What makes this coast different from Punta Cana
| Puerto Plata / North Coast | Punta Cana | |
|---|---|---|
| Price level | Noticeably cheaper across hotels and food | Higher, especially at resorts |
| Crowd level | Quieter, fewer mega-resorts | Busier, resort-dense |
| Best for | Watersports, budget travelers, a local feel | All-inclusive convenience, first-timers |
| Flight options | Fewer direct international routes | The most direct flights of any DR airport |
Cabarete — the kitesurfing capital
A 30-minute drive east of Puerto Plata, Cabarete is a genuinely internationally known kitesurfing and windsurfing spot thanks to reliable trade winds, with a laid-back beach-town scene of surf schools, hostels, and beachfront bars that feels a world away from an all-inclusive resort strip. Lessons run roughly $60-90 for a group session, more for private instruction.
The 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
About 30-40 minutes from Puerto Plata (versus 3.5-4 hours from Punta Cana), this canyoning adventure — climbing, jumping, and sliding down a series of natural waterfalls with a licensed guide — is one of the best-value adrenaline activities in the country. See our full attraction guide for prices and what to expect.
Pico Isabel de Torres cable car
The only cable car in the Caribbean carries visitors up a mountain overlooking Puerto Plata to a botanical garden and a Christ-the-Redeemer-style statue, with sweeping views of the coastline. Entry (including the cable car) runs roughly $10-13; go on a clear morning for the best visibility.
What it costs
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Mid-range hotel, per night | $60-140 |
| All-inclusive resort, per night (2 people) | $130-260 |
| Cable car entry | $10-13 |
| Damajagua waterfalls tour | $45-65 per person |
| Kitesurfing group lesson (Cabarete) | $60-90 |
Fly into Puerto Plata's Gregorio Luperón International Airport directly if this is your main destination — it has a growing number of direct routes from the US and Canada, and skips the multi-hour drive from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo entirely.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the north coast has the same density of restaurants and nightlife as Bavaro — it's genuinely quieter, which is either the appeal or a disappointment depending on what you're after.
- Skipping sun protection at Damajagua and the cable car — both involve real time outdoors with little shade.
- Not checking whether your flight actually lands in Puerto Plata versus connecting through Santo Domingo or Punta Cana — routing matters a lot here.
Where to stay in Puerto Plata and the North Coast — hotels
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