population: 0.209 million

extension: 509.32 square kilometers

Museums

If you're in Puerto Plata and want to visit museums, a great place to start is the Amber Museum. This museum showcases the history and geology of amber, which is found in abundance in the Dominican Republic. Other nearby museums include the Gregorio Luperón Museum, which focuses on the life and accomplishments of a Dominican military leader, and the General Gregorio Luperón Museum, which contains exhibits related to the history of the region.

Food

Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat in Puerto Plata according to locals include:

1. La Bandera: A traditional dish that consists of rice, beans, and stewed meat (usually chicken, beef or pork) served with a side of salad.
2. Sancocho: A hearty soup made with meat (usually beef or chicken), plantains, yucca, corn, and other vegetables.
3. Mofongo: A mashed plantain dish mixed with garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings, sometimes stuffed with shrimp, chicken or beef.
4. Chicharrones de Pollo: Fried chicken chunks marinated in lime juice and garlic.
5. Pastelón: A layered casserole dish made with sweet plantains, meat (usually beef), cheese, and vegetables.
6. Morir Soñando: A refreshing drink made of orange juice, milk, sugar, and ice.

These dishes are widely available in local restaurants and food stalls throughout Puerto Plata.

Activities

Sure! Here are some fun activities that local people enjoy in Puerto Plata:

1. Visit the Teleférico cable car, which takes you up to the peak of Mount Isabel de Torres for stunning views over the city and the coast.

2. Spend a day at Ocean World Adventure Park, where you can swim with dolphins, watch sea lion shows, and see exotic animals like tigers and sharks.

3. Take a hike through the Damajagua Waterfalls, a series of 27 cascades that you can climb and jump off of.

4. Go kiteboarding or windsurfing at Cabarete Beach, one of the top spots for water sports in the world.

5. Explore the historic district of Puerto Plata, which has colorful Victorian-style houses and buildings from the 19th century.

6. Visit the Brugal Rum Factory, where you can learn about the history of rum-making in the Dominican Republic and sample different varieties.

7. Play a round of golf at one of the many courses in the area, such as the Playa Dorada Golf Course or the Robert Trent Jones Sr. Golf Course.