It’s the time of year when temperatures drop and people start to think “get me somewhere warm!”. But where? You are adventurous, sporty, love the beach but still want at taste of culture. Look no further – the North Coast of the Dominican Republic is the perfect spot for a last-minute getaway. With fantastic direct air from Canada you can afford to be spontaneous, and by combining the destinations of historic Puerto Plata and surf mecca Cabarete you really can have it all.

Book a direct flight in to POP (Puerto Plata) and you can be out of the cold and on a beach in just over four hours. Get your vacation started with an ice-cold Presidente beer. In the Dominican Republic, Presidente is so popular that you just need to say: “give me a cold one” (Dame una fria) – no further explanation is required!

Puerto Plata and Cabarete have hotels for all budgets and tastes – everything from family friendly resorts to five-star luxury hotels.

Puerto Plata is a safe town where visitors can enjoy wandering the cobble stone streets while admiring colonial buildings. For an authentic Dominican dinner, try local favorite La Casita Azul and experience live music while you sample specialities including a fried green plantain dish called “tostones”, which is a fix staple for Dominicans. In the evenings during December the entire town is lit up with festive holiday decorations and lights.

Prepare for some adventure and a great workout at the same time. The Damajagua Falls is an experience not to be missed – enthusiasts can hike between 27 mountain waterfalls. Coming down is when the real fun begins, as visitors can either jump down the falls to the cool freshwater pools below, or slide down natural water slides. After this adventure, you can grab a Dominican tasty lunch at the site.

After hiking the falls, rest up and unwind at the spectacular Playa Dorada beach
– you earned it!

Today, get a bird’s eye view of the entire region from the scenic cable car (el teleférico) that takes you 2625 feet straight up to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres. From here, you can see lush tropical forests, miles of beaches, and the town itself. Once you return to ground level, stroll along the beachside boardwalk beloved by locals - the Malecon - or visit the ruins of the San Felipe Fort.

Devote your day to photo ops! Puerto Plata is full of Insta-worthy scenes and eclectic street art, such as La calle de los murals and La calle de las sombrillas. Visit the entirely hot pink Pasillo de Dona Blanca, a Victorian styled street in honour of the country’s first female hotelier. Craving a coffee? Try local landmark the Puerto Plata Cigar Club and sip an espresso bar located in the middle of a humidor filled with cigars of international quality. For lunch, go to Bergatin Restaurant in the main square for authentic Caribbean cuisine.

Whatever you do save room for an ice cream – Puerto Plata is famous for hand-made ice creams in exotic flavours including Papaya, Passion Fruit, Coconut and Coffee.

The beachside town of Cabarete, with its rolling waves, warm breezes, and relaxed food stalls has a distinct surfer vibe. Known as one of the consistently best kite surfing locales in the world, Cabarete hosts the Masters of the Ocean championship every February. Visitors can rent equipment and book lessons right on the beach, and surf, windsurf or kitesurf at all levels of ability. Surfs up!

For the last day of your DR adventure, visit the beach at Sosua, famous for snorkeling and the colourful tropical fish on its offshore reef. The beachfront is lined with authentic local vendors and a day here is guaranteed to include music and some fantastic local dishes.

As your action-packed week in Puerto Plata draws to a close we hope you will return – we haven’t even talked about golf!

Subscribe to our newsletter from our warmth area and earn the chance to be randomly selected to fly to Puerto Plata for 7 days in the warm weather, far from the freezing cold, with your feet in the sand.

* Prize value: 3,000$ cad.

Igloofest 2020

January 16 to February 8
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

January 23-24-25 // January 30-31 - February 1st // February 6-7-8

7:30pm to 12:30am (Friday and Saturday) / 7:30pm to 11:00pm on Thursday
18+*// No readmission

On February 1, 2020, between 2.00 and 4.00PM,  the Dominican Republic invites  lovers of Bachata to come to the Complexe Desjardins to learn how to dance this dynamic social dance that originated in the vibrant Dominican Republic during the 1960s. In addition to experiencing the country’s unique dance style, attendees will also have the chance to win one of two grand prizes, including a trip for two to the Dominican Republic and other incredible surprises.

Led by Maestro Pipo Alcala and local dance schools, guests will learn and perform the dance sequence with their partner in a fun and energetic atmosphere. Guests are encouraged to come dressed in comfortable attire; blue jeans and a white top. This is a free event for the entire family.

Welcome to the Dominican Republic Newsletter

If you are receiving this newsletter it is because you have requested additional information about the Dominican Republic, and we are so pleased to share our news with you. This newsletter will provide information about the hottest festivals, newest attractions, and most exciting things to do in our beautiful country. Whether you are a repeat guest or a new visitor looking to make the most of your vacation, we will give you insider tips that you won’t find anywhere else. Unsubscribe

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