Its core, the Old City, borders the port to the east, a narrow grid of streets that was once the swankiest neighbourhood in the country.

Around the original town sprawls a patchwork maze of industrial zones and concrete barrios known as the New City, formed over the past century with the growth of the towns industry.

Most visitors, though, are here for package tours to Playa Dorada located a kilometre east of the city limits a walled off vacation factory that pulls in over a half million tourists each year.

Playa Dorada, just one km east of Puerto Plata on the C5 but truly a world away, is walled off from the outside universe. Inside its confines are fourteen separate massive resorts and meandering between them is one of the best golf courses in the country, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

Frequented by a half million package tourists per year. The majority from Canada and Europe. The main draw is obviously the beach, two km of impeccably white sand dominated by a variety of hotel run activities, including beach volleyball, parasailing, along with numerous local souvenir vendors and hair braiders. Even if youre not a guest, getting through the front gate is not a problem. Either sneak onto the beach via entries beside the Dorado Naco complex or just east of the Playa Dorada Hotel, or buy a day pass, available from each resort and entitling you to five hours on the grounds, including meals and drinks.

Enjoys an excellent sunshine record. Subject to heavy rainfalls at certain times of year, though holidaymakers need pack little more than light cotton summer casuals for their visit. If you do intend to explore the major cities, however, youll find a more conservative dress code. Please note that June to November is generally the Hurricane season for the Caribbean.

Activities and entertainment include white water rafting a ride of a lifetime, exhilaration guaranteed as you conquer the raging rapids. Horse Riding, ride western style into the local countryside and experience the beautiful lush nature of the island. Jeep Safari an adventure to the tropical rainforests, sugar cane plantations and rivers.

Discover the real Dominican Republic any time of year.