Puerto Plata Province

Puerto Plata Province is an administrative region in northern Dominican Republic that spreads across 1,852 square kilometers along the Atlantic coast. It includes nine municipalities such as Sosúa, Cabarete, and Playa Dorada, with San Felipe de Puerto Plata functioning as the provincial capital.

This territory was separated from Santiago Province in 1867 as a maritime district and gained official provincial status through the Dominican constitution of 1907. This transformation marked an important shift in how the region was governed and organized.

The region celebrates traditional carnival festivals during February and March, with local characters and dances that show Dominican heritage through music and movement. These festivities are woven into the daily rhythm of life here and draw visitors who want to experience local celebrations.

The province is easy to navigate since main towns like San Felipe de Puerto Plata are relatively accessible and well-connected by local roads. Visitors can reach the different municipalities easily, though traffic conditions can vary depending on the time of day.

La Isabela, located within the region, stands as the first European settlement in the Americas, founded by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Today visitors can explore the remains of this historic site and understand the beginning of European presence in the New World.

Location: Dominican Republic

Inception: 1844

Capital city: Puerto Plata

Elevation above the sea: 253 m

Shares border with: Monte Cristi Province, Valverde Province, Santiago Province, Espaillat Province

GPS coordinates: 19.80000,-70.68333

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:41