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Puerto Plata or Punta Cana?
The Dominican Republic is a land of sun-kissed shores, lush mountains and vibrant culture. However, when it comes to choosing a beach escape, two regions typically rise to the top: Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. While both promise Caribbean bliss, they cater to vastly distinct types of travelers.
Relaxing on a beach or going on an adventure, both are at your fingertips.
Puerto Plata:
Personally, when I am on vacation, I’m more of the laid-back type of traveler (so by the time you finish reading this story, it will be quite easy to guess which part of the “DR” you might find me). As you’ll see, both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana embrace their natural environment, so you have clear options to help you decide whether you want a rustic and adventurous experience, or one that’s more sedate and restful. Please read on to learn more.
Puerto Plata:
Personally, when I am on vacation, I’m more of the laid-back type of traveler (so by the time you finish reading this story, it will be quite easy to guess which part of the “DR” you might find me). As you’ll see, both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana embrace their natural environment, so you have clear options to help you decide whether you want a rustic and adventurous experience, or one that’s more sedate and restful. Please read on to learn more.
Relaxing on a beach or going on an adventure, both are at your fingertips.
Walk under the colorful umbrellas while you explore Puerto Plata.
Located on the Dominican Republic’s North Coast, Puerto Plata has a rustic colonial vibe which leans heavily into authentic Dominican culture, while also offering outdoor adventure and ecotourism. In addition to its rainforest and mountain access, water sports (such as surfing and kiteboarding) are immensely popular with those visiting Sosúa, Playa Dorada and Cabarete beaches. Puerto Plata attracts couples and laid-back types of travelers, and it is one of the most budget-friendly vacation destinations in the Caribbean. These cost savings also carry over to the culinary offerings which can be enjoyed via street vendors and in restaurants that are frequented by locals.
Walk the white sand beach at Bávaro a short distance from your resort.
Punta Cana:
As Puerto Plata’s upscale cousin, Punta Cana is a modern and luxury-focused beach resort community that is found on the Dominican Republic’s Eastern Coast. Known for its picturesque white sand beaches with calm turquoise waters (at Macao, Juanillo and Bávaro beaches), this region is ideal for those who want relaxation and solitude. While beaches here are not ideal for surfers, those who enjoy snorkeling will feel right at home. Punta Cana is ideal for families with children, couples and those with a desire to just simply luxuriate. The culinary scene here is more international focused and tends to be of the upscale and resort variety.
Punta Cana:
As Puerto Plata’s upscale cousin, Punta Cana is a modern and luxury-focused beach resort community that is found on the Dominican Republic’s Eastern Coast. Known for its picturesque white sand beaches with calm turquoise waters (at Macao, Juanillo and Bávaro beaches), this region is ideal for those who want relaxation and solitude. While beaches here are not ideal for surfers, those who enjoy snorkeling will feel right at home. Punta Cana is ideal for families with children, couples and those with a desire to just simply luxuriate. The culinary scene here is more international focused and tends to be of the upscale and resort variety.
Walk the white sand beach at Bávaro a short distance from your resort.
Relax on the beach or find an adventure.
Whether you are chasing waterfalls and kite-surfing thrills – or, craving poolside cocktails and swaying palms, your ideal Dominican getaway starts with knowing which coast calls to you. I wish to note: Whether you choose Puerto Plata or Punta Cana for your vacation, one thing you will find is that the people of the Dominican Republic are warm and hospitable irrespective of which region you visit.
Click the link to explore more!
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We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car, or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
The Dominican Republic is a land of sun-kissed shores, lush mountains and vibrant culture. However, when it comes to choosing a beach escape, two regions typically rise to the top: Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. While both promise Caribbean bliss, they cater to vastly distinct types of travelers.
Relaxing on a beach or going on an adventure, both are at your fingertips.
Puerto Plata:
Personally, when I am on vacation, I’m more of the laid-back type of traveler (so by the time you finish reading this story, it will be quite easy to guess which part of the “DR” you might find me). As you’ll see, both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana embrace their natural environment, so you have clear options to help you decide whether you want a rustic and adventurous experience, or one that’s more sedate and restful. Please read on to learn more.
Puerto Plata:
Personally, when I am on vacation, I’m more of the laid-back type of traveler (so by the time you finish reading this story, it will be quite easy to guess which part of the “DR” you might find me). As you’ll see, both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana embrace their natural environment, so you have clear options to help you decide whether you want a rustic and adventurous experience, or one that’s more sedate and restful. Please read on to learn more.
Relaxing on a beach or going on an adventure, both are at your fingertips.
Walk under the colorful umbrellas while you explore Puerto Plata.
Located on the Dominican Republic’s North Coast, Puerto Plata has a rustic colonial vibe which leans heavily into authentic Dominican culture, while also offering outdoor adventure and ecotourism. In addition to its rainforest and mountain access, water sports (such as surfing and kiteboarding) are immensely popular with those visiting Sosúa, Playa Dorada and Cabarete beaches. Puerto Plata attracts couples and laid-back types of travelers, and it is one of the most budget-friendly vacation destinations in the Caribbean. These cost savings also carry over to the culinary offerings which can be enjoyed via street vendors and in restaurants that are frequented by locals.
Walk the white sand beach at Bávaro a short distance from your resort.
Punta Cana:
As Puerto Plata’s upscale cousin, Punta Cana is a modern and luxury-focused beach resort community that is found on the Dominican Republic’s Eastern Coast. Known for its picturesque white sand beaches with calm turquoise waters (at Macao, Juanillo and Bávaro beaches), this region is ideal for those who want relaxation and solitude. While beaches here are not ideal for surfers, those who enjoy snorkeling will feel right at home. Punta Cana is ideal for families with children, couples and those with a desire to just simply luxuriate. The culinary scene here is more international focused and tends to be of the upscale and resort variety.
Punta Cana:
As Puerto Plata’s upscale cousin, Punta Cana is a modern and luxury-focused beach resort community that is found on the Dominican Republic’s Eastern Coast. Known for its picturesque white sand beaches with calm turquoise waters (at Macao, Juanillo and Bávaro beaches), this region is ideal for those who want relaxation and solitude. While beaches here are not ideal for surfers, those who enjoy snorkeling will feel right at home. Punta Cana is ideal for families with children, couples and those with a desire to just simply luxuriate. The culinary scene here is more international focused and tends to be of the upscale and resort variety.
Walk the white sand beach at Bávaro a short distance from your resort.
Relax on the beach or find an adventure.
Whether you are chasing waterfalls and kite-surfing thrills – or, craving poolside cocktails and swaying palms, your ideal Dominican getaway starts with knowing which coast calls to you. I wish to note: Whether you choose Puerto Plata or Punta Cana for your vacation, one thing you will find is that the people of the Dominican Republic are warm and hospitable irrespective of which region you visit.
Click the link to explore more!
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car, or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger and Costco enthusiast.
