Punta Cana vs. Puerto Plata: Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic

Okay, so you've settled on the Dominican Republic as your next vacation spot and we love that journey for you! The sun, the sand, the culture... you're in for a treat no matter where you go. But should you choose luxury paradise in Punta Cana or chase local vibes in Puerto Plata? It's definitely a tough call, but that's where we come in.

These destinations may seem similar at first glance, but don't be fooled. Each promises a delightful Dominican Republic getaway with its own unique flair. So, while you can't go wrong with either, keep reading to find out whether Punta Cana or Puerto Plata is more right for your next trip.

• Geography and climate
• Language
• Transportation
• Accommodations
• Beaches
• Attractions and nightlife
• Currency and affordability

You'll find the Dominican Republic nestled between Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea. Not a bad spot, right?! Sharing island space with Haiti, the country takes up the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola.

But let's zoom in to the vacation spots in question. On the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, is Punta Cana. Puerto Plata is located on the island's north coast and sits at the base of the Isabel de Torres Peak.

In terms of climate, both destinations enjoy pleasantly toasty temperatures all year round, with average highs somewhere between 28°C and 32°C. The main consideration when planning a trip to the Caribbean is hurricane season, which runs from June to November and typically peaks around August or September.

The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, and while English is also commonly spoken in popular tourist spots like Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and Santo Domingo, it's a good idea to get some of the basics down before you leave.

Here are a few words and phrases to get you started:

• Hola — Hello
• Adiós — Goodbye
• Cómo estás? — How are you?
• Por favor — Please
• Gracias — Thank you
• Lo siento — Sorry
• Playa — Beach

If you're booking an all-inclusive beach resort and are planning to spend most of your time there, you'll likely be able to get by on English alone, especially in Punta Cana. But if you're keen to venture a little off the beaten tourist track and visit family-run restaurants, shop at local markets or explore smaller surrounding towns, un poco Spanish will go a long way!

Good news! As two of the country's top vacation destinations, both Puerto Plata and Punta Cana have their own airports and are relatively easy to get to. In fact, Punta Cana International Airport is actually the country's busiest, with over 7.6 million international travellers arriving each year. Safe to say you'll have no trouble finding flights to Punta Cana from most major Canadian cities, although a layover in Toronto is common depending on where you're coming from.

Getting to Puerto Plata is slightly more difficult, but there are still plenty of options. If you're travelling from Toronto or Montréal you may get lucky and find a direct flight to Puerto Plata, but if you're leaving from elsewhere your trip will probably involve a stopover or two (either in Canada or the United States).

Prefer to avoid flying altogether? Caribbean cruise itineraries frequent the Dominican Republic — in particular Puerto Plata but also Santo Domingo and La Romana — making them a great way to experience the island's beautiful beaches and attractions.

The Dominican Republic is famous for its all-inclusive resorts, so once you've made it to your accommodations you could probably spend your entire vacation within the resort if you wanted to! But if day trips and cultural adventures are on the menu, rideshares, taxis or rental cars are the way to go when exploring Punta Cana or Puerto Plata. If you're feeling adventurous, there's also the guaguas or minibuses as a more affordable public transit option.

When it comes to accommodations in Puerto Plata vs. Punta Cana, you've got lots of options. In general, Punta Cana is known for its luxurious, all-inclusive resort choices, while Puerto Plata hotels are often a little smaller and more affordable with a local vibe and plenty of character.

Here are a few of our top picks in Punta Cana and Puerto Plata:

• Iberostar Waves Costa Dorada: This family-friendly, all-inclusive resort is positioned right on the beachfront and is an easy 10-minute drive from Puerto Plata's historic centre. Perfect for your next family trip, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone busy — from a children's pool and pickleball courts to swim-up bars!
• Gran Ventana Beach Resort: Located on the iconic sands of Playa Dorada, a vacation at this property means water sports, delicious dining and endless entertainment. The resort invites travellers to "come as a guest and leave as family", showcasing their commitment to providing quality service and comfort.
• Viva Heavens by Wyndham: A Kids' Club, cooking classes, water sports, live entertainment — all this and more await you at the all-inclusive Viva Heavens by Wyndham. Working up an appetite? Enjoy a bite to eat at one of the delicious on-site dining spots, V Kitchen, Rosmarino or Soarito!

The Caribbean is famous for sunny skies, turquoise waters and all-round stunning beaches, and the Dominican Republic is no exception.

Punta Cana is where you'll find those pristine, white-sand beaches that you see on all the postcards. In general, the waters are calmer and beaches here are ideal for swimming, splashing and relaxing. On the other hand, for water sports activities, you'll want to visit Puerto Plata — where you can expect golden sands and a stronger surf.

Here are a few of our favourite Punta Cana and Puerto Plata beaches:

• Dorada Beach: Nicknamed “Golden Beach”, Playa Dorada is one of Puerto Plata's most popular beaches. Conditions here are ideal for water sports, plus the area is surrounded by restaurants and beach clubs.
• Cabarete Beach: Along with nearby Kite Beach and Playa Encuentro, Playa Cabarete is where the action's at if you're into kiteboarding, surfing, sailing or other wind-powered activities.
• Sosúa Beach: For calmer waters and more relaxed beach vibes in Puerto Plata, try Playa Sosúa. This scenic spot is perfect for snorkelling, diving or just lounging around on the sand.

While its beautiful beaches are a major drawcard, there's so much more to explore in the Dominican Republic. Here are some of the biggest differences between Puerto Plata and Punta Cana that you should keep in mind when choosing your vacation spot!

Nature lovers won't want to miss the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua or the tropical forests and caves of Choco National Park in Puerto Plata. Mount Isabel de Torres also towers over the city, and the views from the top are well worth a trip! Our favourite mode of mountain transport has to be by teleférico; Puerto Plata is home to the only cable car in the Caribbean, making it all the more special. The cable car is currently closed for renovations, but don't worry — it's still possible to drive to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres in the meantime, which is the next best thing.

While Punta Cana's landscapes may be less rugged and varied than Puerto Plata's, one spot worth visiting is Hoyo Azul (the blue hole), a striking natural sinkhole found in Scape Park.

When it comes to history and local culture, Puerto Plata definitely takes the cake! History buffs should check out Fort San Felipe, a 16th-century fortress built to protect the coastline from pirates, and explore the preserved Victorian architecture in the city's historic centre. Jurassic Park fans will also enjoy a visit to the Amber Museum, where jewellery and insects encased in the golden tree resin are on display. 

In the mood for upscale restaurants and refined dining options? Head to Punta Cana. Prefer local bars and laidback feasts? Puerto Plata has you covered!

In terms of nightlife, you'll find that Puerto Plata has a wider variety of bars and nightclubs on offer, with Punta Cana more focused on resort-based entertainment. That being said, if you are looking for a night out in Punta Cana, head downtown and check out Coco Bongo or Imagine Punta Cana, a nightclub set in a cave... it's a cave rave!

Puerto Plata and Punta Cana are both in the Dominican Republic, so you'll need to convert your Canadian dollars over to Dominican pesos (RD$) before you jet off. Major resorts and other popular tourist areas may also accept US dollars but you'll often end up with a less favourable exchange rate, so it's always better to pay in pesos.

Despite all this talk of luxurious, all-inclusive hotel options, the Dominican Republic is considered a relatively affordable Caribbean vacation spot, especially compared to other islands like Aruba, Bonaire, Anguilla and Barbados. Generally speaking, Punta Cana is slightly more touristy and upmarket than Puerto Plata, so it's also a little pricier. Puerto Plata has more budget-friendly accommodations available, so if your priority is affordability you'll generally get more bang for your buck here.

Whether you decide to lay down your towel in Puerto Plata or Punta Cana, you're in for an incredible vacation. It really just comes down to what kind of Caribbean island paradise you're looking for! Need a little more help making up your mind? Check out our current travel deals or chat to one of our Travel Experts today.