When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Puerto Plata?
The best time to find budget-friendly Puerto Plata flights is from May to mid-June when rates are lowest and the number of visitors drops. Puerto Plata is a year-round destination with average temperatures ranging from 26-32 degrees Celsius and 80 per cent humidity. Peak season is from December to April when the weather is most pleasant. Find the best rates on airfare with Netflights by using the search and filter options with flexible dates.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Puerto Plata?
The best time to book return flights to Puerto Plata is at least three months before travelling. Prices rise as your departure date approaches but if you’re flexible on dates and feeling adventurous, great deals on last-minute flights can help keep costs low. When travelling, don’t forget to bring an umbrella during the rainy seasons in summer and winter. Hurricanes may also happen during these times, so be prepared.
Flying to Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP) is the fourth-busiest airport in the Dominican Republic. It is located 19.5 kilometres away from Puerto Plata.
Flights to Puerto Plata are only available from London’s Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport with American Airlines and Lufthansa. There are no direct flights to POP from the UK and all indirect flights require two stopovers, in cities like Denver, Los Angeles, Miami or Madrid. You can use Netflights.com to search for the best route to suit your budget and plan your dream 2018 getaway.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
POP is a small international airport with a single terminal. It has ten gates: five with boarding bridges on the satellite concourse and five without on the main concourse. It includes amenities like craft and souvenir shops, restaurants and fast-food stalls, bars, a bureau de change, ATMs, car hire desks and a post office.
Getting to the City from Gregorio Luperón International Airport (POP)
Most travellers will have prearranged transport through a tour operator to get from Gregorio Luperón International Airport to Puerto Plata. If this is not the case for you, or you prefer to travel by other means, the airport has two options available: taxis and car hire. Taxis can be found outside the customs area and operate at standard rates. It is advisable to ask about the price before departing. Payment is made once you arrive at your destination. If you choose to travel by car, POP has car hire agencies like Europcar, Budget and Avis.
Why visit Puerto Plata?
Puerto Plata, Spanish for ‘Silver Port’, is an attractive Caribbean destination thanks to its beaches, tropical setting and hotel resorts. One of your first stops should be the beautiful Playa Dorado. This popular golden beach features white sand and sparkling blue water with markets, resorts and plenty of places to stop for a drink or bite to eat while taking in the spectacular views. Travel inland, just a short drive from the city, to see the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua and take a dip in the pool at their base.
See the city and the island from above with the Teleferico Puerto Plata cable car which climbs 800 metres to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres. Once at the summit, you can take pictures of the panoramic view and see the magnificent Christ the Redeemer statue, a replica of the famous Brazilian one. Other fascinating sites include Fort San Felipe, the Ocean World amusement park and the charming colourful Victorian homes of Puerto Plata city centre.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
All travellers entering Puerto Plata are required to have a tourist card. This card is available at the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in London or on arrival at the airport for a fee. Tourist cards are valid for 30 days but can be extended for a fee after leaving the country. If you overstay this period, you will need to pay a surcharge before departing. Make sure you have your passport as well as return flight documentation with you when travelling because of random immigration checks. It is also advisable that you carry some Dominican pesos with you to pay for transport when you arrive at the airport.
