puerto plata: sun, sea, and surprises
puerto plata is one of those places that sneaks up on you. i landed with zero expectations, thinking it would be just another beach town, but man, was i wrong. the moment i stepped off the plane, the humidity hit me like a warm hug-yeah, it's 25°c and feels like 26, so bring your lightest clothes and a fan. seriously, you'll need it.
i heard from a local bartender that the best time to explore is early morning before the sun turns the streets into a skillet. *malecón is where you want to start-a long, breezy boardwalk with views that make you forget about your inbox back home. someone told me the sunsets here are unreal, and i can confirm: they're not lying.
if you get bored, sosúa and cabarete are just a short drive away. sosúa is more chill, perfect for wandering around and pretending you're in a novel. cabarete, on the other hand, is for the kitesurfers and the party crowd. i tried kitesurfing once-never again. but hey, if you're into that, kite Club Cabarete is the spot.
food-wise, lulú ceviche bar is a must. i overheard someone raving about their shrimp ceviche, and now i'm obsessed. for coffee snobs (guilty), café del sol has the best cold brew in town. no joke.
i just checked and it's 25°c there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is at 78%, so your hair will have a mind of its own. embrace it.
one thing i didn't expect? the history. fortaleza san felipe is this old spanish fort that looks like it's straight out of a pirate movie. i spent an afternoon there, imagining the stories it could tell. someone warned me it gets crowded around noon, so go early or late.
and let's talk about the people. puerto plata locals are some of the friendliest i've met. i got lost once (okay, twice), and every time, someone walked me to my destination. no map needed.
if you're into nature, 27 charcos de damajagua* is a hidden gem. it's a series of waterfalls you can hike and swim in. i heard it's a bit of a trek, but worth every step. just wear sturdy shoes-i learned that the hard way.
i'll be honest, i didn't want to leave. there's something about puerto plata that sticks with you. maybe it's the mix of history, nature, and that unbeatable vibe. or maybe it's just the rum. either way, i'm already planning my next trip.
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