Amber: The substance, classified as a semi-precious stone, is actually tree resin that has hardened across millennia, often enclosing fossils of plant and insect life. The museum offers guided tours in several languages, and has a shop where a full selection of Dominican amber jewellery can be obtained.

Playa Dorada: A short drive from the airport will bring you to Playa Dorada, a suburb of Puerto Plata, which has become a popular resort area because of its fabulous beaches, discos, casinos and night clubs.

Did You Know?... In 1492, Christopher Columbus described Puerto Plata as "the fairest land under heaven".

Windsurfing: In the suburb of Cabarete, meantime, windsurfing is the water sport of choice. In fact, Cabarete is considered one of the best places in the world for windsurfing.

History: Puerto Plata is cradled between its colonial harbor and a dramatic backdrop and nature reserve, Mount Isabel de Torres.

Culture: The Dominican Republic is all about music and dance In June. Puerto Plata hosts the week-long cultural festival, featuring jazz, blues, merengue and folk concerts throughout the city.

Paradise: Another suburb, Sousa, is a beach vacationer's paradise. Here you will find sandy shores, crystal clear waters, coconut trees and fantastic diving.

Did You Know?... The city was founded by Nicolás de Ovando in 1502. A personal decree signed by Christopher Columbus gave the city its name, inspired by the shimmering silver colour of its coast at sunset.

Trips: To see Puerto Plata from above, ride the cablecar to Mount Isabel de Torres, blanketed in tropical floral gardens, whose hilltop Christ with extended arms reminds one of Rio de Janeiro’s.

Tropical Storms: Puerto Plata can be hit by tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

National Parks: The South Coast contains some of the country's bigger cities and national parks. The capital, Santo Domingo, was the first Spanish settlement in the Americas.

Rock Art: The Dominican Republic also lays claim to some of the more intriguing culture and history in the area, dating back to its early cave-dwelling groups, the Taínos , who recorded much of their activities in the form of rock art.

Did You Know?... You can take in the best views along El Malecón or any of the streets leading to the sea.

Gold: In Columbus times gold was discovered in the Cibao river, so the first permanent European settlement, Isabella, was founded here, not far east of Puerto Plata to exploit the gold.

Playa Dorada: 10 minutes to the east of Puerto Plata, concentrates the largest number of hotel rooms in the north of the Dominican Republic. The shopping center Playa Dorada Plaza offers a lot of stores and movie theatres. Less than 10 minutes away there is the Columbus Water Park.

Cofresi: situated to the west of Puerto Plata, is also an enclave of several smaller hotels that use the same Cofresi beach facility.

Maimon: Located about 5 minutes from the highway entrance to Cofresi and is home to new all-inclusive resorts. The place is wonderful for those who seeking rest and relaxation with comforts provided by the hotel.

Did You Know?... It is a well known fact that Dominican amber served as inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park.

Did You Know?... San Felipe Fort was built in the 16th century to fend off pirates.

History: Puerto Plata has many historical and cultural attractions dating from the 16th century, as well as Victorian buildings from a latter era, for example, the architecture of Puerto Plata Central Park.

The Taino Art Museum: (Arawak Plaza, Calle Beller) attracts those who is interested in Dominican history and culture.