Puerto Plata: Rum, Chocolate & Amber Tour with Pickup

Summary

Rum tasting, chocolate making and pink alleys in Puerto Plata

You’ll taste Dominican rum straight from its source, nibble on fresh local chocolate, wander pink-painted alleys and umbrella-shaded streets, and stand atop San Felipe fortress looking out over Puerto Plata’s wild Atlantic coast—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story.

What’s the experience like?

We started our Puerto Plata city tour right off the cruise ship—our guide, José, was already waving at us like he’d known us for years. The van had cold water waiting (which I didn’t realize I’d need so badly until that Caribbean sun hit). First stop: Macorix Rum House. I’ve done tastings before but never stood in a room that actually smelled like sugarcane and old wood barrels. José told stories about poets and pirates between sips—six types of rum, all different, though after the third my notes got kind of fuzzy. One tasted like vanilla and fire at the same time.

After that we wandered into Choc Lovers DR, which is basically heaven if you’re into chocolate (and who isn’t?). They let us try these tiny squares of dark chocolate made from Dominican cacao—so rich it almost stuck to my teeth. The owner explained how they roast the beans; her hands moved fast as she talked, like she couldn’t help but show us every step. There was a moment where the smell of cocoa mixed with coffee drifting from Umbrella Street next door—it’s one of those sensory things that just sticks with you.

I snapped way too many photos under those bright umbrellas overhead (everyone does), then we ducked into Paseo Dona Blanca—the pink alleyway. It’s honestly hard not to laugh when you see grown adults posing on pink benches or pretending to be models against bubblegum walls. Locals just stroll by and smile; I guess they’re used to tourists acting silly here. At Central Park, people were gathered around chess tables and a guy selling mango slices with lime—he handed me one without saying a word, just nodded like “try it.”

The San Felipe fortress was up next—windy up there by the ocean, stones rough under your hands if you lean out over the wall. You can almost hear old cannons in your head if you close your eyes (I tried). We finished at Fifi Jewelry Amber Museum; there’s this chunk of amber with a lizard inside that looks straight out of Jurassic Park. I didn’t expect to care about rocks but seeing ancient bugs trapped in gold resin is weirdly moving. On the way back, someone asked if we could stop for cigars—José grinned and said “of course,” so we did. I still think about that view from the fortress sometimes—you know how some places just stick?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Puerto Plata city and culture

• Visit Macorix Rum House museum
• Taste six types of rum
• See chocolate production and tasting
• Walk Umbrella Street for photos
• Visit Paseo Dona Blanca alleyway
• Relax at Puerto Plata Central Park
• See Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle
• Tour Monseñor cigar factory
• Explore Fifi Jewelry Amber Museum
• Shop at El Mercado de Joaquin
• Take photos at Puerto Plata sign
• Visit Fortaleza San Felipe fortress

Top questions

Is pickup included for cruise passengers at Amber Cove or Taino Bay?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included at both Amber Cove and Taino Bay cruise ports.

How long does the Puerto Plata city tour last?

The tour typically lasts half a day with several stops in downtown Puerto Plata.

What do you see on this Puerto Plata city tour?

You visit Macorix Rum House, Choc Lovers DR chocolate factory, Umbrella Street, Paseo Dona Blanca (the pink alley), Central Park, San Felipe fortress, Fifi Jewelry Amber Museum, a cigar factory, and more.

Are rum tastings included in the price?

Yes, entry to Macorix Rum House and tastings are included.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels with minimal walking required between stops.

Can you buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes, there are opportunities to buy souvenirs at El Mercado de Joaquin market and other stops.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but bottled water is provided; snacks may be available for purchase along the way.

Will we have time to take photos at each stop?

Yes, there is time set aside for photos at places like Umbrella Street and Paseo Dona Blanca.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off right at your cruise port or hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard. All entrance fees are covered—from rum tastings at Macorix to guided visits inside San Felipe fortress and Fifi Jewelry Amber Museum—and your local guide keeps things moving without rushing you through those photo stops or quick snack breaks along the way.