Puerto Plata: Rum Tasting, Chocolate & Cigar Factory Tour

Summary

Puerto Plata flavors from rum to chocolate with city stories

You’ll wander Puerto Plata with a local guide, tasting rum at Macorix House, strolling through pink-painted alleys, watching cigars being rolled by hand, and sampling fresh Dominican chocolate. Expect laughter, ocean views from San Felipe Fortress, and small surprises along the way—you might just find yourself feeling at home here.

What’s the experience like?

Ever tried to pronounce “Macorix” before your first sip of Dominican rum? I hadn’t either. Our day trip in Puerto Plata started there—inside this old house-turned-museum where the air smelled like brown sugar and barrels. Our guide, Ana, told us stories about poets and sugar cane fields while we tasted two types of rum (the second one was stronger than I expected). The place felt lived-in, not staged. I liked that.

We wandered out into the city, dodging scooters and street vendors selling mango slices. There’s this alley called Paseo de Doña Blanca—everything’s painted pink, even the benches. It’s a tribute to a hotel founder but honestly, it just made me smile. People took photos under umbrellas strung overhead. The cathedral was next; its white walls almost glared in the sun. Ana explained how it survived fires and hurricanes—she seemed proud, and I caught myself feeling a bit protective of it too.

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be so fascinated by cigar rolling at the factory. Watching those hands work—fast but careful—was almost hypnotic. They handed us fresh cigars (I tried one; not really my thing but hey). The jewelry shop next door sparkled in that way only Caribbean shops do. And then came chocolate: at Del Oro Chocolate Factory, you can smell roasted cocoa before you even step inside. We sampled little squares that melted quick in the heat—probably should’ve bought more for later.

Somewhere between the fortress views and the ocean breeze up on the hill, I realized how much I’d laughed that day—mostly at myself trying to speak Spanish or just getting lost in Ana’s stories. It wasn’t perfect; sometimes we lingered too long or moved too fast. But now when I think of Puerto Plata, it’s not just a place on a map—it’s rum on my tongue and pink paint under my shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Puerto Plata city highlights

• Visit Macorix House of Rum museum
• Walk Paseo de Doña Blanca alley
• See Cathedral of San Felipe Apostol
• Tour Del Oro Chocolate Factory
• Visit cigar factory and jewelry store
• Enjoy view from upper city area
• Explore San Felipe Fortress and amphitheater

Top questions

How long is this Puerto Plata tour?

This is a half-day tour covering key city highlights within several hours.

Does the tour include rum tasting?

Yes, you’ll taste different rums at Macorix House of Rum during the tour.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle for your convenience.

Can children join this Puerto Plata city tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages and offers infant seats if needed.

Are there any food tastings included?

You’ll sample chocolate at Del Oro Chocolate Factory during your visit.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Will we visit San Felipe Fortress inside?

You’ll see San Felipe Fortress from outside along with panoramic ocean views.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, bottled water and soda provided throughout. You’ll be guided by a local who shares stories as you explore rum and chocolate factories, stroll city streets—including that famous pink alley—and take in fortress views before returning relaxed (and maybe slightly full of chocolate).