The Best Excursion in Puerto Plata: Classic Cars Dominicana

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You probably think of Cuba when you think of vintage cars. Did you know you can also ride a vintage car in the Dominican Republic, too? If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Plata, you’re probably thinking about laying out on the beach at an all inclusive. If you’re just there for the day as a stop on your cruise, you’re probably expecting to just walk around for a couple of hours and do some quick souvenir shopping. No matter how long your time is here, a vintage car ride around the city with Classic Cars Dominicana is the best excursion in Puerto Plata.

The vintage car ride around Puerto Plata is about 3 hours, and cost me $95. I’m not totally sure if it’s $95 per person, as I was traveling solo on a private tour, so make sure to inquire about pricing if going with a group. Tours are available every day, at 8am, 10am, 2pm and 4pm, by reservation only. They don’t have a website, so you can reach out to them via DM on Instagram: @classiccarsrd The payment is easy, you can either do a bank transfer or they will send you a link via PayPal.

The vintage car ride includes:

Pick up and drop off at Parque La Puntilla (since I was solo and was staying in Puerto Plata, my driver did offer to drop me off directly at my hotel)
Bottled water
Driver who doubles as guide, available in English or Spanish
Drive around the Malecon (waterfront)
Admission to Macorix House of Rum (rum tasting and welcome cocktail included)
Admission to Amber Museum
Drive around the Historic Center
Stop at Paseo de Doña Blanca (the Pink Street)
Stop at the famous Umbrella Street for a little photo shoot (only the vintage cars are allowed on this pedestrian street, so you get your own unique photos here with the car)
Chocolate & coffee tasting at El Rincon del Cafe (they will give you a short presentation, but you’re not obligated to purchase any of their products)
Stop at Parque Central
Drive down the Kite Street
Stop at Fortaleza de San Felipe

The order in which these are done is dependent on the weather. It rained on and off during my time, but the itinerary had a good mix of some indoor and outdoor, and the roof on the car was retractable, so the driver was able to work around the weather to make sure I could still enjoy the experience to the fullest. He even had an umbrella ready for me.

If you’re in Puerto Plata just for the day on a cruise stop, this is the perfect activity to see the most of the city in a short time, and various time slots are available which will work with the times you are docked. If you’re in Puerto Plata for a few days, I would recommend doing this tour when the cruise ships are not in town, so you can get photos at the Umbrella Street in your vintage car without many people. This street and the historic center can get very crowded when there’s a cruise ship in town.

This activity is obviously great for groups, but even more perfect for a solo traveler like myself. You don’t have to worry about figuring out transportation. I also get nervous about setting up my tripod for photos in busy areas sometimes or worried about not being able to get the content I want, but my driver doubled as my photographer. The drivers are your own personal guides and know all the best spots to get photos and videos. I was impressed. The hospitality was exquisite. I was truly given the princess treatment during my time and I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Puerto Plata. 10 out of 10 and totally worth the price!