There is an abundance of Victorian-era architecture in Puerto Plata's historic city centre. The colorful houses have been undergoing restoration over the past decade, and can be seen in Calle Duarte, Calle Separación, Calle Beller and Calle Ariza.

Villa Vailima mansion was built in 1890 by the famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and was his home for the last five years of his life. Even though he only lived in Samoa for a few years, he did write quite a number of novels during that time. The Samoan people loved him and he was given the name Tusitala, which means 'storyteller.' A half-hour tour explores Villa Vailima and, inside the museum. You'll discover a myriad of artefacts, while outside carefully manicured lawns give an air of elegance. Stevenson and his wife Fanny Osborne are buried next door in the Mt Valea Scenic Reserve.

This open-air festival in the heart of the city boasts all genres that you can think of, and many activities and events for people of all ages. With theatre performances in July, and street concerts in August, this feast will take to you wild experiences and days (and tons) of fun, that get closed by the Soup Festival on the first Sunday in September before starting again next year.

The Davao River is famous for its 30 or so rapids spaced along a stretch of water that starts in the Baguio district’s highland areas and flows to the lowlands. It has become ‘the’ place to enjoy extreme white water rafting. There are a few picnic-perfect areas on its banks, too.