Good Puerto Plata Tour Guide

[afroski]

Heres my stab at kind of a trip report:

I was in Sosua for the week of Thanksgiving and spent a couple of afternoons hanging out on the Malecon in Puerto Plata. There are a couple of english speaking restaurants and bars down by the fort end of the Malecon, one is called Tam Tam and the other is named Pizzeria Barco which is run by a guy named Hans. One day when I wanted to take a tour of POP Hans hooked me up with an official POP tour guide, these guys actually work for the city as tourist guides and helpers, they wear light blue shirts with name tags. I told Hans that I needed an english speaking guide and he called up Mannie to take me around. Mannie was the best! He took me into places in POP that I would have never gone on my own, and once I let him know that I might also be interested in some chica tail he took me to all the neighborhoods where the chicas live. Mannie took me all thru POP, Costambar, Cofressi, San Marcos, et al. Caught part of a baseball game towards the end of the day and he even offered to take me to a cock fight if I wanted. Mannie was the best tour guide I could have gotten for POP and since he's paid by the city his services would have been free but I gave him 500 pesos anyway for his time and advice.

And the advice he gave was that away from Sosua and in POP the Dominican men usually pay no more than 300 - 500 pesos for pussy and that I, a tourist, should not let a chica in POP charge me more than 1000 pesos. His advice was dead on too, I got away with 800 - 1000 pesos each for the 3 chicas I snatched up out of POP along with spending another 500 pesos for the 4 hour cabanas on the west side of town.

Hanging out in POP the couple of afternoons and evenings that I did was time well spent.

Mannie doesn't have a car so you'll need to have a rental or something but here is his cell number if you want to get in touch with him once you get there:

Mannie the tour guide
829-532-3597

That was my 10th trip or so to Sosua but my first time hanging out over in POP, I'd been to BBs and been thru POP several times but had never stopped on the Malecon to sit and people watch. It seems that quite a few expats hang out over at Tam Tam and Pizzeria Barcos.

[Si_Poppi]

I don't see how these guys can make a living without having their own wheels.

The relatively few tourists who are confident enough to be driving there usually already know their way around and the rest who use taxis can very easily find a taxi driver who is also their guide.
I don't see the point in paying for a driver and a guide.

I give them credit for trying to make an honest living but I just can't see there being much demand for their services.

Where did you get the chicas in Puerto Plata?

[afroski]

This one neightborhood or area of town seemed to be where a lot of chicas lived. If you're driving thru town on the main road you'll come to a very busy intersection, look out for the window washing kids, there is an overhead crosswalk. We turned inland at that intersection and my guide took me up into several areas where he knew girls for hire. Also, the streets behind the Malecon in the evening there were several girls out and about and then also by the town square in the day and evening I ran into girls.

My experience was nothing like Sosua where its point and shoot but its a good change of pace and scenary.

[Jimmydr]

This one neightborhood or area of town seemed to be where a lot of chicas lived.

Unless things have changed in the last two years, they live everywhere.

[weyland]

Unless things have changed in the last two years, they live everywhere.
Indeed. Hard to imagine the ratio by sex and different age groups varies much from barrio to barrio so if the guide suggested he was taking Afroski to a particular barrio "where there were more chicas" he was talking out of his ass.

But if he were taking him to a particular barrio where he already had contacts with certain available chicas that would be a different matter.

[sonrisa]

Thanks for the info. I've enjoyed visiting Puerto Plata several times. To me, Puerto Plata and Sosua are very different with Puerto Plata feeling much more Dominican. Sosua is good in its own way. I enjoy getting to know places better and would enjoy an afternoon with a good tour guide of Puerto Plata. Weyland was also very helpful to me in becoming better acquainted with the city. I love to drive around ciudades and pueblas like Puerto Plata, Imbert and others.

[sonrisa]

Thanks for the recommendation. I enjoy becoming better acquainted with the real life and not just the touristy scenery. Having a tour guide like this would be a good way to do just that. Weyland was also helpful to me in becoming better acquainted with Puerto Plata.

[afroski]

Weyland, you're correct, he was taking me to places where he already had contacts and knew the chicas personally. I'm sure as you said that they are spread out everywhere but without a guide I wouldn't have known where to start and I'd just be sitting in Sosua for my whole trip. And as the previous poster indicated I too enjoy getting out and about in the various towns and villages and having a local guide gets you into places you probably wouldn't or shouldn't go on your own. Plus, my guide told me that a lot of the girls don't have the money to get them over to Sosua and Classicos so they seldom make it out of the barios.

That same trip I took a day trip over to Luperon, I just wanted to see the place and its definitely not a mongering town. I sat down at a little bar in town and within minutes a couple of local chicas came around looking for some action.

Excursions like this is why I always rent a car whenever I'm in the DR. I'll be there again next week for New Years, coming in on Wednesday the 30th and leaving out on the 4th and I'll be hanging out in Sosua some but also looking to venture out on the island and see what other honeys are out there.

[Jimmydr]

Excursions like this is why I always rent a car whenever I'm in the DR. I'll be there again next week for New Years, coming in on Wednesday the 30th and leaving out on the 4th and I'll be hanging out in Sosua some but also looking to venture out on the island and see what other honeys are out there.


They can be found everywhere and all (95%) will join you for a meal or a beer.

[yayow]

What a tour guide or someone like that does, is he eliminates some of the natural wariness that locals that don't know you may have. I have many Dominican friends in Santo Domingo, and I tend to go places with them, where they know the people, know the best places to go in an area, and are better in the language etc., when I show up with them, whatever value that person has with the people in that location some of it automatically transfers over to me.

Now I have never used a "tour guide", I choose to use Dominican friends, but in many ways they serve the same purpose.

[Jimmydr]

What a tour guide or someone like that does, is he eliminates some of the natural wariness that locals that don't know you may have. I have many Dominican friends in Santo Domingo, and I tend to go places with them, where they know the people, know the best places to go in an area, and are better in the language etc., when I show up with them, whatever value that person has with the people in that location some of it automatically transfers over to me.




But you know this guy as opposed to some guy that walks up to you. I met a guy at the hotel in Jamaica. He was a cousin of one of the workers and he works for the power company. After a few meetings I asked him to show me around.

[afroski]

The guide I had was someone that was recommended to me by the bar owner not just some guy off of the street. And the bar owner seemed like a stand up guy since I saw many expats hanging out at his bar and conversing with him. And his bar had been recommended to me by others off of other forums. My only comment is that having a guide every now and then can definitely enhance your vacation and mongering experience.

Over the past 5 years that I've been coming down to the DR the girls that hang out in and around Classicos seem to be a LOT more hardcore than before. So I make Sosua my homebase but I venture out more looking for chicas rather than only sample Sosua's. And since I don't speak spanish if I show up in a town that looks like it may have some potential and after some sort of screening I'll consider paying a guide a couple of pesos as part of the cost of doing business.

[Si_Poppi]

Excursions like this is why I always rent a car whenever I'm in the DR.If you have a car, then a guide can make sense.

My point was that the vast majority of tourists do not rent cars and it doesn't make sense to hire a driver and a guide.
A guide without wheels has an extremely limited market.

It seems to me that these guys can go a very long time between customers and it does not seem like a practical way to make a living.
Perhaps it's okay just to make a few extra side pesos once in a while.

[afroski]

The guide that I had was employed by the city to be a tourist guide so he got paid wether I came along or not. An expat that I met over in POP that had been living there for about the last 20 years said that years ago when cruise ships used to come to POP the city used to employ armies of tourist guides to meet the cruise ships and be available to show the tourists around. I haven't seen 'official' tourist guides in other parts of the country so maybe this is unique to POP.

[yayow]

..... I haven't seen 'official' tourist guides in other parts of the country so maybe this is unique to POP.

Actually they have official tour guides in Santo Domingo as well, in the Zona Colonial area, specifically, don't think in other areas of the city. That is their jobs, so just like in POP, I am sure they are paid by the city, or the Zona Colonial association, plus whatever tips they can make, they all have official Id's and generally dress in khaki pants, and either blue shirts with ties or tan shirts with ties. They all speak different languages besides Spanish of course.

The tour ships, come into the Zona Colonial area, and often you will see these guys, guiding quite large groups through the Colonial Zone. As well as the occasional one of one tour.

[vagabond]

The guide that I had was employed by the city to be a tourist guide so he got paid wether I came along or not. An expat that I met over in POP that had been living there for about the last 20 years said that years ago when cruise ships used to come to POP the city used to employ armies of tourist guides to meet the cruise ships and be available to show the tourists around. I haven't seen 'official' tourist guides in other parts of the country so maybe this is unique to POP.

I'm a lot in downtown Puerto Plata, and even if these tour guides are paid by the city, I'm sure they make most of their money from tips, or a cut, if they lead you to certain restaurants etc. I'm sure your guide was ok, but personally I think many of them are a pain in the ass. Many are very persistens, and hang on to you even if you ask them to leave you alone.

[officemgr]

http://i468.photobucket.com/albums/rr42/mw0809vac/24onedg.jpg
Seriously, I have not seen you in awhile but you are right about Classicos. The mofugly and hardcores have scared away alot of the decent chicks, but there are still gems to be found in Sosua.

[givengo440]

Like I said when you get out and around it turns out to be a better trip. When I ventured out to POP solo I had a idea of where I was going and what i was going to do (ie hang out on the malecone and people watch, hit up crystals during the day b/c I heard it was open, and just see what I could get into. When Johny (security guard I met a few nights earlier) and we went around to the different areas of the city riding through market areas, chicas, etc. POP definantly has a different vibe then Sosua like previously said more Dominican. I enjoyed my day the chicas I met and the sited I saw.

[FLORIDASUR]

I used a taxi driver/guide when I first went to the DR and Puerto Plata 4 years ago and benefited greatly as a new comer by having a knowledgeable person show me the area including tourist attractions and chica spots. It's a great idea for a newbie. I was alone and knew nothing about the DR.
I agree that the girls in Sosua are seeming more and more hardcore professionals. In Puerto Plata I have met a lot of nice girls who don't have that hardcore manner about them. I notice when I look at the recent picture postings from Sosua that I know almost all the girls. It is the same girls over and over again. In Puerto Plata in those little bars with the small exit fee I have never seen a girl that I know from Sosua. But I have in Cristal.
So I would recommend Puerto Plata for guys that want a change of pace. For me it is fun to do something different. I have actually started to get a little bored in Sosua...although I am sure many guys would find that hard to believe. I even thought maybe I shouldn't talk too well about Puerto Plata because I don't want too many guys heading over there and messing up a good thing. I have even picked up chicas in the big Target-like store called La Serena.

[yayow]

I don't think you really have to worry about that FlaSur, because most of the guys on this board still prefer, not having to work to hard (or at all) to get their putas.

I believe you also have an advantage due to your knowledge of the language, that most of the guys that read this board don't have, and therefore, are less likely to venture out, so I don't think you will see many of them picking up chicas in La Serena (or anywhere else in POP), although if they did, they would have an experience unlike any they have had in Sosua.

[sammytheman]

After reading through this thread I gotta throw my hats off to you guys who travel solo. Especially the guys who don't speak Spanish :eek:

[SeaWeed]

After reading through this thread I gotta throw my hats off to you guys who travel solo. Especially the guys who don't speak Spanish :eek:the biggest problem we have for us guys that don't speak much Spanish is when you are driving a rental and you stop and ask for directions:eek:

[gdogg]

There are many guys who go solo, and their Spanish is horrible/non-existent. They have no complaints, and they go many times a year!

[Beads]

I actually know Mannie and have known him for several years. He is a tall guy who speaks English and last time I saw him he was working for Seacrets. Over the years he has always gone out of his way to be helpful to me is a nice enough guy.

Do I trust him 100%? definitely not.

When I see him over the years I have bought him a few beers while we were talking or wandering around. Once in particular during my first few trips I decided to walk around Los Charamicos and walked by his home during the day. He came outside and said hello to me as he typically does and asked what I was doing. When I said I was looking around in Los Charamicos as I wasnt that familiar with the place he said he and hour of free time and walked me around showing me some of the places while we had a few drinks and stopped for some lunch at a chicken place.

Definitely some useful information and as he lives there he knew a lot of people and introduced me to quite a few people.

One thing to keep in mind is this is in fact his job and he does deserve some type of payment if people use him for his services.

I have over my visits come to meet many of the tour guides who hang around Sosua and he is definitely a decent enough guy trying to earn a living with the skillset he has. He has never tried to scam me unlike a lot of the other tour guide guys looking to rip off anyone the first chance they get.


As states he does not have a car so this is an extra cost if you want to go outside of the area.

I have a guy I use for taking trips out of town as I do not like to drive or rent a car. I will ask him if I can give out his phone number. This guy speaks several languages including English and Spanish, is a local to Sosua who lives there, carries a gun , and has a vehicle. I met him several years ago on the beach where he still works when there is work. He actually currently works with Ari at stall #67 (one of the advertisers on this site). I pay him a standard $20 for an airport ride (they charge $25 now so I give this guy my business and save $5 on the ride).

We also will take night trips into Puerta Plata and other cities at about the same cost as a taxi for a short ride to Puerta Plata for an hour we can hang out with him all night if we choose to.

Typically we will pay for his gas, a drink or two and throw him 1500 pesos for a night out. Renting a car or taxi will cost about the same but without the commissions on things, including a guy to do translation if needed for anyone, and to keep an eye out for trouble and be able to deal with any problems before they happen if needed.For a group of 3 or 4 guys to do a night trip to POP visit some strip bars and local spots an extra $20-$30 on the bill to have a vehicle with a good driver, translator, and security all rolled into one makes it worthwhile in my opinion.

[The Exterminator]

A "tour" guide is definitely not needed but just someone that knows the environment especially for non-spanish speaking visitors.
So people that want to visit Puerto Plata and not for shopping tour. But to look for chicas just PM me. I will go to all those places downtown and you will love it!
Greets
:biggrin:

[yayow]

A "tour" guide is definitely not needed but just someone that knows the environment especially for non-spanish speaking visitors.
So people that want to visit Puerto Plata and not for shopping tour. But to look for chicas just PM me. I will go to all those places downtown and you will love it!
Greets
:biggrin:

I assume this means that you live there, how long have you been in country Mr. Exterminator??

[The Exterminator]

;)

10 years Puerto Plata...

[yayow]

;)

10 years Puerto Plata...

Always good to know another ex-pat monger that is willing to show a fellow around. I try and do the same if someone contacts me and tells me they will be in Santo Domingo, as does P2, Mr. Happy and the Dwolf.

I may take you up on your kind offer, I know a few spots in POP, from my time in Sosua, and plus Dominican Billy, and Weyland have also showed me around a bit. But I would love to find some of the places off the beaten path, that is truly what I like to see, I enjoy being in the place and being the one or one of the only gringos in site, all attention is on you, and I get a kick out of that. ;)

[yayow]

By the way Mr. Exterminator, welcome to the site. I see that you don't have many posts, but with 10 yrs experience in Puerto Plata, maybe you can fill us in a little bit about that area, I know it will be welcome information.

Looking forward to seeing many more posts from you in the future.

[weyland]

I would love to find some of the places off the beaten path, that is truly what I like to see, I enjoy being in the place and being the one or one of the only gringos on site, all attention is on you, and I get a kick out of that.
... and I would love to join this outing, too.

[weyland]

Weyland ... also showed me around a bit.
I would have shown you a bit more but I couldn't get your ass out of El Consulador. Funny about that place. Thunderstar and I love it, you and Trib liked it, Shredder walked out in disgust after a while and FloridaSur never got pass the entrance once he felt his ears start bleeding. Dominican Billy goes there quite a bit but will only sit outside.

[thunderstar]

Bloody miss it Weyland. So so desperate for a holiday!
( Good news on the leg - Im starting to walk again - like an 80 year old granny - but walking is walking! )!

We will see you soon!

Dan & Jen
PS - I hope your looking for "the gap" for me!

[afroski]

I actually know Mannie and have known him for several years. He is a tall guy who speaks English and last time I saw him he was working for Seacrets. Over the years he has always gone out of his way to be helpful to me is a nice enough guy.

Do I trust him 100%? definitely not.



This may not be the same Mannie that I was referring to. The Mannie I met was maybe at best 5'7" or so, I know this because I am 5'8" and he was shorter than me. I only hung out with Mannie one day but he came across as a straight up guy. Plus the Mannie I met actually worked for the city of Puerto Plata as a tour guide so he didn't want or ask me to give him any money.

[Jimmydr]

After reading through this thread I gotta throw my hats off to you guys who travel solo. Especially the guys who don't speak Spanish :eek:


I agree with this one.