Macorix House of Rum — Attraction in Puerto Plata

We took a city tour that included a visit to Macorix House of Rum. This was the most disappointing part of the 2 week trip to D.R.! Although the facilities were very clean and the staff were very hospitable it was not worth the effort. Firstly our guide took us through a dark entrance way which was neat but we could not see anything coming from the bright outside and she spoke so fast only the visitors near here could hear even understand what she was saying. She seemed very officious and seemed agitated when we asked her to repeat!

When the visitors at the rear of the group got to the display she had talked about (we were in a single file) she moved on to the next one and started to talk.

Secondly, our group (bus load of 40 or so) mostly spoke english and the movie was in french with subtitles we could not read over the visitors in the front rows. However the movie was a marketing ploy with no substance of how they made the rum. After all this was to have been a distillery tour not manly a history tour! Nice info though!

Thirdly, they rushed us through the tasting that we never know what we were tasting each time. As we were on holidays we didn't get too upset and then purchased some bottles and trinkets at the gift store to take home. This leads me to the final and most disappointing part of the visit. When I arrive home some two weeks later and looked at my Visa bill it had some extra charges added that were not on the invoice from the gift shop.

I approach Visa in regards to these charges and it appears all Macorix expenses had a service fee attached separately per transaction. They also treated the transactions as a Visa Cash Advance which I incurred interest charges from the transaction date until the balance is paid in full??

Fortunately for me I am able to pay my balance in full immediately.

Shame on this company for hiding these fees. Visa informed me they (Macorix) are not to place these fees on such a transaction as they were purchase transactions and NOT cash advances. If everyone on our bus made one purchase at the store that would be 40 x $5 = $200 per bus load. Criminal!

Note to file! I had enough money to pay in cash at the time but I was assured by the clerk at the register that no extra charges would be added. All currency conversations were showing on the stores and Visa receipts!! The bottles of rum we purchase were found downtown at a cheaper price!! Things are usually less expensive at...

If you’re visiting Puerto Plata and want a mix of culture, history, and local flavor, Macorix House of Rum is a stop you can’t miss!

From the moment you step inside, you’re welcomed with warm hospitality and a modern, vibrant atmosphere. The rum tour is well-organized and surprisingly fun — short and sweet, yet packed with fascinating information about the rum-making process and the history of Macorix, one of the Dominican Republic’s most iconic rum brands.

The guided tour begins with a brief video presentation that walks you through the origins of rum and its importance to Dominican culture. Then, you’re taken through the small but impressive exhibition area, where you can see the different types of barrels, aging methods, and ingredients used.

But the real highlight? The rum tasting! You’ll get to sample a wide variety of their delicious rums — from smooth aged blends to sweet coconut and fruity flavors. Whether you’re a rum lover or just curious, there’s something for every palate. The staff are knowledgeable and happy to explain the notes and unique features of each rum.

The gift shop at the end is another bonus — great prices and a perfect place to pick up a few bottles to take home as souvenirs. The bottles also come in beautifully designed packaging, perfect for gifts.

Tips: • The tour is affordable and doesn’t take more than 30–45 minutes, making it easy to fit into your day. • It’s located right in town, so it’s a convenient stop on a city tour or cruise excursion. • Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the colorful rum barrel wall!

Final thoughts: Macorix House of Rum offers a perfect balance of education, entertainment, and tasting. It’s a unique experience that adds flavor to your Puerto Plata adventure — literally! Highly recommend it for couples, friends, and even solo travelers looking to explore a bit of...

Honestly this was disappointing. We’ve been to a fair bit of wineries, distilleries, breweries, etc all over the place, and generally like to learn about the process and then taste the products.

Going rate in May ‘24 was $8 USD per person.

This tour was designed for tour bus groups and fairly over-produced. You don’t see into the actual warehouse, but a made-for-tourist barrel walk, a quick video without much substance, and then tasters.

Then do have 6 tasters, which is great. But the servers give you about 2 minutes to taste all of them; do your shots and move along!

Personally I’d rather take more time, learn about how the spirit is made, and enjoy the flavors. If that’s what you’re expecting you won’t find it...