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> Destinations > Dominican Republic > Puerto Plata
The North Coast is where tourism got its start in the Dominican Republic. At the heart of this region, the city of Puerto Plata curves around the base of towering Mt. Isabel de Torres. You can reach the pinnacle of the mountain by an electric sky tram called the teleférico. A manicured botanical garden dominated by a cruciform statue of Christ - a scaled-down version of the one in Rio de Janeiro - crowns its summit. More adventurous types can reach the summit on foot, after riding up three-quarters of the way by vehicle.
The charm of Puerto Plata, the largest city on the North Coast, is enhanced by the extent and variety of its Victorian architecture, unrivaled by any other Dominican city. Stylistically, the gingerbread motifs, wooden "lace" filigree, and pastel colors of its houses and public buildings convey the romantic aura of an earlier time, but functionally these house the tourist-oriented city's businesses, offices, shops, bars, restaurants and clubs that surround the Central Park.
History is also preserved here in the imposing San Felipe Fort, built by the Spaniards in the 16th century as protection against sea borne invaders. The fort, which was used as a prison until the 1960's, now houses a fine museum that documents its interesting history. Note it's rare cast-iron lighthouse, one of the few still standing in the Americas recently restored by the Wotrld Monuments Fund.
Visitors strolling the city's picturesque streets will also want to take time to see Puerto Plata's extraordinary Amber Museum, the Brugal rum factory, and stroll the length of the Malecon, the lively seaside boulevard.
Information provided by the National Hotel & Restaurant Association Tourism Promotion Council.
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