Day 5      6/10/2023

Puerto Plata

Frank's Trip

CLICK on any image to enlarge - use mouse cursor to move enlargement it if doesn't fit area

2nd Day in Puerto Plata...

Unlike Santo Domingo, it is difficult to find a shady spot and a place to sit and relax in the shade - such as a park.

This town is very colorful! So many bright colors on so many buildings and a number of murals on the sides of buildings, too.

Aside from some exploration of the town, today I took the Teleferico (cable car) on the journey to the top of 2,600 foot Mount Isabel do Torres and the huge "Christ the Redeemer" statue.

Parque Central

Puerto Plata’s Parque Central or Independence Square is a great place to gaze at the Victorian architecture and soak up the slow-paced way of living.

Umbrella Street

Restaurants, gift shops, galleries... a really fun, cool, colorful, short street

Video: Umbrella Street

Short video look at Umbrella Street

Click [ ] icon for full screen

Catedral de San Felipe Apostol

The Cathedral of Saint Philip the Apostle is a Catholic cathedral with a very long history. The church was founded in 1502. It was destroyed by a fire in 1863 during the "Dominican War of Restoration" (Guerra de Restauración). The construction of the current church began in 1929 and was completed in 1956. The reconstruction took longer than expected due to an earthquake in 1946. In 2003 yet another earthquake damaged the structure, which was fully repaired by 2008.

Lots of fun murals around town

The cable car going from the town up 2,600 feet to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres is a beautiful ride both ways - up and down. The car holds 16; if there are many people there it is best to be among the first to board to get a place to stand by the front facing window - or the back as 2nd choice.

At the top are spectacular views of the city below. Also the giant "Christ the Redeemer" figure overlooking Puerto Plata (a replica of the one overlooking Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). A building at the base of the figure has gift shops and there are a few spots selling refreshments nearby. Across the parking lot is a nice restaurant. Also featured at the top is a cave and lagoon in the botanical gardens.

Mount Isabel de Torres

Take a taxi to the base of Mount Isabel de Torres southwest of Puerto Plata, and from there, a cable car to the peak, 2,600 feet above the city. Awaiting is a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer, a botanical garden and some spectacular views.

Video: Mount Isabel de Torres

View from top of Mount Isabel de Torres

Click [ ] icon for full screen