Puerto Plata: The Oldest Tourist City in the Caribbean
Founded in 1502, the north coast city of Puerto Plata was the second settlement founded by Christopher Columbus on the island currently shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The first settlement was “La Isabela,” founded in 1492.
Today, the city invites its many visitors to stroll through its oceanside streets, enjoy the city’s beautiful Victorian-style homes or to sit and enjoy the city’s picturesque central plaza.
The city also offers an attractive array of national and international restaurants nightclubs, and the exclusive Playa Dorada, Costa Dorada and Costambar resorts.
Puerto Plata’s Oceanside Drive
The city’s iconic oceanside drive, also known as the “Malecon,” is one of the country’s most beautiful avenues.
It is a favorite spot for Dominicans and international visitors to walk, jog, rides bicycles or simply sit alongside the avenue to enjoy the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.
At one end of the boulevard is the historic San Felipe Fortress, a colonial building that is now a popular museum that features the military weapons used in the country during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The Amber Museum
The museum, situated in a beautiful Victorian-style home, features the world’s most important amber collection.
Some of the amber pieces on exhibit feature fossils that are some 30 million years old. One of the museum’s most famous pieces is the amber rock featured in the film “Jurassic Park.”
Address: Duarte Street #61, Puerto Plata.
General Gregorio Luperon Museum
This is the original home of national hero General Luperon. In 1861, the Dominican Republic was once again annexed by Spain. General Luperon was the military leader that defeated the Spanish authorities in 1865
Address: 12 de Julio Street #54
E-mail: museogregorioluperon@claro.net.do.
“Damajagua Falls”
The 27 Damajagua natural waterfalls is one of the north coast’s most important tourist attractions. National and international visitors continuously visit this nature preserve, which features more than two dozen natural waterfalls in a six square kilometer area.
For more information, visit: www.saltosdamajagua.com.
Puerto Plata’s Cable Cars
One of the city’s most iconic attraction are the cable cars that transport visitors to the city’s “Isabel de Torres” mountain. Once on top of the hill, visitors will enjoy the most beautiful and breathtaking view of the city and ocean.
More information available: www.telefericopuertoplata.com.
Ocean World
If swimming with the dolphins is your wish, then Ocean World is your destination. The water park also features other important attractions, such as wild bird exhibits, aquarium and other exotic animals. The park is also open in the evenings, featuring aquatic sports, casino, restaurants, disco, and its very popular Bravissimo cabaret spectacle
Source: Access DR
Category: DR Living |