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Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Location You will find Puerto Plata Dominican Republic [Silver Port] between the sea and the mountains,235 km from the capital Santo Domingo. It is the capital of the Dominican province Puerto and has a population of 130,000. Christopher Columbus named the city after admiring the `shining sea` when he arrived there in January , 1493. The Atlantic ocean is to the North, and to the West lies a small peninsula where the Castillo de San Felipe has stood since 1540. To the east is Long Beach, a beautiful beach with a great extension of golden sand. The region is enriched with amber, a pine fossil resin from the miocene age and with one of the world`s largest amber deposits, this coast is known as the Costa de Ambar (Amber Coast).
In 1492 this coast welcomed the maiden landing of Christopher Columbus ship the Santa Maria. Columbus subsequently founded the first city in the New World to be baptized with the name of La Isabela, in honor of Spain`s Queen, Isabel la Catolica. La Isabela was the seat of the first European government in the Americas. The town started to develop and flourished as a major trade center for the Spanish colonies. However, interest in places such as Mexico caused some business people to lose interest and by 1520, the city was financially ruined.
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic was then abandoned until the latter half of the 18th century, when the port again received merchant vessels. Tourism Puerto Plata all inclusive resorts at Playa Dorada and Costa Dorada ]located to the east], are known throughout the world. Its tourist area includes a stretch of golden sand beaches estimated at around 300,000 sq. meters. Ships and cruise liners arrive weekly at the tourist port in the bay.
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Puerto Plata trade Puerto Plata produces and exports coffee, cocoa, tobacco, liquor, dairy and pasta products, leathers and furs. Many locals are also employed in the fishing industry. Airport Puerto Plata is served by Gregorio Luperon International Airport, which lies about 15 km east of the city near the town La Union. It is one of the busiest airports for flights to Dominican Republic.
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic tourist attractionsPico Isabel de Torres is a 793 meter high mountain within the city. The top of the mountain features a botanical garden and a replica of Christ the Redeemer, the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. An aerial tramway [see right] will transport you up this mountain. La Isabela National Park: The first European settlement in the New World,location of Christopher Columbus ashes, venue of the first mass ever celebrated in the New World, and a cemetery. The Park also houses a Taino museum, regional crafts and gift shop, and the temple of the Americas, inaugurated on January 6, 1994, to commemorate the five-hundredth anniversary of the first mass of Paso de los Hidalgos, milepost of the first land route used by the conquistadors.
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic San Felipe Fort
It was originally erected to protect the city of Puerto Plata from attacking pirates and corsairs. Its construction was commissioned by King Felipe II, of Spain, and it was completed in 1577 by Don Rengifo de Angulo, the fort's mayor. It is located on a hill at the "Puntilla Del Malecon", overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; its strategic location protected the entrance to the city's seaport. Today, La Fortaleza San Felipe serves as a museum showcasing the important role it has played in the history of Puerto Plata, and the Dominican Republic. The amber museum A well-known attraction in Puerto Plata DR.
Puerto Plata Excursions
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic
Places to visit
Cofresi
The town had its humble beginnings as a small fishing village but is now a thriving beach resort. The bay itself is spectacular, with soft golden sand giving way to crystal clear waters.It offers panoramic views with a beach covered by coconut groves. One of the area's major attractions is the Ocean World Marine and Water Park, hosting the world's largest dolphin lagoon, the only sea lion encounter of its kind, the world's first shark interaction pool, as well as many other exotic animals, birds, reptiles and fish. Nightlife is in the hotels or there are a couple of bars and discos in the centre of the resort. Transfer time from the airport is around 30 minutes.
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic Costambar Located to the west of the city, Costambar is an open beach protected by coral reefs and almond trees that shield it from the sun. Long Beach Puerto Platas urban beach also is sheltered by almond trees and coconut groves; it is accessible to all patrons of the citys hotels and guest houses.
Puerto Plata Dominican Republic [cont]
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Out of the hardship smuggling developed and illegal trading ensued with French ships bringing in shiploads of European-made
goods and trading them for hides, livestock and foodstuffs. On hearing about the illegal trading the Spanish Crown ordered the city
to be destroyed.
This fort was built in the 16th century and later served as a prison under Rafael Trujillos 20th century dictatorship. 
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