Puerto Plata Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata Part 2

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). [cont below right]

Above: An aerial view of Puerto Plata

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.

History

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 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.

Puerto Plata Dominican Republic was then abandoned until the latter half of the 18th century, when the port again received merchant vessels.

Puerto Plata Dominican Republic tourist attractions

Pico Isabel de Torres:

Pico 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 above 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

North Dominican Republic