Teleferico Puerto Plata

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The Teleferico Puerto Plata rises high above the city and shares a breathtaking view for all brave enough to ride to the top. During my stay in nearby Sosua and Cabarete, my friend and I decided we had to experience the Caribbean’s only cable car. So we traveled by small bus to Puerto Plata and had a wonderful day learning all about Mount Isabel de Torres and the Teleferico.

The Teleferico Puerto Plata Cable Car

The Teleferico Puerto Plata, also known as the Puerto Plata cable car, is a popular tourist destination in the Dominican Republic. It’s a cable car system that carries visitors on a scenic ride up to the summit of Mount Isabel De Torres.

From the top, you have panoramic views of Puerto Plata and the surrounding coastline. The botanical gardens are also stunning with colorful tropical plants, trees, and other greenery.

History of the Teleferico Puerto Plata

Christopher Columbus named the location Monte de Plata in 1503. During the colonial period, it was renamed Isabel de Torres Mountain in honor of Queen Ysabel of Spain. This name remained and is still used today.

Mountaintop Fortress

The dictator Trujillo’s regime (1930-1961) had an anti-aerial fortress constructed on the top of the mountain. The dome at the top was perfect for monitoring the surrounding area. It contained anti-aircraft artillery to protect the area from attack. This building was covered in local plants and herbs which made it appear to be part of the natural mountaintop.

Unfortunately, the unpredictable weather and frequent mist prevented the fortress from fully realizing its potential. In 1970, the statue of Christ the Redeemer found a permanent home at the top of the dome. This changed its purpose from a military one to one honoring a religious figure.

Building the Cable Car and Park

In 1972, a contract was signed with an Italian company to provide the cable car materials. They constructed a road to the top in 1973. This was to make transporting materials up the mountain easier for the people working on the park and the cable car.

The Teleferico Puerto Plata opened in 1975. They welcome guests to ride the cable car up to the top in a little more than 10 minutes, traveling 2625 feet. Mount Isabel de Torres is now a national park promoting the natural plants and animals native to the area.

How to Get to the Teleferico Puerto Plata

The cable car is located just south of the city of Puerto Plata on top of Mount Isabel de Torres. People believed it was so important that it has its own street. If driving, put the address into the GPS. Taxi drivers will know the name of the Teleferico Puerto Plata, so just ask for it by name.

The Main Building

Once we made it to the parking lot, the main building was spacious and cool inside. We purchased tickets for our group of four and had to wait for the next cable car. There are only two cars with one going up and the other coming down.

Entertainment While Waiting

I usually hate waiting in lines for anything, but this experience was different. Local musicians were playing upbeat Dominican music that had everyone tapping their toes and singing. Seats were available for the large amount of people waiting for their turn to ride the cable car. Because we were being entertained, the wait passed by quickly.

Music While Waiting for Our Ride to the Top. Watch the video here.

How Much to Get Up to the Top?

Tickets are currently priced at $10 per person and children aged 5-10 are $5. It is well worth the price. The cable car runs until 5:00 pm, so make sure to be ready and waiting for the ride back down to the starting point before then.

Teleferico Puerto Plata coming to the top of the mountain. Watch the video here.

The Ride Up to the Peak

Riding up to the top takes just 10-12 minutes and the views are simply amazing. The cable cars hold up to 30 people and it was a full group riding up. I enjoyed listening to the assorted languages from locals and tourists alike. Many of us couldn’t understand the others, but everyone was smiling and excited for the ride to the top. The distance is 855 meters above sea level.

The ride upward started out smoothly with the sun shining through the windows of the cable car. As we approached the top, swirling fog and mist engulfed the car and visibility was non-existent. We continued up to the top and the mist finally cleared as the cable car reached the peak.

I later learned it is recommended to go earlier in the day to avoid the clouds and fog. But the swirling mist made the ride even more adventurous and we were happy when the clouds cleared at the top.

Click here to learn more about available tours including the Teleferico and Mount Isabel de Torres.🚠

What to Do Once on Top of the Mountain?

Christ the Redeemer

At the top of Mount Isabel De Torres, there’s a large statue of Christ the Redeemer. This is a popular spot for tourists to visit and take photos. Inspired by the iconic statue in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, it is smaller in size but still depicts Jesus Christ with outstretched arms. Both statues symbolize peace and protection.

 

The statue on the top of Mount Isabel De Torres stands about 16 meters (52 feet) tall while the Brazilian statue is 30 meters (98 feet) in height.

Although Christ the Redeemer in Brazil is made of reinforced concrete and soapstone, the Puerto Plata figure is bronze. The Teleferico Puerto Plata statue was designed by sculptor Jose Antonio Caro and inaugurated in 1970.

Mountain Botanical Gardens and Caves

These gardens are a hidden gem and can offer a truly magical experience at the top of the peak.

The botanical gardens on Mount Isabel de Torres are a lush and vibrant paradise located on the summit of the mountain. Once you reach the top, you’ll step into a world filled with an array of tropical plants, colorful flowers, and unique flora that are native to the region. Most plantlike is labelled for easy identification.

The botanical gardens have various paths that cater to different mobility levels. This means that everyone can enjoy the beauty of the gardens at their own pace. Also remember you can hire the “bus” to take you around.

The botanical gardens on Mount Isabel de Torres offer a serene and invigorating experience that aligns perfectly with those seeking meaningful and accessible travel adventures.

Although I wasn’t feeling up to entering the cave, the tour bus driver stopped to allow my friend and her children a chance to explore the area. There were stairs to make the descent easier, but I stayed up top and took pictures.

How To Get Around on Top

Since my mobility is not always guaranteed, I was pleased to learn there is an open “bus” that will take you around the sights of the national park. My friend and I split the cost for the four of us. The price was about $30, if I remember correctly. The guide spoke English and drove us to the sights which included a pond, some caves to explore, beautiful plants and flowers, as well as a model cabin that locals would have used in the past.

Most other people chose to walk around the national park. This is totally doable for most people, but I wasn’t taking the chance of having a hard time getting back to the cable car for the ride down. We passed many people strolling along the pathways and road at the top, all enjoying the views and the lovely botanical garden.

Accessibility of the Teleferico Experience

Right from the start, the Teleferico Puerto Plata is handicap accessible friendly. There were wide areas to walk through the main waiting area and handicap accessible bathrooms on either side of the building. Although there were no wheelchairs on my ride to the top, I assume they would let that person in first and then put others in, making sure the person wasn’t crowded.

At the top, there were smooth walkways and handicap ramps near the restaurant. The tour bus is available for seeing more of the botanical gardens and the other sights at the peak and was not very costly. My friend and I split the cost of the bus because I wasn’t sure how far I could walk that day. I didn’t want to hold up my friend and her children, so the bus worked perfectly for us.

Things to Do Nearby in Puerto Plata

Where to Stay Nearby

🏨 Villa Carolina

Offering a year-round pool, this budget accommodation feels anything but budget. A continental breakfast is served every morning at the bed and breakfast. Private bathrooms for each room equipped with a shower and toiletries. Free wi-fi and private parking for those with cars. There is also a car rental service at Villa Carolina.

🏨 Viva Heavens by Wyndham 

This all-inclusive resort is located on Playa Dorada’s golden sands. Here is a brief list of the amenities that are included in your stay.

• outdoor pool
• free wi-fi
• free parking
• air conditioning
• private bathrooms
• 24-hour front desk
• daily housekeeping

Unlimited a la carte dining with no required reservations and branded drinks are included. The resort has a private beach in addition to the pool. You are also able to use the facilities as their sister property, Viva Tangerine by Wyndham. Two resorts for the price of one.

To read more about the Dominican Republic, click here to read more blog posts.

In Conclusion: Teleferico Puerto Plata

The Teleferico provides an opportunity to experience stunning views and explore the natural beauty of the Puerto Plata area. Tourists and residents enjoy the cable car ride and have made this one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. You should check it out and make sure to explore Puerto Plata as well.