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Dominican Republic > Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata
The nothern coast of the Dominican Republic is often called Amber Coast due to the world'd richest deposits of amber, found in the hills near here. But amber is not the only treasure of this area. Puerto Plata means Silver Port, and the area is sometimes called Silver Bank. In Columbus times gold was discovered in the Cibao river, so the first permanent European settlement, Isabella, was founded here, not far east of Puerto Plata to exploit the gold.
Nowadays Puerto Plata is the largest city of the Nothern region and a tourism Mecca of the Dominican Republic. It's a popular destination for the tourists who are seeking a relaxing, affordable vacation with the option of a lot of places to visit in the vicinity.
Playa Dorada, 10 minutes to the east of Puerto Plata, concentrates the largest number of hotel rooms in the north of the Dominican Republic. The shopping center Playa Dorada Plaza offers a lot of stores and movie theater. Less than 10 minutes away there is the Columbus Water Park.
Cofresi, situated to the west of Puerto Plata, is also an enclave of several smaller hotels that use the same Cofresi beach facility.
Maimon is located about 5 minutes from the highway entrance to Cofresi and is home to new all-inclusive resorts. The place is wonderful for those who seeking rest and relaxation with comforts provided by the hotel.
Puerto Plata attractions
Puerto Plata has many historical and cultural attractions dating from the 16th century, as well as Victorian buildings from a latter era, for example, the architecture of Puerto Plata Central Park.
Another city attraction, San Felipe Fort was built in the 16th century to fend off pirates.
San Felipe Fort - visit this page to see a Video Clip of the Old Fort in Puerto Plata.
The Taino Art Museum (Arawak Plaza, Calle Beller) attracts those who is interested in Dominican history and culture.
Amber Museum, located in Victorian building in the centre of Puerto Plata on Duarte Street, showcases a unique collection of valuable Dominican amber. The museum offers guided tours in several languages, and has a shop where a full selection of Dominican amber jewellery can be obtained.
The impressive National Park Mount Isabel de Torres is situated close to Puerto Plata. For a spectacular view of the city, take the cable car up to the peak Isabel de Torres.
Mount Isabel de Torres - visit this page to see a Video Clip of the Teleferico in the National Park Mount Isabel de Torres, Puerto Plata.